Concrete 101

OK, let’s talk about concrete. First of all, it’s everywhere. In fact, it’s the second most consumed substance on Earth besides water. But what is concrete really, and what does it have to do with your home?

For one, you probably have concrete slabs in your driveway. And if you have a garage, its floor is probably made of concrete. Many homes have poured concrete basement floors — not to mention patios, pool decks, sidewalks and stoops.

So, what is concrete anyway?

At its most basic, concrete is a composite material — meaning it consists of at least two different substances — made from aggregate (usually crushed stone, gravel or sand) and Portland cement. When mixed with water, concrete is initially fluid and can be poured into molds or forms. Once it cures, it becomes extremely hard and stone-like.

This ability to be poured, shaped and cured into a stone-like material is why concrete has been used in construction for thousands of years. In fact, concrete is so durable that many concrete structures built during Roman times are still standing today!

Is concrete indestructible?

Sadly, no. Even though it is incredibly hard and resilient, concrete is not indestructible. So, let’s look at the ways concrete can deteriorate.

• New concrete cracks as it cures. This is why lines called ‘control joints’ are cut into your driveway and sidewalk when you have new concrete poured. Their job is to ‘control’ the inevitable cracking so that it looks intentional and aesthetically pleasing. The trouble is, if left unsealed, control joints can allow water to run beneath a concrete slab, softening or even washing away the soil that supports it. This can cause the slab to sink and break.
• Concrete absorbs moisture. Concrete is porous, kind of like a big, hard sponge. When it rains or snow melts, untreated concrete will absorb water into its pores. Then, when the temperatures dip below freezing, that water expands, breaking those pores. Over time, this can lead to visible deterioration like spider cracking, chipping and spalling.

Why does my garage floor look different than my driveway?

This is a great question and has everything to do with how the concrete is finished. After new concrete is poured to form a garage floor or a driveway, it must be finished. This can be done in several ways, including by using hand or machine trowels or by using a broom. Troweling concrete provides a smooth, tight finish that cures to an almost marble-like state. This makes it easy to clean and gives it a pleasing aesthetic look. Broom finishing, on the other hand, creates a rougher, textured finish that provides traction and slip resistance.

How can I prevent my concrete from being damaged?

As mentioned above, moisture is concrete's number-one enemy, whether it seeps beneath the slabs or into the concrete’s pores. With that in mind, there are two easy solutions to protect your concrete:

• Concrete sealant
• Concrete coatings

Learn more about each solution below.

Concrete Sealant

Sealing control joints with a UV-resistant silicone-based caulk is a great way to prevent moisture from getting beneath your concrete slabs. NexusPro® is one option that lasts for many years when professionally installed. Plus, it can be finished with fine sand that can give your driveway or sidewalk a visually pleasing look.

Polyaspartic Concrete Coatings

When it comes to protecting your garage slab, a professionally installed 100% polyaspartic floor coating is an ideal option. Not only does it seal the surface against moisture, but it also offers a beautiful, durable granite-like look and finish that can turn just about any dark, dingy garage into a clean, bright, welcoming space.

Exterior concrete surfaces such as patios and pool decks can also be taken to the next level with a polyaspartic floor coating.

In addition, interior concrete floors, such as those found in many basements and laundry rooms, are great candidates for polyaspartic flooring. This includes many commercial spaces such as kitchens and locker rooms. Basically, if you have an interior or exterior concrete surface, it can be brightened and protected with a polyaspartic floor coating.