Wednesday, 16 January 2019

Eco-Swimming Pools: Steps You Can Take Towards Sustainability

It’s understandably hard to imagine an eco-friendly swimming pool. That’s because of all the chemicals and energy it takes to properly maintain it. This challenges us to think about how conventional swimming pool maintenance impacts the environment. Harmful chemicals and excessive energy consumption contribute to the destruction of the environment. With the realization of this hard-hitting truth, the necessity to make sustainable choices is a responsibility of pool owners. With that being said, here are simple steps that you can take towards an eco-friendly swimming pool.

Put the Chlorine on Hold

pool deck resurfacing austinIt’s no surprise that most pool owners use chlorine and algaecide to keep their swimming pools clean. Reduce the use of these harmful chemicals by opting for eco-friendly alternatives. Ozonator systems, natural mineral sanitizers, and bromine are some of the options you can take. These can drastically cut down chlorine and algaecide use.

Switch to Renewable Energy

source: Ebay

Solar panels have been around for so long it can be quite surprising how they aren’t as common. Solar energy is a renewable energy source that can save you money while saving the environment. Indeed, it can be pricey up front but the benefits outweigh this in the long run. Power up pool equipment and machines without the guilt.

 

Less Energy Consumption with Heat Pumps

Instead of conventional pool heaters, choose to heat the pool with heat pumps. Heat pumps use minimal energy and naturally draw thermal energy from the air. This thermal energy is transferred to the water. Voila! A practical and green heating option.

Naturally Filter Swimming Pools with Moss

In an effort to contribute to the environment, the University of Maryland swapped from conventional pool filters to moss. That’s right. The green dense clumps can actually be beneficial to swimming pools. Since the swap, the educational institution was able to reduce 40% of its chemical use and 75% of its water consumption. Hopefully, this method will be accessible to all.

Renovate with Pool Deck Resurfacing

pool deck resurfacing austin

Swimming pool renovations can take a lot of time, energy and money. If you want to enhance or renew the look of a pool area, opt for pool deck resurfacing instead. This will drastically change the look of pool area without consuming as much energy as pool deck replacement and other enhancements.

Make your move now. Consider these options to make your swimming pool clean and green. If you’re interested in pool deck resurfacing and other services, visit our homepage to know more.

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source https://www.austinconcreteartisans.com/eco-swimming-pools/

Monday, 19 November 2018

Ways To Make A Design Statement With Concrete Flooring

Concrete has been making rounds in the design world in recent years. From using it as a solid base it has now moved on to the forefront of interior design as the material of choice for decorative elements. The challenge in using concrete floors as a design statement lies in striking a balance to soften or complement the naturally hard and cold quality of concrete. Fortunately, there are many ways to do this as concrete allows a lot of room for creative expression. Here are the different ways to make a design statement with concrete flooring.

Add a Splash of Color

stained concrete floor basementThe neutral gray color of concrete makes it a blank slate that’s perfect as a canvass for adding color. Either incorporate the color onto the concrete floor itself or place colorful elements around it. Furniture with touches of bold color is a surefire way to make a popping statement. You can even get creative and hang abstract paintings. Concrete staining and decorative epoxy coatings are also great ways to add color to a concrete floor.

Warmth with Wood Accents

concrete floorA popular trend in modern interior design is to leave concrete floors bare and have it polished or coated with a transparent resin. If you opt for this raw and refined look, adding wood accents are an effective way to balance out the cold harshness of bare concrete. Concrete looks great when complemented with a different material. Wood panels, chairs, table tops, lamps, and other decorative elements add natural warmth and contrast.

Go for an Industrial Chic Vibe

concrete floorMake the most out of the industrial influence taking over the contemporary design world. Mix and match materials like exposed brick, bare fixtures, and cold steel to complement a concrete floor. Brass and gold metallic can also add a lavish accent that provides contrast to the overall atmosphere. Integrating these strong industrial elements make an impression of robust sophistication.

 

Play with Textures

stamped concrete patioMuch like color, textures can be added to the concrete floor itself or through other design elements. For textured concrete floors, concrete stamping is a good option. Choose a texture that adds a subtle edginess to the feel of a concrete floor like slate. Otherwise, adding soft textures with carpeting and other fabric elements gives a good contrast to the hard texture of concrete.

Decorative concrete installations are one of the best ways to enhance the look of a concrete floor. Visit our homepage to know more about decorative options for your concrete floor in Austin.

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source https://www.austinconcreteartisans.com/making-statement-floors/

Sunday, 21 October 2018

4 Cool Ways to Transform the Basement into Something Better

Is your basement a room full of cobwebs, dust, and things you don’t need anymore? Every square foot of your home is an investment so might as well make the most of it. No matter how much space your garage has, there is something you could do to make good use of it. Check out these ideas so you can get inspired!

Game or Sports Room

stained concrete basementThe family will surely have a blast playing their favorite games and mini sports in a well-designed basement. If you have enough space, a billiards table is a great centerpiece. Now, you will have a place for all your board games, your gaming consoles, and that arcade machine you just had restored. It is important to make the room sound-proof to keep cheers and howling from reaching the neighbors.

Kids Recreational Room

stained concrete When kids play, the whole house often looks like a storm has just passed through it. One great way to keep the mess isolated is by creating a dedicated room for playtime. The basement is a perfect spot to create a themed recreational space for children. You can incorporate their favorite colors and cartoon characters on the walls to make it more interesting. As for the floor, you can choose to cover it with a carpet so that bumps and bruises are kept to a minimum.

Private Gym

stained concreteExercise equipment often takes up so much space that people who own them just keep them folded in one spot, unused and neglected. When you turn the basement into a private gym, you can set-up the equipment for good so you can easily work-out when you need to. A basement gym gives you the privacy you need to focus on your routines. Set-up a full mirror on one wall so you could track your progress, Also, install a decorative concrete coating, such as epoxy flooring, on the floor to keep it protected from weight, impact, and high traffic.

Jamming Area

stained concreteDo you love music? Are you in a band? Then the basement is the perfect place to create a music room or jamming area. All you have to do is soundproof the walls and set up the sound system for private gigs or rehearsals.

There is so much you can do with an empty basement. Just make sure that it is structurally sound and safe enough for whichever purpose you wish to use it for.

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source https://www.austinconcreteartisans.com/ways-to-transform-basement/

Wednesday, 3 October 2018

Tips on Cleaning Up Footprints After a Stained Concrete Driveway Job

Tips on Cleaning Up Footprints After a Stained Concrete Driveway Job

Staining a concrete driveway is one of the best ways to make it look more elegant and interesting. You have the option to do it yourself or to hire a pro to do it for you. If you choose the former, it is important to understand that there will be risks. One is footprint stains. Whether it is from a human or a pet, it can be very frustrating to see faded prints where the stain used to be and stained footprints on the garage, patio, or any place else it should not be. Here are some tips to help you clean them up.

stained concrete driveway austinWater-Based Stain

If you used a water-based stain on the driveway, it is important to keep extra stain that has not been used. In the event that there are footprints on the driveway, all you have to do is add more stain on the faded areas until it matches the rest of the surface. Then coat the entire floor with one more layer for a consistent look. If this does not work. Add

Acid Stain

Acid stains penetrate deep into the concrete slab so cleanup will be more difficult. You may need to sand off the top layer and stain it all over again. Re-applying an acid stain over the footprints alone might highlight it even more. Since this type of stain is more tricky, consult a pro on how to deal with the unwanted footprints.

Preventing Footprints on a Stained Concrete Driveway

Prevention is always better than cure. If you are planning to have an acid stained concrete driveway, make sure to take certain precautions to keep human feet or animals paws from making their mark on the surface. Here’s how:

  • Let everyone know that you or a contractor will be performing a concrete staining job on the driveway.
  • Use tape, ropes, or anything that could serve as a barricade to keep people out of the area.
  • Hang “Keep Out” signs to warn people.
  • Give delivery men, mailmen, and other people who often come by an alternate route to your doorway if needed.

A footprint stain on the surface is just one of the many bad things that could happen on a recently stained driveway. If you are unsure how you could deal with staining without all the possible risks, spare yourself from the stress and hire a pro who can do it for you.

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source https://www.austinconcreteartisans.com/cleaning-stained-driveway/

Wednesday, 15 August 2018

Top 3 Considerations When Choosing Between Concrete Resurfacing and Replacement

Top 3 Considerations When Choosing Between Concrete Resurfacing and Replacement

A concrete surface goes through a lot of use and abuse during its lifetime. It endures the changes in climate every single day. It gets exposed to snow, ice, and rain. It also shifts and cracks especially in high traffic areas. When concrete damage seems imminent, it is important to think about which solution to go for. Have it replaced? Or have it coated with an overlay or coating? Here are the top three things you have to consider when you are torn between concrete resurfacing and concrete replacement.

concrete resurfacing austin

The Level of Damage

Just how much damage does the concrete slab have? Cracks are the most common types of damage. If the crack is just about a quarter of an inch deep, it can still be repaired and the entire slab can be resurfaced. However, if the crack is much deeper and wider, a repair can only do so much. The cracks may recur and it would only make it costly for the owner. If the damage is irreparable, the best option is to replace the entire slab and find out what causing the big cracks.

Age of the Concrete

Concrete is a durable material but it does get weaker as it ages. If you are choosing between resurfacing concrete and replacing your concrete space, it is important to consider the age of the slab itself. If it has been around 20 to 25 years since it was first installed, it is better off replaced with a new concrete mix. The brittle slab won’t be able to hold up a new coating or overlay. Also, old concrete is more prone to damage. It may look good for now with a new coating but expect new damage to appear soon.

Time and Budget

When choosing a solution to concrete damage, think about how much time and money you would be able to invest in a project. Replacing the concrete takes more time than resurfacing it. The old slab must first be removed before the new mix can be poured. Then you wait at least a month for the concrete to properly cure. It is also more expensive to replace the slab because it involves more work and more new material. If your time and budget are limited, you might as well resurface the concrete to acquire a brand new look and improved functionality.

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source https://www.austinconcreteartisans.com/choosing-between-concrete-resurfacing-and-replacement/

Wednesday, 25 July 2018

Painted Vs. Stained Concrete: Which One Should You Invest In?

Using concrete for patios is highly recommended. However, if you just leave it as it is, it can be unpleasant to look at and it lacks the protection it needs to last longer. There are ways to make it look more presentable and to keep it protected from damage. The most common is applying paint or concrete stain. Here are is some information to help you decide which one is more appropriate for your concrete patio.

Concrete Paint

Paints come in different kinds. There are oil-based types and there are those which are water-based, also known as latex paint. Oil-based paint is more durable although it has an unpleasant odor that goes away when the paint is completely dry. Water-based or latex paint is odorless and it can be thinned with water for easier application. It is a more eco-friendly option and spills and splatters can be cleaned with water. Both are often applied in layers to make the color a lot more opaque and bold. It is great to use on concrete patios if you want aesthetics that make a strong impact even from afar.

The downside to paint is that it creates a film on top of the concrete. It does not penetrate. For this reason, long exposure to heat, water, and other outdoor elements could make it separate from the concrete and crack, flake, and peel.

Stained Concrete

Concrete stains are a lot thinner than paint. There is a concrete acid stain and a water-based stain. The acid type penetrates deep into the concrete and dries in a semi-translucent color. It has metallic salts that, when exposed to lime and the natural minerals in concrete, create effects that make the concrete look like a stone or leather slab. Acid stains take longer to install because the concrete needs to be etched with muriatic acid or other similar alternatives. The etching process opens up the pores of the concrete, making it easier for the stain to get absorbed. Water-based stain, on the other hand, can easily be applied on a clean concrete surface. It dries in a semi-opaque color. It dries in a uniform color, no effects involved.

The only downside to stains is that it won’t completely hide repairs or blemishes on the concrete patio.

When choosing between paint or stain, you also have to consider how much time you can commit to applying the material, how much maintenance you can squeeze into your to-do list, and how much you are willing to invest. If you can’t decide, consult a local pro who is an expert on both materials.

Description:

A concrete patio can be quite boring if left as it is. It may not also last longer than it should if it lacks extra protection. Paint has always been the go-to material for enhancing concrete patios. Oil and water-based paints can cover up blemishes, keep water on the surface, and create aesthetics that truly stand out. Stains, on the other hand, penetrates deep into the slab, creating a colored concrete patio that lasts for years. Acid and water-based stains come in a wide range of colors and each one has its own unique aesthetic properties. Both can improve the appearance of your concrete patio but which one should you choose?

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source https://www.austinconcreteartisans.com/paint-vs-stained-concrete/

Monday, 2 July 2018

3 High-Quality Garage Floorings at a Low Cost

Searching for a high-quality garage flooring that won’t hurt your bank? Then you are in the right place. Featured here are three garage floor materials that have the most positive reviews and recommendations. The great thing about these is that they are inexpensive and cost-effective. For sure, it won’t be easy to find good deals such as that.

Epoxy Flooring

garage flooringAn epoxy garage floor coating must not be mistaken with epoxy paint. These are two completely different things. Epoxy paint is simply paint with a hint of epoxy to make it adhere better and last longer. Epoxy coating, on the other hand, is a finishing material that is applied a bit thicker. It consists of equal parts of epoxy resin and a polyamine hardener that when cured, yields a tough and seamless flooring that is resistant to most types of damage. It is affordable because it is merely a coating installed on top of the existing concrete garage floor. But don’t worry, despite the thin layer, it is extremely durable and gorgeous to look at, too.

Interlocking Rubber Tiles

garage flooring

These squares of rubber tiles snap together to create one whole mat. Its high grip makes it stable despite not being directly attached to the floor. This is a quick and efficient way to cover up the old flooring. It is also durable enough to withstand high traffic and impact. It comes in many different colors that you can match into a decorative pattern. The great thing about rubber tiles is that if one piece gets damaged, you can just replace that one piece and not the entire thing. That will definitely save you a lot of money.

Roll-out Vinyl

garage flooring

Roll-out flooring is one of the most popular garage flooring options. It is easy to install and it temporarily covers up the old concrete slab effectively. You simply cut the piece that fits your garage floor, trim it a bit at the sides so it ends exactly where the walls are and it is good to go. It comes in a variety of colors and designs.

It is important to note, however, that total costs may vary based on several factors. All these three are affordable, indeed, but if you have a wide garage or if repairs are needed before these can be installed, the costs will definitely go up. Make sure to consult a pro and to get a quote before deciding to install.

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source https://www.austinconcreteartisans.com/low-cost-quality-garage-floorings/

Eco-Swimming Pools: Steps You Can Take Towards Sustainability

It’s understandably hard to imagine an eco-friendly swimming pool. That’s because of all the chemicals and energy it takes to properly ...