Why Concrete Floor Painting Is a Good Choice for the Environment
Concrete has long been a popular choice for floor construction for good reason. This material is sturdy, relatively durable, and less expensive than many other flooring options. Unfortunately, despite concrete’s advantages, it is not the most environmentally-friendly option out there. Cement production requires significant energy and emits plenty of carbon dioxide. And after it has been installed, bare concrete can lead to health and hygiene concerns, such as dust, debris, bacteria, and fungi that cling to its surface and enter its pores.
While little can be done to mitigate the environmentally harmful effects of cement production, though, there are ways to reduce your concrete’s negative effects, namely by coating it with polyurea concrete floor coatings or a similar sealing option. Let’s go over why concrete floor coatings are a good choice for the environment, all things considered.
Easier Cleaning Means Fewer Chemicals
If you’ve ever tried to clean bare concrete, you know how difficult this task can be. Moisture seeps into the pores and cracks, dust and debris seem to be endless, and the rough surface makes turns sweeping and mopping into a futile effort. Applying coatings for cement floors provides a smooth, non-porous surface that makes cleaning infinitely more possible. And easier cleaning translates to less labor, more efficient debris elimination, and fewer chemicals used.
Brighter Interior, Less Energy Output
Painting your concrete floors can also greatly enhance your interior’s visibility, especially if you go with lighter floor paint colors and glossier finishes. At first, this fact might seem unrelated to environmental matters. However, consider that a naturally brighter interior requires less lighting, and therefore less electricity. This decreased reliance on power will save you money and also lower your property’s environmental impact.
Low-VOC Floor Paint Options
If you decide to paint your concrete floors to aid in cleanliness and visibility, keep in mind that the type of coating you choose will also have an impact on the environment. Simply put, not all concrete floor paints are created equal, and some are more eco-friendly than others. More specifically, consider purchasing a low- or zero-VOC concrete floor paint. “VOC” stands for Volatile Organic Compounds, which can create health hazards for certain nearby individuals, including headache, fatigue, eye, nose, and throat irritation, nausea, dizziness, and more. VOCs may also yield negative effects on the environment at large, though there isn’t conclusive evidence for this claim.
In any event, as you look for the best polyurea coatings out there, know that low- and zero-VOC concrete floor paint is the healthiest, safest option.
Being Kinder to Your Environment
Sometimes when we hear about “the environment,” we can hardly comprehend our impact on such a large entity. The truth is, though, each of us has a part to play. And, if it helps, think about your immediate environment (i.e. workplace, home, yard) when making everyday decisions about the environment at large. Investing in concrete floor painting is one small step you can take toward making a bigger difference.
If you need help choosing the right coating for your concrete floors, Anderson Painting is here to help. To learn more about us and all we do, call today at 919-610-1855 or email us at info@andersonpaintingnc.com!
