When Is the Best Time to Install Concrete Floor Coatings in Your Home or Business?
Timing is everything when it comes to concrete floor coating installation. In this article, we’ll discuss the best time to coat your home or business’ concrete floor so you get the best results.
The Importance of Timing When It Comes to Concrete Floor Coatings
It’s important to understand that the timing of concrete floor coating installation plays a crucial role in the durability and longevity of the finished product. You can’t be too early when applying coatings for concrete floors.
Freshly poured concrete contains too much moisture, which will cause issues like bubbling, cracking, and peeling when coatings are applied. So, you must wait for the moisture to evaporate completely before adding the coating. The curing time can take at least 30 days, or even more, depending on air temperature, humidity levels, and other factors.
Factors to Consider When Deciding on an Installation Timeframe
You shouldn’t rush coating installation, even if your floor is already cured and ready. You must also consider the following factors when scheduling concrete floor coating.
Temperature and Humidity
Avoid extreme conditions that could impact curing and application, such as extreme heat, rainy days, or snow storms. Too hot or too cold temperatures can cause the coating to set unevenly or cure too quickly, which can lead to issues like poor adhesion or cracking.
Ventilation
This applies mostly to indoor coatings. The curing process can release fumes that may be dangerous when it comes to long-term exposure. Therefore, proper ventilation in the area is important for safety and also increases the success rate.
Traffic and Usage
Consider both the busiest and quietest times for business and plan around them. You have to ensure the area is free to use for coating and curing. Meanwhile, consider events requiring uninterrupted floor use before installing residential concrete floor coatings and properly communicate with members of your household.
Type of Coating
Different coating types may have different temperature range requirements. Therefore, it’s important to decide which coating type to use before planning for the installation.
When Is the Best Time to Install Concrete Floor Coatings?
Even the best concrete floor coatings won’t ensure successful, durable, and aesthetically pleasing results if you don’t install them within an ideal timeframe.
Season
It’s best to avoid winter installation altogether, but if you must, it’s only doable in a controlled indoor environment, like a heated garage or warehouse. Summer brings too much heat and humidity, so avoid the peak of the heat and plan for installation in the early morning or late afternoon.
Spring and fall have moderate temperatures, and weather patterns are generally more predictable. There’s also less risk of extreme temperatures and high humidity. These seasons are the most optimal for installing concrete floor coatings in your business or home.
Temperature, Humidity Level, and Time of Day
The ideal temperature range for installing a concrete floor coating is 50°F to 85°F. This will allow for optimal curing and enhance the performance of the coating. That’s why it’s best to avoid installing coatings during the hottest times of the day, especially in summer. You want humidity to be less than 80% because excessive water vapor in the air can interfere with the curing process.
Business Operations
While timing is important for concrete coating installation at home, businesses must also be mindful of undertaking this kind of project. After all, you want to avoid too much downtime. Weekends or holidays may be a good time to schedule coating because businesses either close or there is less foot traffic. Keep in mind that curing is also part of the downtime. Some coatings require 24 to 48 hours to set properly. Even after that, some coatings require up to 10 days of curing to be ready for heavy foot traffic and machinery.
Get Professional Help
Are concrete coatings worth it? Definitely! However, you must install the coatings at the right time to reap all the benefits. Feel free to consult our team to learn more about concrete floor coatings. If you prefer, you can schedule an on-site consultation so we can determine if your floor is sufficiently dry and has reached the optimal hardness level for coating.
Once your floor is ready for coating, the Anderson Painting team is just one call away. Call 919-610-1855 or email info@andersonpaintingnc.com to get an estimate!
