Busted: Top Myths Regarding Concrete Flooring

Concrete is known as the most commonly used building material in the world. Despite a bunch of advantages, there are few misconceptions around it. What it can do and how it can be easily used.

In this article, we have busted some of the top concrete flooring myths.

Myth 1: Concrete is Not Eco-Friendly

One thing is clear that the cement industry contributes to maximum CO₂ gas to the atmosphere. In this way, people believe that concrete is bad for the environment. But, the reality is completely different. Concrete is the most durable building material on the market and a perfectly constructed concrete building can easily last hundreds of years without any major repairing cost. However, the majority of the greenhouse gases produced by a concrete building over its lifetime are produced by the electricity run in the house rather than structure.

Myth 2: Concrete is Cold

It is a common misconception that concrete is cold. The truth is that concrete structures are not as cold as many people think. One thing is clear that; concrete is actually fantastic at absorbing heat and it releases throughout the day continuously. According to experts, concrete is actually warmer compared to the tiles due to its natural ability to absorb the heat. Concrete floors are always suitable for the use of underfloor heating. If you need this feature, you should go easily with concrete flooring. There will be a waiting period to allow the concrete for sufficient cure before you can turn on the heating system and it is critical to maintaining the finish. The temperature should be gradually increased over the course of a few weeks.

Myth 3: Concrete is Less Attractive

Most of the time people think that concrete is less attractive, dull, boring, and of grey type. But the fact is that, there are a number of options available in terms of coloring, patterns, and textures, and finishing. Creating something truly unique and interesting has never been so easy.

Myth 4: It is Easy to DIY Concrete Job

It is true that pre-mix concrete is readily available in hardware stores and an array of DIY tutorials that are available online. However, going for DIY is not as easy as we think. It is true that small DIY jobs can be done with a DIY approach. DIY needs the right skill and other things that will always finish the project. So, it is advisable that you should hire any professional like Polished Concrete Brisbane MyFloor who can manage the DIY concrete project easily.

Myth 5: Water Damages Concrete

A lot of people suppose that water weakens the concrete. One thing is true that concrete mixed with too much water. It also needs to be hydrated during the curing process. One thing is to keep in mind that concrete curing is not a drying process but one in which water is vaporized. As long as there is sufficient moisture and favorable temperatures, the hydration of the concrete will continue for some time. When the fresh concrete dries out, the hydration stops and in high temperatures, rapid moisture loss can increase the risk of the cracking, hence the importance of regulating the moisture availability for the concrete to cure sufficiently. The longer you take the curing process, the concrete will be stronger. In this way, it will be best to slow the curing process.

Myth 6: Adding Water to the Mix is the Only Way to Increase the Slump

When water gets added to increase the workability and slump will actually reduce the strength and substance of the concrete. When you are adding additional water, it will dilute the paste and increase the water-to-cement ratio. Excessive water can also reduce the concrete resistance to freeze-thaw cycles, increasing drying shrinkage, and lead to other problems too. There are few effective ways to increase the concrete slump and workability. Aggregate gradation and the maximum size of the aggregate both influence the cement vastly. Water reducers and super-plasticizers can also be used to properly increase the slump while maintaining the water-to-cement ratio.

Myth 7: Concrete is Impermeable

Most people think that concrete is impermeable but the truth is that, even the densest concrete is somewhat porous. Water and other substances in liquid or vapor form can still pass through concrete. When times come to think about permeability, it can be easily reduced by using mixed designs with low water to cement ratio, well-graded aggregate and chemical admixtures like plasticizers. There are also surface treatments like sealers that can also help to reduce permeability and water absorption.

Myth 8: Higher-Strength Concrete will be More Durable

Some people think that higher strength concrete will be more durable. Compressive strength alone does not determine the durability of the concrete that you are using. Compressive strength is an important characteristic of concrete and other factors are important for concrete durability in harsh environments. However, the principal causes of deterioration in concrete are corrosion of reinforcing the steel, exposure to freeze-thaw cycles, and alkali-silica reaction. One thing is to keep in mind that reducing permeability is the main thing to increase durability. In different areas of tension, structural reinforcement does not prevent cracking but rather it holds the crack faces together.

Conclusion

Here we have busted some of the popular myths regarding cement. It is quite possible that these myths would always trigger various doubts that could create obstacles in the future. So, knowing the truth regarding the concrete will surely add clarity among the people who are planning for a concrete job.