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.