What Are the Best Concrete Coatings for Old Homes?
North Carolina might not be as old as several other states in the U.S., but it still carries plenty of history. The state’s capital, Raleigh, is filled with its share of older homes dating as far back as the late 18th century. Of course, your home doesn’t have to be centuries old to contend with various issues. Old concrete floors may be tough, but they don’t last forever. Modern floor repairs and coatings can give an older floor a new lease on life – that said, there are many types of floor coatings out there, including epoxy, acrylic, urethane, polyurea, and various combinations. So, what are the best concrete coatings for old homes? Before we can answer that question, we must determine which factors matter most when selecting floor coatings for your home.
As a general rule, your concrete coatings should…
Qualities of Good Concrete Coatings
Protect Floors from Multiple Threats
The best concrete floor coatings seal surfaces from moisture, chemicals, bacteria, etc. while also shielding them from abrasion and impact. Each kind of the previously mentioned floor coatings aims to provide this protection, but some do a better job than others. Polyurea coatings, for instance, offer superior resistance to impact, abrasion, chemicals, and moisture compared to their acrylic, epoxy, and urethane counterparts.
Increase Floor Durability
In addition to protecting your concrete floors from damage, your concrete coatings should also strengthen your floors overall. Most old homes could use some bolstering, and the strong, flexible nature of polyurea coatings gets the job done.
Restore and Enhance Appearances
No one can deny the rustic charm of an antique home. However, when it comes to dust, peeling paint, cracks, and other signs of age, a makeover is welcome. Customizable concrete coatings can help you restore your home’s beauty and/or bring it into the modern era with various color, finish, and texture options. Most types of coatings offer a range of custom styles, though certain aesthetics might appeal to your sensibilities more than others. Epoxy coatings typically come in solid colors with glossy finishes; polyurea coatings can offer the same, though with a slightly different effect. Penntek’s chip system provides visual texture that can further elevate the appearance of an entire space.
Keep Maintenance to a Minimum
Taking care of an older home can feel like an uphill battle. The more you can remove from your plate, the better. When seeking the best residential concrete floor coatings, prioritize those that will reduce your maintenance protocols over the long term. Pay close attention to terms like “dust-proof,” “low-maintenance,” “moisture-resistant,” etc., as these are indicators of systems that inherently retain their cleanliness and appearance. Some maintenance will still be necessary, of course, but you’ll find yourself cleaning these freshly coated floors far less frequently than before.
Last a Long Time
Speaking of long-term solutions, the coatings you select should hold up for many years (decades, ideally) to come. As you compare concrete coating costs, you’ll find that some options are cheaper than others. Keep in mind, however, that in many cases the more costly options will last a longer time than their less expensive counterparts. Even the best epoxy coatings tend to wear down after 3-5 years, at which point new coatings are often needed. Polyurea coatings, on the other hand, can endure for as long as 10-15 years with proper maintenance (sometimes even longer).
The Verdict
What is the best concrete floor coating for an older home, then? By now, you can probably guess the answer. Polyurea floor coatings are the superior options in every way, which is why Anderson Painting primarily installs Penntek polyurea coatings for its residential and commercial clients. These concrete coatings are highly protective, durable, customizable, low-maintenance, long-lasting, and quick to install by professionals like us.
To learn more about us and all we do, call today at 919-610-1855 or email us at info@andersonpaintingnc.com!
