Concrete floor coating is often used to provide an additional protective layer. Furthermore, it improves the floor’s durability, strength, and appeal. In most cases, home and business owners choose concrete coating as they are strong and affordable, but many choose it to combat regular maintenance, stains, and dust. However, finding the right concrete coating system can be strenuous as it involves factors like the floor condition, availability of professionals, costs, and the floor’s moisture content.
Benefits of concrete floor coating
A concrete floor is already an excellent choice, but adding another concrete coating on the floor can have incredible benefits, such as
Increased resistance to wear and tear
In environments such as factories and garages, a concrete floor may wear off over the years. Moreover, external factors like machinery, spills, and hot tires, can cause severe damage to the durability of a concrete floor. Hence, one can opt for a coating such as epoxy that adds an extra layer to protect the floor. This may aid in damage resistance and improve the lifespan of the floor.
A cost-effective option
Good quality concrete floor coatings are incredibly budget-friendly compared to wood, tile, and stone options. For instance, if one already has a concrete floor, they may require only a fraction materials to transform the space into something better. Furthermore, they involve minimum maintenance costs and do not crack or chip like the other floor tiling options.
Provides additional safety
Concrete coating options such as Epoxy have a shiny and mirror-like appearance but are not slippery. As a matter of fact, they are incredibly popular and ideal in safety-oriented workplaces. Furthermore, they are skid resistant and can also be mixed with specialized anti-slip additives. This provides an additional layer of safety for young kids and the elderly by preventing any possible falls.
Improved visual appearance
There are various concrete floor coatings options like acrylic, polyaspartic, and polyurethane, but some of them might not be visually appealing. Hence, at times like these, one can go for other options, such as epoxy coatings done by professionals. These concrete options can include epoxy coatings with multiple designs, colors, and texture options that can be chosen according to the needs. Furthermore, one can easily opt for the nearest one by searching for “concrete coating professionals near me.”
Resistance against moisture and stains
A concrete floor is susceptible to stains and moisture damage. Once the moisture or stains seeps through the pores on the floor, they can be incredibly difficult to remove. However, opting for concrete coatings that are solvent or water-based, can save one a lot of trouble in the future. These coatings bond tightly to the existing concrete surface and effectively seal its pores to avoid moisture buildup and stains. In addition, the extra layer also provides chemical resistance against corrosive spills and even grease stains. So, always opt for concrete coating options such as Epoxy by concrete coating professionals. The best one in the area can be chosen by looking for options that fall under “concrete coating pros near me.”
A volatile organic compound-free option
Most hardwood floors and options like vinyl and synthetic carpets contain high amounts of volatile organic compounds. These floors may release chemical toxins that are harmful to health. Furthermore, they increase indoor pollution levels as well. Hence experts suggest eco-friendly concrete coatings with no organic compounds as a more durable and toxin-free option.
Versatile utility
Concrete floors are incredibly versatile. They can be used in areas such as garages and even other outdoor areas such as the patio for more recreational use. Moreover, one can also check out elegant design options to use in hallways and rooms, and other transitional spaces in the house. Additionally, concrete coatings can also be effectively employed on the existing concrete floors during renovations to make the house more visually appealing.
Increased flexibility
Concrete floor coatings prove to be more flexible as they accommodate a wider variety of floor needs. The varied concrete coating options can be employed in places such as workshops, garages, offices, restaurants, and even houses. Moreover, they can also be used in industrial environments like factories and chemical plants. Additionally, the coating mixture is also incredibly versatile and can be chosen according to strength and color preferences, providing one with an increased amount of flexibility.
Concrete coating requirements
The need for coating
The need for a concrete coating can differ from one circumstance to another. Some may need it as protection against wear and tear or for safety reasons. At the same time, others may opt for its attractiveness and resistance to spills and stains. Hence before searching for “concrete coating professionals near me,” one needs to assess the needs and look out for the best options available.
The current floor condition
The condition of the existing concrete floor plays an important role in choosing the right concrete coating option. If any major damages are involved, experts suggest that those damages be repaired before proceeding with the concrete coating. However, some options, like Epoxy crack fillers can be employed to repair minor problems.
In addition to the above, one should also remove oil, grease, and other foreign contaminants before adding the concrete coating. Hence, it’s suggested to opt for professional services by searching “concrete coating professionals near me” and opting for the one that fits within the budget.
A person excited about agriculture would understand the joy of seeing the first little bud or a blooming flower. The positive effects of gardening go beyond enhancing the aesthetic appeal of your home – they work wonders on a person’s respiratory health. They are associated with mood enhancement and stress reduction. Gardening is a long-term activity demanding commitment and an understanding of each plant’s requirements. Some common gardening mistakes that one must avoid are listed below.
Using too much or too little mulch
Mulch is essential for plants to obtain the required nutrients for healthy growth. However, adding too much or too little mulch can prevent the plant from thriving, as mulch contains nitrogen, and excessive nitrogen levels can harm plants. In contrast, adding too little mulch can deprive the plant of the required nutrition. Thus, gardeners should understand the amount of mulch plants need for healthy development.
Treating all plants the same way
A common mistake several gardeners make is to treat all their plants equally. One size doesn’t fit all, even when it comes to plants. It is important to know the differences in each plant’s requirements and cater to them accordingly. For example, some houseplants, like lucky bamboo, survive in dryer conditions and should not be watered every day, whereas others, like dwarf rose, must be watered daily to survive. Seasoned gardeners understand what every plant needs.
Not considering the climatic conditions while choosing plants
The growth and blossoming of plants depend mainly on the climatic conditions of an area. For example, poppies, European roses, and Alpine plants will not be able to survive in tropical climates, as they require cold climatic conditions to thrive. In contrast, other plants like okra, tomatoes, peppers, and basil require abundant sunlight and cannot sustain in cold conditions. Thus, gardeners must consider the climatic conditions of their area while deciding what plants to grow.
Choosing the wrong spot to grow plants
Some areas of a garden or balcony may not receive the same amount of sunlight as others. Choosing the wrong spot to grow plants can cause them to become weaker with time and eventually wither due to insufficient sunlight. So, it is imperative to designate a spot with adequate sunlight to ensure that plants remain healthy.
Not removing the weeds frequently
Weeds can take up space in the garden and compete with the plant for sunlight, water, and nutrients. With time, weeds may cause plants to grow weak and lack essential nutrients. Therefore, gardeners should remove weeds from time to time. One can set reminders for removing weeds if required.
Avoiding crop rotation
Crop rotation helps retain soil nutrients without needing synthetic fertilizers and other inputs. Therefore, it should be an essential process in gardens to enhance soil health and increase biodiversity.
Not planting flowers that attract pollinators
Pollination is an essential process for plants to produce fruits and seeds. Bees, flies, beetles, and butterflies are common pollinators attracted by plants like sunflowers, lavender, cuphea, and calendula. Gardens should include at least 2-3 plants that attract pollinators.
Not leaving sufficient space between plants
Growing plants in congested environments can hamper plant growth and prevent each plant from receiving adequate nutrients. It can also increase the susceptibility of plants to contracting diseases. Therefore, growing plants 18-24 inches apart in gardens is advisable to ensure the space is not congested.
Placing plants too deeply into the soil
When transferring plants from pots to the garden, it is important to plant them only as deep as they were rooted in the pot. If mulch must be added, it should be placed an inch above ground level. Planting them too deeply in the soil can cause them to weaken and die early.
Pruning too early
While pruning is an essential aspect of gardening, over-pruning or pruning before time may cause one to remove the buds off their branches. Consequently, there may be no flowers in the plant during spring; therefore, it is important to be patient and prune only during spring.
Using too many chemical fertilizers
Chemical fertilizers may help ward off pests and insects; however, they may destroy the plants over time and harm health if any part of such plants is eaten. Therefore, it is advisable to replace chemical fertilizers with organic ones and use fertilizers only if the plants require them.
Working on wet soil
According to experts, working on wet soil can destroy its structure, requiring long recovery periods. So, it is important to wait for the soil to dry a little and begin working it when it is moist but not too wet.
Not harvesting ripe fruits, vegetables, and flowers
It is best to harvest fruits, vegetables, and flowers on time when they are ripe and ready. Leaving them on the plant can cause them to wither or rot eventually and become food for birds and insects.
Not experimenting with different gardening styles and plants
Stepping out of their comfort zone can help gardeners understand the skill better, as each plant has specific gardening requirements. It can serve as an enriching learning experience for gardeners and help them master the skill of gardening “on the field.”
Maintaining a healthy home garden is a hands-on task. You need to consider everything from the ideal weather to the best supplements for stimulating plant growth. This also includes getting rid of weeds—plant killers that can be a nuisance and prevent you from maintaining a lush, green outdoor space. So, you should keep an eye out for weeds and stop their growth. Here are 6 useful tips for managing and preventing weed growth:
Identify the type of weed
You may think all weeds are bad and should be removed. But it is important to identify the type so that you can choose the most effective countermeasures. For instance, many types of weeds are unaffected by pesticides and sprays. So, to avoid wasting time, first, you should try to identify the type of weed growing in your backyard. For example, broadleaf weeds grow flat and are not grassy or needle-like. Common examples here could be dandelions, clovers, or ground ivy. Grassy weed is a more common type that resembles regular grass but is easily identifiable due to its distinctive growth pattern. If you spot triangular or tube-like weeds that are not as flat as the blades of the grass, then these are regular wild creepers.
Use a potent spray
Some growths, like crabgrass, persist and dominate the entire garden. Crabgrass is an annual weed that thrives in hot and humid weather and targets barren spots in the garden. The weed can ruin the look of the garden and potentially produce over 150,000 seeds for a single plant during the growing season. One of the best ways to target its growth is by using Preen® Lawn Crabgrass Control. This product comes with pre- and post-emergent action to counter crabgrass overgrowth. The dual action formula comes in a granular form and is potent for 4 months after it has been applied. Alternatively, if you are looking for the best plant killer sprays, you can try the Spectracide Weed Stop for Lawns, which is effective against 470 different types of weed growth. The spray covers up to 5,000 square feet and works well in both warm and cold climates. You can find several crabgrass killer products today intended for use in different temperatures and climates.
Manually pull out the weeds
Many types of weeds are resistant to chemical sprays. Here, manually yanking the overgrowth by the root can prevent the weeds from sprouting seeds and germinating. There are many techniques you can choose, like hand pulling—a popular technique where you identify the patches of weed growth and pull out the baby plants before they mature. But this is the most labor-intensive technique and is advisable only if you are dealing with smaller patches of weed growth. Alternatively, you can also use a weeder tool to get more control and exert minimal force while pulling out the weeds. Or, a scuffle hoe can help you tackle larger patches of overgrowth. Scuffle hoes can burrow deep and cut the plant at the roots while pulling a large patch of overgrowth in a single action. You can save time and effort by using such tools in the process. You can even apply a layer of herbicides or plant-killer sprays to tackle leftover roots.
Use organic herbicides
Herbicides are potent sprays that can control the growth of weeds around plants. These liquids come in handy in places where it is not possible to manually remove weeds. It is better to use organic herbicides that naturally kill the weed plants and avoid damaging any other growths in the vicinity. Corn gluten is a popular compound used to control the overgrowth of crabgrass and different types of lawn weeds. You can also consider a white vinegar-based herbicide to counter fast-growing weeds.
Try flame weeders
If you tend to your garden often, then a flame weeder to destroy weed growth can be a suitable option. This tool is designed to wipe out excess weed growth by torching the grass and burning off the excess in small patches. But the technique does not destroy the roots, so you will have to use the flame weeder several times in a growth cycle to properly tackle and address the problem. On the one hand, burnt weeds can be used as a supplement as it replenishes the soil with nutrients to aid the growth of healthy plants. Flaming also gets rid of pests that can thrive among the weeds.
Water just the cultivated plants
One of the common mistakes among first-time gardeners is watering the entire garden. But here, you are simply providing additional nourishment to the weeds along with the plants. Weeds mostly grow in patches, so you can strategically deprive these growths of all forms of nourishment. Over time, the weeds will wither away, leaving behind a clean patch ready for new plants. You can place drip soakers around plants and vegetation and deprive the weeds of any nutrition. While this does not ensure the complete removal of harmful weeds, it will still them from growing and starve the smaller weeds before they mature and deprive healthy plants of all nutrition.