According to a Canada Newswire survey, nearly a third of homeowners must tackle emergency repairs. As time and weather take a toll on materials, upgrades are necessary to keep your house standing strong.
If you’re noticing signs of damage or want to improve curb appeal, concrete can be a good investment. You can transform your home on a budget by replacing outdated materials with fresh concrete.
At Brosco Concrete, we can help turn your visions into a reality. Take a look below to discover the different types of concrete finishing to consider!
Polished
Polished concrete is a common choice among homeowners because it’s easy to maintain and durable. Concrete finishing techniques typically don’t come out sparkling, but with a polish, your home will impress.
Our team can accomplish this process by grinding and polishing the concrete with chemicals. These chemical hardeners and the grinding develop a smooth finish for any part of the home or yard.
Polished concrete can get slippery when it gets wet, however, which is why most people use it under shelter. Garages and basements are ideal locations to polish the concrete. Read about our concrete garage floor repairs to discover your needs.
Exposed
Depending on how it’s done, exposed concrete can offer a subtle upgrade in appearance or a striking change.
Exposed aggregate concrete can be found on patios and driveways. Since there isn’t as much leveling or grinding involved, the process is fairly quicker than other options. If you want the best concrete finishing techniques for your outdoor projects, this is a good choice.
You can get a variety of exposed concrete colors to match your home. This puts more control in your hands as a homeowner so you are happy with the results.
Broom
Another common finish for concrete is done with a broom. After leveling the material, our team can gently glide a brush broom to leave a sleek appearance.
This is a popular choice for homeowners as it’s often the most cost-effective. You can see this technique used on sidewalks and driveways, but it can be used for all types of projects.
Although the brush leaves small grooves in the concrete, it is still easy to clean. A hose or powerwasher can quickly remove dirt and you can tackle stubborn spots with a brush.
Salt Finish
If you’re concerned about vehicles sliding or slippery surfaces, a salt finish is recommended. This finish offers skid-resistant features by letting salt settle on top of wet concrete.
Typically, you will find salt finishes on patios or surrounding swimming pools. The texture prevents surfaces from getting slick, which is why it’s also common on driveways. If you want to upgrade your home’s exterior, this is a great solution.
Canada is no stranger to snow and ice, which is why it’s been used to reduce crashes by more than 85% in 2022. Road salt is excellent for adding traction, but it can be harmful to concrete. With a salt finish, however, you can remove slick surfaces without sacrificing durability.
Stamped
Have you ever gone down a path, only to discover you were walking on single pieces of concrete, rather than individual bricks?
Stamped concrete is unique since coloring and imprinting agents create custom designs. Whether you want your driveway to look like cobblestone or you want to create a focal point, stamped finishes are practical to invest in.
Bricks and other materials that are connected offer more vulnerabilities than stamped concrete. With grooves creating a beautiful design, you don’t have to worry about moisture and separation. This can extend the life of your patio or driveway and help you get your money’s worth.
Trowel
Unlike many of the other finishing options, troweling is a mechanical process. The trowel helps improve durability by creating a more dense placement.
By compacting the concrete with a patterned trowel, you can also improve your curb appeal. This is a great project to invest in if you plan to put your home on the market. Trowel finishes are recommended for patios and walkways, but some people incorporate them inside the home.
This technique creates a sleek, even finish that raw materials won’t offer. If you want stylish concrete that’s easy to clean, we recommend this option.
Concrete Stain
For a more contemporary look, concrete stains can do the trick. Our team can give you a closer look at our concrete finishes by viewing our video gallery.
This finish can be applied to numerous places, such as:
- Countertops
- Walls
- Floors
The best part about this type of application is that it can be used on different surfaces. You can apply concrete stains to both new and existing surfaces. Since the stain isn’t as thick as concrete, you must be cautious about what you place on top.
Although concrete stain isn’t as durable as other options, it’s easy to add new layers and make repairs.
Smooth Trowel
If you’re hoping to use concrete inside the home, a smooth trowel finish could be an ideal choice. This finish is typically seen on floors and countertops.
Concrete stains are desirable for their price and easy maintenance. Smooth trowels create a tight surface that doesn’t have many porous openings. Without tiny holes, the concrete lasts longer and won’t crack under harsh weather elements.
Trowels come in a variety of sizes to influence the overall appearance. If you want to work with our team, we can explain the process so you know what to expect.
Let the Best Decorative Concrete Finishing Set
Planning home improvement projects is exciting because you can envision a better home. Unfortunately, some projects don’t feel worth it, but there are ways to make improvements without so many sacrifices.
Selecting decorative concrete finishing for each project can enhance your home and safety. As time takes a toll on concrete features, we can help you make swift and satisfying repairs. Consider what areas of your home need improvement to discover the best concrete style.
Concrete problems shouldn’t wait until after winter is over. If you need help in the London, Ontario region, take a look at our residential services today!
