Innovative Concrete Design Ideas for Modern Cleveland Homes
Concrete was a longtime outdoor construction material but has moved indoors with a vengeance. Thanks to trendy designs and the ability to mimic other more expensive materials, concrete has a new look that’s both functional and stylish.
The creativity of contractors like Supreme Concrete Solutions in Reynoldsburg, Ohio, brings new meaning to the term concrete construction. Their passion for building a solid reputation and genuine rapport with customers set them apart from the competition.
Decorative and Stamped Concrete
While utilitarian concrete is often gray and bland, decorative and stamped concrete offers a unique canvas to showcase personal style. Decorative concrete can be made to mimic stone, wood, slate, or brick, and it comes in a wide variety of colors and textures. It can also be stained with water-based stains, acid stains, and color hardeners. click the link for more: www.clevelandcement.com
Stamped concrete refers to a process in which a premade “stamp” is used to press a specific pattern into concrete before it cures. This allows homeowners to create patios, pool decks and driveways that mimic the look of natural stones and pavers.
When choosing a stamped concrete patio, it’s important to choose colors that will harmonize with the surrounding architecture and landscaping. This is because it ensures that the patio feels like a natural extension of the home and helps to establish a sense of unity in outdoor spaces. In addition, slip-resistant textures can be added to stamped concrete to make it safer for use in wet or icy conditions.
Self-Healing Roads
Concrete is a durable construction material, but its production does come at an environmental cost. Thankfully, a shift to greener building practices has spawned innovative alternatives that are strong and eco-friendly.
The most promising of these new materials is self-healing concrete. It’s made with microcapsules that are released when cracks form, reducing their depth and restoring the material’s strength. This can reduce maintenance costs and extend the lifespan of structures.
Engineers are also working on self-healing asphalt. This material contains iron oxide nanoparticles that are activated by a magnetic field. Maintenance vehicles equipped with these coils guide the material through the road and introduce heat that initiates the healing process.
These self-healing roads can repair small leaks automatically, resulting in less damage to the infrastructure and minimizing water or gas losses. This can reduce the costs of maintenance and traffic disruptions. It’s also expected to increase the safety of roads and other infrastructure by preventing accidents caused by potholes.
Exposed Aggregate Driveways
For a concrete driveway that stands out in both style and durability, opt for an exposed aggregate design. This is a concrete finish that exposes the aggregate, or small stones, within the concrete mixture through a process of sandblasting or acid etching. The resulting surface is durable, attractive, and highly customizable.
In addition to their stunning look, exposed aggregate driveways are also 10x more slip-resistant than standard concrete. This is thanks to their textured surface, which provides natural traction for sure footing.
The versatility of exposed aggregate extends beyond driveways to other areas around the home, including patios and entertainment spaces. The material is also a great choice for staircases and entryways, as it can create a sleek and refined appearance that will welcome guests into your home.
Microtoppings
Known as micro concrete or micro cement, this alternative concrete coating is ideal for transforming surfaces without the need to remove existing materials. It’s a very thin layer that can be used over wood, ceramic, self-leveling, natural stone or concrete flooring. Microtoppings come in a variety of finishes and can be enhanced with dyes or stains to achieve the desired aesthetic.
This overlay is highly resistant to mechanical stress and has passed rigorous laboratory tests regarding fire, cracking, and wear. It also delays the penetration of water and de-icing salts while resisting UV rays.
Once the existing surface is clean, a professional installer will mix in water into the micro concrete and apply it to the damp floor or wall. They may use a squeegee or steel trowel to create a smooth finish. After the installation, it can be kept looking its best with regular cleaning and a pH-neutral cleaner. In severe cases of damage, a new layer can be applied to restore the appearance of the flooring.