NOVATECH FAQS
1. What are the benefits of Concrete Floor Covering?
Concrete is one of the most widely used construction materials in the world. One special subset is called architectural and decorative concrete, which refers to a substance that provides an aesthetic finish and structural capabilities in one. This material is made to be seen. Whether creating broad expanses or minute details, concrete permanently captures the chosen look.
Concrete floors are imaginative in Design
Design out of the box. Above the ordinary, beyond the expected. From bright white to pleasing pastels to warm earth tones, a variety of striking looks and designs can be achieved in concrete floor coverings. The modern polymer technology and various coloring methods deliver rich colors and long lasting durability... allowing us to realize distinctively artistic results.
• Broad spectrum of color options
• Infinite textures, shapes, and patterns
• Decorative, cost-effective alternative to stone, tile, wood, vinyl or carpet flooring
• Long-term beauty, durability, and economy
Concrete floors offer timeless integrity
Beauty is only one of its strengths. Architecturally sound, concrete stands up to severe climates and conditions. When you can’t afford to compromise durability for appearance, concrete floors deliver long-life integrity in both form and function.
Concrete floors blend style with utility
Energy efficient – When light pastel colors are used in the concrete floors, because of high reflectance these floors lighten the load of utility costs. In industrial and workplace settings, improved illumination heightens safety, reduces errors and accidents and optimizes productivity and performance. Its thermal mass reduces peak heating and cooling loads for all-season efficiency. All benefits visible at the bottom line
On Concrete floors the maintenance is minimal, requiring only periodic cleaning to preserve its appearance. With lasting color and durability and long term economic benefits, concrete floors are a smart choice today.
2. We have a bare concrete slab, what are our options?
The following options are available to add color and design to your existing slab:
a. Acid Staining – This is the most cost effective solution if the following conditions are met:
• the existing concrete slab is crack free
• the concrete slab is not sealed or painted
• no curing compound used when the concrete was poured
• you like the earth tones and are willing to accept surprises
• you are not looking for one uniform color
(Please click here to learn to more about Acid Staining)
b. Resurfacing with polymer modified concrete
If the conditions described in Acid Staining are not met then a thin layer (1/16 inch to 1/4 inch thick) of polymer modified concrete is installed on the existing concrete slab. This process is controlled and the results are predictable. You can even create a smooth polished concrete appearance. There are unlimited color and design possibilities with this process. The polymer modified concrete can be acid stained, integrally colored, or dyed. In some cases all the three coloring methods are used to achieve the desired results.
c. Polished Concrete – If the existing slab meets certain conditions and if you are looking for industrial look, polishing an existing concrete slab is a great option.
3. We currently have glued down carpet/vinyl tile in our basement. What are our options?
The carpet/vinyl tile along with the glue can be removed and resurfaced with a thin layer (1/16 inch to 1/4 inch thick) of polymer modified concrete. This thin layer of concrete becomes a canvas that can accept unlimited colors and design patterns.
4. We currently have ceramic/quarry/porcelain/ marble tiles. Do we need to remove these tiles if we would like to have concrete floor covering?
If the ceramic/quarry/porcelain/marble tiles are in good condition, there is no need to remove the tiles. A thin layer of polymer modified concrete can be installed right over the existing tiles. You can either integrally color this polymer concrete or acid stain it after it has cured for at least 24 hours.
5. We currently have wood floors. Can we convert this into a concrete floor?
Absolutely! We will prepare the wood/plywood floor with special techniques and innovative products that can be either integrally colored or acid stained.
6. Can we have a polished concrete surface on second/third/fourth… floors?
While polished concrete surfaces have been generally associated with slab on grade, our unique processes and contemporary use of products allows us to create that polished concrete look over lightweight concrete, plywood or any other type of hard surface floor coverings.
7. What colors are available?
Unlimited! It used to be just pastels and earth tones. Not anymore…. Modern polymer technology and different coloring methods allow us to produce some pretty wild and funky floors.
8. How long does it take to complete a concrete floor covering project?
Of course it depends on the substrate conditions, area and design requirements. However, it may take anywhere from 2 to 5 days with a three to five person crew to finish a project up to 5000sq.ft. If you have custom logos or intricate designs with multiple colors, it may take longer to finish a project.
Please note that even if you have smaller projects (for example 200sq. ft. or so), it may take up to 3 days to finish a project.
9. What is the price range?
It depends upon the substrate conditions, area, number of colors and design requirements. The price ranges from $3.50 per sq. ft for a simple acid staining project to $12.50 per sq. ft. for a project that may require extensive surface preparation, multiple colors and has intricate designs. The type of the sealers will also determine the price of the project. Acrylic based sealers are less expensive than epoxy or polyurethane sealers.
If you have an area less than 500 sq. ft., we encourage our customers to become do-it-yourselfers. We offer weekend workshops to DIY enthusiasts. Please click here to learn more about our DIY workshops.
10. How is concrete floor covering maintained?
Controlling grit is crucial to maintain the attractive appearance of concrete floor covering. The best way to control grit is simply by using walk-off mats. Walk-ff mats designed for exterior doorways are the most desired.
General Floor Maintenance
a. Dust mop or sweep the floor ever day.
b. Clean the concrete floor covering using a cotton mop and mild cleaner/detergent.
c. While acrylic based sealers keep the natural organic look of concrete, they need to be recoated with wax to keep the sheen or gloss. Frequency of maintenance will depend on the traffic and usage of the floors.
i. Heavy usage (i.e., Shopping mall traffic, airport, hotel, etc.) – once a month program is recommended
ii. Medium usage (retail store, office building, etc.) – recoating every 3-4 months is recommended
iii. Low usage (residential) – recoating every 6-8 months is recommended
NOTE:
a. When Epoxy-Polyurethane base sealers are used, the frequency of re-coating with wax is drastically reduced. For instance, for heavy usage floors (i.e., shopping malls, airport, restaurants, etc.), recoating may be required once every two or three years.
b. When the concrete floors are polished with machines and treated with a densifier, there is no need to recoat it with sealer or wax. This is one great advantage polished concrete floors have over polymer based concrete floor coverings. However, polished concrete floors do not offer great chemical resistance.
11. Why choose Novatech Surfaces for installing concrete floor covering?
a. Experience – We have extensive experience working with architects, designers, builders, remodeling contractors and home-owners. We have the experience of working on residential and commercial projects across the United States and Canada. We install a broad spectrum of custom systems with specific design and performance characteristics.
b. Trained Professionals – We hire highly trained and experienced concrete artisans to work on our projects. Whenever necessary we bring on industry leaders to consult on prestigious and large projects.
c. Competitive Pricing – Our service is offered at a very competitive price. Occasionally our price may be higher due to the conditions an inexperienced contractor might overlook. We do it right the first time!
12. What is ‘Resurfacing’?
In the decorative concrete industry, it is a cement based topping applied in various degrees of thickness; anywhere from 1/16" to 3/8". It is also referred as ‘Overlay’. The overlay may be put down with a trowel to create a thin textured finish over concrete, or with a hopper gun to create a ‘knock down’ or ‘splatter’ texture. Another technique is to apply it a little bit thicker and then imprint it with texture mats to create a very realistic reproductions of stone, slate, tile and even more sophisticated textures such as seashells, coral and wood. You can also create a very smooth polished like concrete surface with an overlay. There is no limit regarding color and designs, which allows us to produce a finished product not available before the advent of modern polymer technology.
