Friday, October 17, 2014

Choosing Integral Color Concrete For Durability

By Patty Goff


Trends always change and decor, and thankfully so. For one thing, there is technology and changes that it brings, but there is also innovation and great design ideas. With flooring, both indoors and out, manufacturers and designers give consumers more alternatives, for example. Below, see why it's best to choose integral color concrete to increase property value immediately.

Sometimes there are trends, and other times there is just timeless design. To have timeless design, something has to be durable, for starters, as with flooring surfaces and such. No one, for the longest time, ever considered the beauty that could be in concrete. Generally, it is considered flooring in industrial buildings, or ground cover in exterior landscapes.

It always seemed cold and somewhat unattractive, in its original gray form. However, someone did manage to turn this material into something that has become exciting and beautiful. This was done by integrating color into it. The consumer, architect, or designer can choose any shade, to keep the flow of design as it was intended from the get-go. A protective sealer ensures longevity.

The whole industry has been completely moved by this innovative design and technology. It is making its way into industrial and office buildings, but also in residential homes. Colored concrete has now become an exciting surface in counter tops. Many homes and restaurants will have their counters in bathrooms and floors done in this way. What's wonderful is that it's all custom.

When it comes to counters and interior flooring, many are done through a custom application. As this is completed, one will never find two surfaces looking the exact same. Of course, this all has to do with the actual color choice, the design variations, and so on. As well, there is the high gloss or matte finish that the consumer can choose from to pull it all together.

With integral color, the idea is to incorporate the shade into the concrete while it is mixed. In doing so, it creates a thorough shade right through, whether it's precast or cast in place. All the while, it will not affect the integrity, or the durability and longevity of the cement. In the end, the customer gets a consistent shade throughout the space, regardless of the size or thickness.

Simplicity of maintenance is another benefit to that attracts many customers. It can easily be accessorized to warm up the area, although the choice of tone already adds warmth to the surface. So, it looks great on its own, or dressed to the maximum, wherever it is applied.

This is a wonderful idea in home interiors and exteriors as well. Consider a deck surrounding an in-ground pool completed in a shade that suits the backyard in its entirety. Everything is just blended perfectly to ensure a seamless design. Moreover, it can be made to mimic natural stone or other "flooring" options but all with the true benefits that concrete has to offer. Nothing can be more attractive, easy to maintain, and cost-effective as this solution. That's why it's a popular choice with beautifying town halls, large office and condominium buildings and more.




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