Ante Up Any Space with Contemporary Concrete Floors - overlay applied to wooden subfloor by MODE CONCRETE in Kelowna, BC

Ante up any space, with a stunning concrete floor all your friends will envy.  MODE CONCRETE created this standard grey concrete floor overlay, on the main floor of this residence (on a wooden substrate). The picture below is wonderful, because you can actually see how thin the concrete floor is.  

Concrete overlay completed by MODE CONCRETE in Kelowna BC.

Concrete floors (or overlays) are of similar thickness and weight to tile. Concrete acts as a blank canvas and any color or finish can be applied, but natural and raw is our top seller and personal fave. Our master concrete artisan and company owner, Gareth Tyrrell works on every job from beginning to end, ensuring top quality results for our clients.

Concrete overlay installed by MODE CONCRETE in Kelowna BC.

Concrete overlay installed by MODE CONCRETE in Kelowna BC.

Concrete overlay installed by MODE CONCRETE in Kelowna BC.

Concrete overlay installed by MODE CONCRETE in Kelowna BC.

There have been lots of recent product developments that challenge traditional thinking of what 'concrete' is. With traditional concrete, you would definitely need to reinforce and check the structure before any application or overlay is applied. If the concrete contractors use the latest high performance products, the concrete floor or overlay could actually be lighter than tile and usually only 3/8" thick. 

Depending on the flex in your wooden subfloor, hairline cracks are natural and expected to appear on the surface. This comes from the concrete slab being a single, solid piece of rock and the wood underneath is flexible and changes and shifts consistently. When the foundation of the house shifts, the concrete is subjected to various flex points and pressures which take the form of tiny hairline fractures in the material. Seams, contraction joints, cut lines and schluter strip help curb this but if you plan on doing concrete on any flexible surface you can expect movement and natural unevenness from slab to slab. These natural imperfections all add personality to your floor. Concrete is perfectly imperfect and we love it!

Please contact us about any of the services we discuss in this blog.  Check out our website - modeconcrete.com for more pictures and additional details about our company :)

Contemporary Polished Concrete Floors Naturally Look Amazing - Simple, Dustless, Green, Safe (no VOCs), Zero Waste Process - by Mode Concrete in Kelowna BC

If you like the contemporary look and color of grey concrete floors, we usually recommend using MODE CONCRETE (of course!) so we can professionally finish your concrete floor!  We specialize in finishing concrete floors in an economical, simple, dustless, zero-waste, green, eco-friendly, natural, safe, no VOC's, non-toxic... kind of way.

Naturally finished concrete floors are our favorite look, and totally differs from project to project - every piece of concrete is original in it's coloring, textures, irregularities, and variations that occur naturally when the concrete dries and cures. We provide a simple, eco-friendly, inexpensive solution to finish any existing or brand new concrete floor in your home or business.  No concrete floor is complete without the application of a sealer and/or wax.  Punch up your concrete surface even further, by applying a staining agent or adding a color to the surface. Taking the time to put down this final layer of protection not only prolongs the life of your concrete floor, but also greatly enhances and preserves its natural beauty and appearance.  

 This is a commercial floor that used to have tile on the surface.  

Here is a recent commercial concrete floor that we refinished for our Kelowna client. This floor had tile on previously.  Once the tile was stripped and the concrete was cleaned up, this was the final product after our process was complete.  We love the extra variations that this floor has compared to a brand spanking new floor.  It already looks industrial and has lots of natural patinas and mottling mixed throughout the surface.

Usually this process only takes 2-3 days, depending on the size of your project.  

If you want your concrete surface stained or colored by an artisan, this timeline will increase a bit. 

Think of a concrete floor sealer as a protective layer that will improve its appearance, durability and longevity. New concrete floors should be sealed after they are completed, while existing concrete floors should be sealed every few years based on wear/tear and clients preferences.  Properly sealed and maintained concrete (natural or stained) will give the same beautiful appearance for years to come. It is extremely durable, requires very little maintenance, and will likely outlast the home or business which surrounds it. The materials used to seal stained concrete include water-based sealers, waxes, alternative green sealers and solvent based sealers. Always make sure that the concrete contractor preforms tests on small areas, or shows you samples of what to expect. 

MODE CONCRETE specializes in concrete floors, concrete floor finishing and concrete maintenance/repair.  We always stay on budget and on schedule!  Contact us for more details on our services or prices.

Stamped Concrete Maintenance, Repair and Sealing - blog by concrete experts MODE CONCRETE, in Kelowna BC

This is the time of year to go outside and check how your concrete is looking before the freeze/thaw temperatures get too extreme.  We specialize in concrete staining, stamped concrete, exposed aggregate concrete, cement driveways, patios, sidewalks, swimming pool decks.

Here is stamped concrete, that we resealed for this client.  Check out those views?!?!  

This is why all the local's love to call the Okanagan 'home.'

Here is some stamped concrete, that we resealed and maintained for our Kelowna client.  

This is the perfect time to maintain your concrete... before winter sets in.

Exterior Concrete Repair and Maintenance Tips

• To extend the life of concrete, you’ll want to keep it well-maintained. After your concrete is poured and cured, applying concrete sealer to the surface is the final step (sealing usually done 1 or 2 months after pouring). Concrete sealer cost is not cheap but this final stage will vastly improve the durability of the driveway. Expect to pay $0.50 to $0.85 per square foot for one application or coating of sealer (which usually includes the cost of pressure washing the surface).  Anti slip additives or repairing chips and cracks can increase this cost a little. 
• Sealers will keep your concrete protected from moisture by creating a barrier between the environment and the concrete. Without a protective sealer, moisture will penetrate the cracks and freeze in very cold weather, which will eventually deteriorate the concrete and increase the size of any cracks or chips.
• Not all concrete sealers are alike (even those in the same product category), and no sealer will last forever. Depending on the type of products used and exposure conditions, a sealer should last anywhere from 1 to 3 years. 
• If you have a sealer buildup on the surface from multiple sealer applications over the years, stripping the sealers may be required periodically.  We would recommend stripping your concrete if your sealer is flaking in spots, holes are developing, you have a cloudy appearance throughout the sealer, there are dull spots, blistering or bubbles.  The best way to assess any of these symptoms, is to call a concrete sealing professional in your area to come check out the situation in person. Stripping sealers is a messy process and can either be done chemically or mechanically.  
• Be careful with ice-melting salts as this may create a chemical reaction and eat away at your sealers and stains.  Read the labels of any products you use, or reapply sealers every year if you are using melting salts regularly.  
• Concrete naturally shifts, moves and cracks with environmental changes, the temperature and with age. Easily repaired, patched, or filled, these cracks are usually only cosmetic and not structural or unsafe (but every project is different). An experienced concrete contractor should easily be able to assess your project, give you options, show you samples and work with you to achieve the results you desire.  A concrete professional can help talk you through all the options available to you depending on the state of the concrete and your budget.

When you hire Mode Concrete, you hire a professional contractor that always stays on budget and on schedule! From the moment you hire Mode Concrete, you'll notice why our clients give us amazing referrals and recommendations.  

MODE CONCRETE specializes in high quality concrete design, fabrication, finishing, repair, maintenance and luxury outdoor living spaces. Contact us today for a free design consultation and written estimate (for Kelowna area clients)!

• References:
• Concrete Driveways: Poring Over the Pros and Cons - Houzzhttp://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/2459366/list/Concrete-Driveways--Poring-Over-the-Pros-and-Cons
• 2012 Concrete Driveway Cost Guide for Repair or Replacement - Driveway Guidehttp://www.drivewayguide.com/guides/cost-of-concrete-driveway-repairs-and-replacement/
• Pros and Cons of a Concrete Driveway - About.com http://garages.about.com/od/buildingagarage/a/Pros-And-Cons-Of-A-Concrete-Driveway.html

Rich Patinaed Antique Brown Stained Concrete Patio Balcony - created by concrete artisans in Kelowna BC, MODE CONCRETE

Concrete stains can be applied to any horizontal or vertical concrete surface. It's a great way to punch up brand new or boring old concrete, camouflage and disguise cracks or repairs, and a wonderful way to add a designer touch. With concrete we embrace and look forward to variations, irregularities, and the patina that develops with wear over time. Adding a stain can further add a depth and character to your concrete surface and camouflage any naturally occurring imperfections. Here we created a rich patinaed, antiqued brown concrete balcony for our Kelowna client.  

There are good reasons why interior designers often choose concrete for their most cutting edge spaces. Stained, colored, textured or smooth, concrete boasts limitless design options. It provides a blank canvas upon which homeowners can leave their mark.  But beyond the design advantages, these surfaces are low maintenance and they blend seamlessly with the architectural aesthetics of various design styles.

We have many great dyes and pigment options available.  Concrete staining and sealing is great for driveways, patios, concrete floors (garage, basement), concrete slabs or any concrete surface. MODE CONCRETE provides all the services we discuss in this blog.  If you'd like anymore information please contact us.  We service Kelowna & area, in BC Canada.

DIY concrete staining advice: Concrete art is only as good as the artisan completing the project.  DIY'ers contact us all the time... but without proper technique, product exposure and the experience, results could vary greatly in this regard.  We always advise doing test areas to see how the concrete reacts before treating large surfaces.  Due to the high level of unpredictability that concrete naturally exhibits, concrete staining is a tricky project even for the most ambitious DIY'er.  Each concrete surface will stain uniquely according to variations in surface density, texture, porosity, and composition.

If you plan to hire professionals:  You usually get what you pay for, and getting the best deal or accepting the cheapest estimate, will probably not get you the best results or greatest longevity of the product. The difference in cost could be quality of materials, quality of workmanship, level of experience and could dictate your general level of satisfaction for years to come.

CONTACT us today for any of the services we discuss in this blog. 

How often should you seal your driveway? Concrete Driveway Sealing, Yearly Maintenance and Repair - article by MODE CONCRETE in Kelowna BC

Applying concrete sealers are an essential part of finishing any concrete outdoors. Protect your concrete driveway and patio from weather, staining, oil/gas, salt, and water by making sure you have a surface barrier on your concrete.

Here is a picture of a concrete driveway we recently repaired and sealed in Kelowna BC.  

How often should you seal your driveway?

• Everyone has something different to say about how often to seal your driveway. Some say every 3-5 years, whereas others say every year. The determining factor here should be what sort of weather or climate zone your concrete is exposed to. Environmental factors, rain, snow, freeze/thaw zones, or high sunshine areas should be taken into consideration. If your driveway is exposed to freeze/thaw zones and lots of sunshine or heat (like the weather here in the Okanagan) your driveway might require re-sealing and maintenance every other year. If you salt your driveway or notice your sealer is deteriorating, you might have to reseal yearly.  If you ever notice cracks or chips, you should fix these problems immediately.  If damaged concrete is left unrepaired, water can seep into the cracks this will quickly deteriorate the concrete.  
• Properly maintaining your concrete saves money in the long run. Make sure you have a protective barrier on your concrete to get the maximum longevity of your investment.

Here is a picture of a concrete driveway we recently repaired and sealed in Kelowna BC.  

 

Concrete services we offer for driveways, patios or concrete slabs:

• Concrete cleaning 
• High power pressure washing
• Concrete maintenance
• Concrete sealing (for stained concrete, aggregate concrete, or stamped)
• Concrete patching
• Concrete chip and crack repair
• Adding anti-slip surface finishes onto concrete
• Acid staining, eco-based water staining

We always offer expert concrete advice, superior workmanship and never cheap out on the products we use.  We only use the highest quality materials to repair, maintain or seal your concrete.  Whether your concrete is brand new, needs maintenance, or needs some repair... we are here to help.  We walk you through the entire process and continuously get client referrals. People all over the Okanagan put their trust in Mode Concrete to get the job done right, with long term results.  We always offer free written estimates to our inquiring clients.  We only use the best skill and best products available on the market.

CONTACT us today for any of the services we discuss in this blog.

Contemporary Polished Concrete Floors - naturally treated and buffed by MODE CONCRETE in Kelowna BC

Our contemporary polished concrete floors are the perfect option for any indoor or outdoor space. Polished concrete is often used in many areas like: art galleries, shopping malls, warehouses, retail environments as well many residential or industrial properties.  Basically we finish and buff the floor to give it a stunning finish. Our entire process is VOC (Volatile organic compounds) and emission free, an entirely non-toxic and safe process.

We can help you with maintenance, refinishing and rewaxing your existing concrete floor. When we finish your floor it will come to life... in a non-toxic, eco-friendly, inexpensive kinda way. We can help to restore and bring out the natural raw color of your concrete floor, original patinas and mottled beauty marks. We love concrete for this very reason. This floor was a raw, natural, basement concrete floor, untreated contractors concrete. We prepared and cleaned the concrete, and completed our finishing process to create this look.  We dig it... do you?

Client feedback about this polished concrete floor: We used Gareth to seal and polish our concrete floor and it turned to be a fantastic looking and economical alternative verse other floor finishes. Highly recommended. Regards, Gavin B. Sparg

Concrete Floor Maintenance, Care and Cleaning: Concrete is fairly simple to take care of. You can dry or wet mop (use warm water when mopping), sweep, or vacuum to remove small debris on a weekly basis. Use PH-neutral, non-acidic natural cleaners to ensure nothing strips the sealers and waxes.  Then once every few years you will have to apply a moisture barrier sealer and waxes.  Maintenance and refinishing, totally depends on wear and tear and the client's preference.  Some customers like a pristine highly reflective concrete floors, while others like an industrial, high patina, raw surface look.

Contact us for a free no obligation written estimate. Mode Concrete is highly knowledgeable and can discuss your requirements and advise the best option that suits your needs.

Contemporary, Modern Polished Concrete Floor Screams Style - by MODE CONCRETE in Kelowna, BC

Concrete shakes off its cold reputation by combining brilliant innovations, cutting edge applications and new techniques.  Concrete works perfectly in residential, commercial, industrial, indoor, or outdoor applications.  So totally versatile.  

Concrete floors work in any room of the house, not just in the basement.  More and more clients are opting for concrete.  Concrete lovers want their space to scream style in a subtle, understated, elegant sort-of-way. And if you’re worried about it looking too industrial, you can easily soften it with punches of color, rugs, textiles and by mixing in warmer materials like wood planks. 

Here is a recent commercial concrete floor that we refinished for the Kelowna client.  This floor had tile on previously.  Once the tile was stripped and the concrete was cleaned up, this was the final product after our process was complete.  We love the extra variations that this floor has compared to a brand spanking new floor.  It already looks industrial and has lots of natural patinas and mottling mixed throughout the surface. 

If you want ultra-modern style and major design impact, consider concrete floors - the flooring for the stylish at heart.  Concrete floors give a super-modern look, industrial look - and like freckles, concrete floors help to camouflage wear as it gets older.  With concrete we embrace and look forward to variations, irregularities, and the patina that develops with wear over time.

Concrete Flooring Benefits:

• STYLISH - Undeniably gorgeous, original, one of kind and a piece of art. 
• LONGEVITY - Excellent longevity of investment when compared to other materials available on the market.  If done right, concrete will outlive you.
• ENERGY EFFICIENCY - Concrete floors can help you save energy. They feel cooler in the summer, so there is less of a need to use air conditioning. During the winter, concrete floors absorb the heat from the sun, helping to keep your home warm. For those with radiant-heated floors, concrete is the best flooring surface to maximize heat conduction and minimize energy usage. Some worry that a concrete floor will be cold and hard on their feet. The truth is that finished concrete floors are no colder or hard-feeling as other common flooring types like ceramic tiles, stone and marble.
• SUSTAINABILITY - Using concrete floors helps to minimize waste, unlike other types of flooring, such as carpet, which creates waste from padding and carpet scraps. Also, concrete does not contain the harmful VOCs (volatile organic compounds) that many synthetic carpets do.
• NON-SLIP SURFACE - Especially with an added glossy finish, you would think concrete floors would be slippery. But the truth is that as long as your floor is installed by a professional, it should not be slippery. Standard practice and appropriate top coats, ensure that a non-slip additive is applied to the final finish of the floor.
• DURABILITY - If they are properly installed and maintained, concrete floors rarely need replacement and there is virtually no maintenance with concrete floors.  
• LOW MAINTENANCE - Maintenance is simple. Just vacuum or sweep and follow up with a damp mop. The amount of traffic your floors receive will determine the amount of maintenance it will need. A concrete floor with normal traffic will probably need a reapplication of the finish every 2-3 years. Keep in mind that concrete is the most abrasive-resistant and durable floor. 
• COST - Some considerations; size of job, detail (is it a basic application of stain or dye or more detailed design), preparation requirements, time frame, products and materials used (hardware store brand or professional grade) and finally, the experience level of the installer (a more experienced professional concrete artist/craftsman will charge more).

Contact MODE CONCRETE for more details about any services we discuss in our blog.  Did you know we only operate of referrals and recommendations?  We make sure our past clients are always happy, research it... we dare you.