Concrete flooring is generally used in residential areas and public buildings. Concrete is very useful for durability, water stores, good wearing properties, smooth and pleasing in appearance, easy maintenance, and is economical. It is made up of three basic components: aggregate (sand, rock, and gravel), water, and Portland cement. It is a great alternative to carpet, linoleum, tile, wood, stone, or marble flooring.
Here is some pros and cons of concrete flooring :
Advantages / Pros :
- Unlimited creative options
- Pet friendly
- Will last for decades (50+ years)
- Resists moisture and stains when properly sealed
- Can be designed for any budget
- Reduces allergens in the home
- Can be heated with a radiant system
- Free of VOCs (volatile organic compounds)
- Requires little maintenance
Disadvantages / Cons :
- Requires occasional resealing
- Can be difficult to patch
- Cracks can develop over time
- Can become slippery when wet
Types Of Concrete Mixes:
GRADE: C10 CONCRETE
Strength: 10 Newtons after 28 days.
C10 is a very popular mix used in commercial and domestic construction. This concrete is generally used for non-structural construction elements like pathways and patio slabs.
GRADE: C15 CONCRETE
Strength: 15 Newtons after 28 days.
An ideal concrete mix for floor KERB mix and blinding.
GRADE: C20 CONCRETE
Strength: 20 Newtons after 28 days.
Concrete at this strength is often applied on foundations and domestic floors where the weight of overall structures on the concrete will be lighter. C20 is ideal for garage bases and domestic workshops as well as driveways and internal floor slabs.
GRADE: C25 CONCRETE
Strength: 25 Newtons after 28 days.
A multi-purpose concrete that is used on a wide range of domestic and commercial construction sites. It is also the ideal concrete for domestic slab foundations for bungalow and house floors.
GRADE: C30 CONCRETE
Strength: 30 Newtons after 28 days.
The lowest strength concrete to consider for roadways and pathways on which heavy vehicles will be driving regularly – such as farms, yards, or HGV slipways. As a stronger mix C30 is very tough with high durability and can resist climate changes and heavy weathering.
GRADE: C35 CONCRETE
Strength: 35 Newtons after 28 days.
A structurally strong, heavy use mix is ideal for sites that will need to withstand heavy use and commercial structures. It is commonly used for structural piling and creating external walls and slabs. Other uses include commercial slabs including metal reinforcement and agricultural and construction industry containment areas such as barns and yards.
GRADE: C40 CONCRETE
Strength: 40 Newtons after 28 days.
C40 is a strong grade of concrete that is mostly used on commercial construction sites, where it will be utilized to create foundations and beams for support and roads. C40 is also used in chemically harsh environments where the additional strength can combat and contain acidic and dangerous chemicals – such as septic tanks and farmyard slurry.