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Archive for the ‘Do It Yourself’ Category

Using a concrete sealer
Epoxy resins are the recommended solution to small cracks and gaps in concrete, as resins promptly water-proof any concrete surface from driveways and sidewalks to patios and counter-tops. As soon as you see a minor crack in concrete anywhere around your house or yard it is wise to apply as much sealant as necessary to protect it from any more damage. Major cracks in the foundation of your house may signal a more serious situation, for which a sealant is inadequate and you need to call a professional. Putting a sealer on a kitchen countertop or garage floor will prepare the surface for simpler cleaning. You may need to apply a few coats of sealant and give it a week to dry, but after that you don’t have to be concerned with any more maintenance. Condensation down in your basement is another reason not to overlook any smaller cracks in the floors and walls, as mold can easily grow there.

Build concrete steps
Concrete stairs need the least amount of protection, plus are rather simple to mend if they do crack, which means they are the wisest choice for entering or exiting a two story house or building. They are made by initially constructing a wooden frame, prepping the filler space with gravel and after that pouring cement into the frame. Doing the work yourself may be monotonous and exhaustive, nevertheless it is a good skill to acquire. Tools and materials you will need to carry out this task include a shovel, a tamper, gravel, concrete mix, 2-by-4 lumber, half-inch plywood, a hammer, cooking spray, a finishing trowel and an edge trowel. A wheelbarrow will be needed for preparing the concrete, or you may rent a small cement mixer. You will want to guarantee the steps are leveled and surfaced properly to preclude potential hazards such as water accumulation, which can make the them slippery or icy depending on how low the temperatures get. They can be painted, but only with special paint made for this purpose, and therefore slip-proof paint is suggested.

Decorating your concrete
Whether or not you’ve just poured a concrete slab or your concrete has been there for ages you can create a great look by giving it a treatment with an acid stain. Acid stains enduringly color concrete by way of a chemical interaction with certain minerals in concrete, and it won’t chip, fade or peel. The most popular color choices are various browns, blue-green or black, although the newer applications include vivid solid colors or pastels. The nature of each concrete section will shape the look you get, and the more mature the concrete the better the results. Creating looks similar to marble, natural stone or wood, acid washes are a less costly way to develop an entire decor scheme. The concrete floors in your house or outside can be turned into things of beauty, whether it is the flooring in your livingroom or the backyard patio where you hold your barbecues. Preparation of the concrete includes cleaning it thoroughly so it is free of grease, dust and dirt, which will permit the gorgeous colors to emerge from the floor. Since you need to know how to prep the concrete, brush or spray the stain over the surface and put on the final seal, this is likely not a do it yourself project.