10 Questions You Should Ask Before Hiring a Concrete Sealant Contractor

1.      “How much experience do you have? Do you have experience with concrete sealant?”

While trusting Craigslist or Angie’s List to find a flooring specialist might seem tempting, it is also essential to do your own vetting. Don’t be shy about interviewing your potential concrete contractor about their history and whether or not they have any experience matching your project's needs.

2.      “Do you have a portfolio or customer references?”

One way to vet contractors is by asking if they have a portfolio of work or customer references. A history of success with past sealant jobs is typically a good indicator that everything will go smoothly with your project.

Most contractors worth hiring should be able to pull up pictures of past jobs on their phones if you meet with them in person. Some concrete specialists can also give you references from previous (satisfied) customers.

3.      “Are you licensed, insured, and bonded?”

Before hiring a flooring company, it is vital you ask if they are licensed, insured, and bonded. Each state, city, and county has different requirements for licensure, so be sure your contractor meets all the qualifications of your local ordinances.

A contractor should also have liability insurance and workers’ compensation. The liability insurance protects you and the company if any damage occurs to your home during the project. The workers’ comp will protect you from financial liability if any worker sustains an injury during the process.                

Bonding applies to both residential and commercial. Typical is $15,000 - $20,000 for residential an Commerical Bonds. If the job is more than $20,000 you may ask the contractor to purchase more of a bond in case the job is not completed. Additional bond coverage is usually passed on to the customers as a one time bond circumstance. This is typical for a home builder building a home for any amount. 

4.      “What does your estimate include?”

Anytime you are dealing with contracting work, be sure you get a detailed written estimate. Ask yourself this question before you agree to a contract.

Does your estimate have the application of the sealer? Does the estimate change based on which sealant you choose? Does a different color cost more?

Applying a sealer to concrete is not technically a necessity, but it is highly encouraged. Sealants offer significant benefits over plain concrete, from improved safety standards to better aesthetics.

5.      “What is the project timeline? When can you begin?”

Get a timeline upfront before your concrete specialist begins the project. Ideally, you would like the timeline in written form for accountability.

Any successful concrete finishing company is likely to have a busy schedule. This is a good sign. However, be sure your contractor can meet your deadline if you expect a quick turnaround.

If timing is going to be a factor, it’s more advantageous to ask this question early in the process. The length of a concrete job is dictated by various factors, including the desired style, customized preferences, and the size of the space.

6.      “Will you be managing the project directly?”

Some flooring companies subcontract their work to cut costs. As a homeowner, you should know who is managing your project and how many people will be on the property. If your flooring company does subcontract work, be sure the subcontractor is also licensed and insured.

Ideally, contractors that plan only to manage the services of a separate company should be avoided. If a contractor cannot give you a clear answer to this question, they likely do not have the organization or experience needed to complete the job successfully.

7.      “Do you offer style options?”

There are several types and styles of sealants in today’s marketplace. When it comes to fashion, your contractor should be able to offer you a variety of options.

During the preliminary phase, be sure to ask about the different concrete finishes and sealants available for your needs. You should be able to choose the style that best fits your budget and your individual preferences.

8.      “Will a permit be required?“

Your concrete contractor should be able to answer all your questions with ease and detail, including questions about permits. An experienced contractor should know exactly which permits are needed and how to obtain them.

To protect yourself from future issues, you should also be familiar with the permits your local government requires for the project. This should also help you avoid wasting additional money on a project the city will not approve, especially if this is a commercial job.

9.      “Are there any guarantees or warranties that come with your work?”

Be sure to ask about any guarantees and warranties your flooring contractor offers before signing a contract. A firm contract could specify guarantees for prices per square foot, project deadlines, and who will be lead on each task. If the finished product does not meet the predetermined deadlines and quality of work, a guarantee can help protect your investment. 

A good flooring contractor will also provide a warranty for their work for at least 12 to 18 months. If any problem occurs within this time period, your warranty should cover it.

10.  “What protective measures do you use?”

Be sure your concrete contractor has the appropriate protective measures in place during your project. Ask about their safe work practices. These precautions can help prevent project delays, worker injury, and other safety issues.

11.  “How long until I can walk/drive on my new concrete?”

You never want to load a concrete slab before it is strong enough to support heavy weight. Doing so could cause it to crack. Most concrete mixers and sealants used these days should gain sufficient strength within three days.

Most sealants require a curing time frame. Each product is specific to your project. It can be immediately or 48-72 hrs before you can access the space. 

Schedule your free consultation today!

Are you ready to walk on our reputation? Concrete Protective Solutions is here to help! Call (503) 744-0290 or email us at info@nightowlfloorservices.com to learn more about our services! 

Should You Hire a Pro to Do Your Concrete Flooring Finish?

Regardless of how well they are maintained, concrete floors will eventually show signs of wear. One way to extend the life of your concrete floor is to finish or refinish it with a protective coating. There are two main options: doing it yourself or hiring a professional.

Both options are valid. However, it’s important to note:

Concrete Protective Solutions does not recommend DIY concrete floor finishes… especially if you want the highest-quality outcome. But, we also want to inform the public of their options fairly, accurately, and unbiasedly. The following information is designed to do just that.

Why Finish Concrete Floors?

Concrete floors have grown increasingly popular over the last few years in personal and professional settings. Your flooring choice is typically dictated by several factors, such as cost per square foot, unique performance needs, and space size. We often recommend polished concrete floors, thanks to their many benefits.

The Benefits of Refinishing Your Concrete Flooring        

In addition to its esthetic value, polished or refinished concrete has several benefits that make it an excellent choice for flooring. Some of these benefits include:

• Low Maintenance—When you seal or refinish concrete, it becomes highly resistant to stains and spills. Day-to-day cleaning can be as simple as sweeping dirt and mopping when needed.

• Durability—Refinishing concrete can keep your floors from getting scuffed, scratched, and faded. Concrete is known for being durable. Add polish to it, and it becomes virtually indestructible.

• Dust Resistant—Polished concrete floors are hypoallergenic and don’t collect dust, thanks to their smooth coating. The polish also prevents a process known as “efflorescence,” which causes unsightly salt deposits on the surface as the liquid evaporates from the concrete.

• Eco-Friendly—Refinishing concrete does not require harsh chemicals or produce dangerous waste products. It’s a sustainable, green option with no volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

• Cost-Effective—Polishing your concrete floor reduces maintenance costs and extends its lifespan, saving you significant money in the long term.

• Safe—Polished concrete may seem slippery, but it has a higher level of slip resistance. Greater reflectivity also makes any safety markers easier to see.  

DIY Concrete Flooring Refinishing

If you are a fearless homeowner that enjoys projects around the house, you are probably leaning towards the DIY route. Before you do, there are a few things you should know.

While the pros of DIY concrete refinishing include lower costs, self-made timelines, and eliminating the stress of finding the right contractor, it’s also important to be aware of the risks. The four major risks include:

• Lower Quality Coating—Flooring professionals like us can access high-quality polishes and coatings not available to the general public. This means the quality of your DIY finishing will never be as high as a professional one.

• Shorter Lifespan—A lower-quality coating results in a shorter lifespan for your finish, especially if the product is not installed correctly. 

• No Warranty—Hiring a professional also presents the opportunity to have your floor backed by a warranty. If something goes wrong during or after your DIY job, you are going to have to pay to fix it out of pocket.

• Larger Margin for Error—Even the handiest among us make mistakes. When it comes to DIY projects, what often seems requires a high level of skill.  

General Overview: How to Refinish Your Concrete Flooring

Step 1: Clean and Resurface the Floor

When beginning with raw concrete, you generally have to grind it down to a smooth, level surface. This may include adding additional concrete or epoxy to fill any holes or cracks before leveling.

Step 2: Clean the Floor Thoroughly

Make sure there’s no dust or dirt to accidentally seal to the floor. 

Step 3: Polish the Concrete

Once the floor is even, use a concrete polisher to polish it until you achieve the desired sheen. Once complete, rewash the floor.

Step 4: Stain the Floor (If Applicable)

Once the floor is dry, you can use an acid stain or paint to change the color of the concrete and boost esthetics. To accomplish this, you can mix the stain with water (1:1 ratio) and use a plastic sprayer, applying the stain or painting one small section at a time.

Step 5: Seal the Concrete

Once the stain or paint has dried, it’s finally time to apply the polish and seal the concrete. Be sure to use a water-resistant, stain-resistant polish.

Questions to Ask Yourself Before Committing to DIY Flooring

The step-by-step listed above is highly simplified—a general overview to give you a sense of what needs to be done. The job itself may be a lot harder. Before embarking on the DIY journey, it’s important to do an honest self-assessment.

Ask yourself -

• Do you have time to complete the project?

• Can you handle the physical requirements of the job?

• Do you have (or need to buy) the tools for the job?

• Do you have (or want to learn) the skills required for the job?

Think carefully about your responses. If you answered no or maybe to any of these questions, you might want to hire a professional to refinish your concrete Floors.

Hiring a Professional to Refinish Your Concrete Floors

Whether or not hiring a professional is the right option for you depends on your goals and priorities. However, hiring a professional team, like Protective Concrete Solutions, to refinish your floors is the ideal choice if you want the highest-quality coating.

As achievable as refinishing may sound, actual installation usually requires a professional level of precision. DIY floor finishing can easily go awry if the concrete isn’t prepared correctly, the coating is not mixed correctly, or the coating is not applied correctly. For these reasons and more, hiring a professional flooring company is well worth the money.

The Cost of Hiring a Professional to Refinish Your Concrete Floors

The cost of having your concrete polished or refinished will vary based on a few factors. The most common factors include:

• The square footage of the floor

• The complexity of the job

• Custom design preferences

• Travel and other expenses

Due to setup times and special requests, residential jobs tend to be a little more involved (and costly) than commercial jobs—an industry standard.

The Benefits of Hiring a Professional to Refinish Your Concrete Floors

It’s almost always more advantageous to hire a professional for your floors rather than do it yourself. The benefits of hiring a professional to finish your concrete floors include:

• Higher Quality Coatings—As we previously mentioned, industrial coating products used by professionals like us are much higher quality than commercially available polishes.

• Professional Installation—Since we specialize in concrete, we can guarantee that your finish is done safely, accurately, and quickly.

• Save Money on Equipment—Unless you work in construction, you may not have the machinery and equipment necessary to complete the job. Hiring a professional can save you money on rentals and other materials.

• Avoid Costly Mistakes—If your DIY job goes awry, you will likely have to pay to fix your mistakes. Hiring a professional can help get the job done right the first time around.

• Improved Longevity—The higher-quality coating will also save you money in the long run, thanks to improved durability and longevity.

• Minimal or No Disruption—No one can get the job done faster than a team of professionals. Hiring a professional flooring company will minimize or prevent disruption to your personal life or business operations.

• Custom Designs—If you’d like a sleek or more esthetically-pleasing floor, hiring a professional is your best bet. We offer a variety of finishes, color flakes, patterns, and designs that are typically too intricate to do by yourself.

Contact Concrete Protective Solutions for Your Flooring Needs

Are you ready to finish or refinish your concrete floor? It’s time to talk to a professional. Call (503) 744-0290 or email us at info@nightowlfloorservices.com to learn more about our services!  

Polyurea Vs. Epoxy Floor Coatings

If you need a new concrete floor for your garage, you may be wondering what floor coating is best for you. It can be hard to know where to start with so many options available.

Luckily, we here at Concrete Protective Solutions are here to help! We specialize in polishes and coatings that help improve your concrete floor's look, feel, and durability.

Several factors may dictate the type of floor coating we recommend, but the answer usually boils down to the two most popular options: polyurea or epoxy. Both have their benefits, drawbacks, and ideal use scenarios.

But before we can determine which is best for you, we want you to be able to make an informed decision. The following information is written to help you do just that.   

What is a Polyurea Floor Coating?

Polyurea is a flexible and durable material that is a subcategory of polyurethane. Because of its unique properties, this synthetic substance is often used to coat some products, such as truck beds, liquid tanks, and of course, garage floors.

Polyurea functions by bonding to the moisture in your concrete floor, creating a barrier that protects against weather, scratches, and other day-to-day wear. It also produces little to no odor after installation.

It is one of the fastest-back-to-service drying time products on the market, typically setting 4-8 hours after application. After just 72 hours, you should be able to drive a car over it. Interestingly, polyurea is still resistant to drying from air exposure while in its container, making it easy to install in a smooth, even coat.

However, its fast dry time can pose problems for the inexperienced. That’s one of the many reasons why putting your trust in an established professional like us is so important. We’ll get the job done quickly and efficiently, saving you time, money, and the headache of poor installation.  

What is an Epoxy Floor Coating?

Epoxy floor coatings consist of two components: a polyepoxide resin and a curative. During the application process, a flooring professional mixes the two materials and then immediately applies the mixture to your floor.

Mixing the two components causes a chemical reaction that results in a strong bond with one another. This bond is also responsible for the epoxy’s ability to adhere to the floor.

Epoxy coatings come in three main types: water-based, solvent-based, and 100% solid. A 100% solids epoxy is the thickest, most expensive option, but it is also the most durable. The other two are thinner, less durable, but also less expensive. 

Regardless of type, epoxy floors typically require at least two coatings. Because epoxy cures slowly, each coat needs 10-12 hours to dry before the next one can be administered. When all is said and done, an epoxy job can take anywhere from a single day to a couple of weeks to complete depending on the size of the floor.

Epoxy often looks like paint and even comes in various colors like paint. However, it behaves more like glue, offering durability and protection. It can also provide a beautiful, modern look, making it a good choice for kitchens, bathrooms, basements, and other living spaces.

Polyurea Vs. Epoxy: Durability

When it comes to durability, polyurea provides better protection even when compared to the most robust epoxy material. This is mainly due to the it’s flexibility.

Because it’s flexible, polyurea will not crack or peel after installation. It can also withstand extreme temperatures or UV resistance, making it a better choice for a garage floor frequently exposed to the sun.

On the other hand, epoxy is known to have long-term issues when it comes to durability. For this reason, you should expect to replace or refinish an epoxy floor coating every five to ten years. A polyurea coat typically lasts for over 15 years with the proper care and maintenance.

Epoxy is also more susceptible to weather damage. Too much UV exposure can result in a common phenomenon known as “hot-tire pickup.” Hot epoxy can delaminate, causing the car tire to bond to the epoxy, peeling the coating from the concrete floor. 

Polyurea Vs. Epoxy: Maintenance 

Polyurea is highly resistant to physical impact, scrapes, and chemicals. As a result, most spills should not harm your coating. You can clean them up with a towel or mop.

The top coat of your polyurea coating should also stay glossy for years. However, it is recommended that you use a commercial product, such as wax or polish, to extend its lifespan. Even something as simple as occasionally mopping your flooring with water and a cleaning agent is enough to keep it in great condition for years to come. 

Epoxy-coated floors are a little different. To keep your epoxy floor in good condition, be sure to remove any dirt or grit regularly. This will help prevent scratches, as well as having rocks or dirt embedded in your coat over time.

You will also need to clean up chemical spills quickly and efficiently. Things like gasoline, antifreeze and motor oil can change the appearance of your floor if they remain in contact with the coating for an extended period. Most epoxy floors can be cleaned with a few ounces of ammonia, a gallon of hot water, and a microfiber mop.

Polyurea Vs. Epoxy: Pricing

The final thing to consider is price. A general rule of thumb when purchasing floor coating (or anything for that matter) is the higher the price, the better the quality of the product.

In this case, epoxy may be a more economical option in the short term, but the more expensive polyurea might be your best option in the long run. If you want a more durable, UV-protected, and abrasion-resistant coating, you’ll have to spend a little more on the polyurea.

Your Flooring Expert in the Greater Portland Area

Ultimately, you should consult with a flooring expert like us before making any final decisions. While it changes on a case-by-case basis, Polyurea is often the best bet if you want better durability, easy maintenance, and a longer-lasting floor. That said, we’re happy to provide you with more information! Just give Concrete Protective Solutions a call at (503) 744-0290 for a complimentary consultation.