A floor that’s been damaged by high impact traffic, thermal shock, or other factors can be expensive to replace, but doing nothing isn’t usually an option due to safety issues and aesthetic considerations. Concrete overlays and hybrid flooring systems are a great solution.

What’s a Concrete Overlay?

A concrete overlay is like a makeover for your old, tired concrete surfaces. It breathes new life into existing concrete. You can use overlays on your commercial and industrial floors, patios, driveways and garages, or even around a pool.

Concrete overlays are typically more affordable than replacing full concrete slab when it’s in bad shape. Instead, overlays can fix minor cracks, imperfections, and those uneven spots that are more than just annoying, they’re non-compliant.

Cementitious Overlay Solutions

Cementitious overlays can be applied in different thicknesses to level, smooth, and repair interior floors. In addition, overlay finishes can be applied with different textures if desired. Hybrid flooring systems are a particularly good alternative for floors that suffer from moisture related problems. A cementitious base coat is applied first, followed by a topcoat. Black Bear Coatings & Concrete will work with you to determine which top coat is best suited to your needs.

 

Different Types of Concrete Overlays:

Stamped Overlays

This type of overlay can turn your plain concrete into something aesthetically pleasing. Stamp patterns and textures to look like natural stone or elegant tile. They can be engineered for slip resistance and to meet the stressors of an individual environment.

Microtoppings

Microtoppings make your surface smooth and polished. Great for renovation and repair of existing commercial and industrial floors, this option can extend the life of your current floor solution until such time that you can do a full-scale replacement.

Self-Leveling Overlays

True to its name, this type of formula creates a flat, smooth surface, ideal for high foot traffic or heavy objects and mobile machinery. Commonly used in warehouses, retail stores, and hospitals, this has become a popular choice among flooring contractors.

Multipurpose Overlays

Tough, versatile, and applicable to many projects, these overlays can be used indoors and out. From heavy foot traffic to environmental factors, multi-purpose overlays is durable and can accommodate different styles including colors and textures.

 

Benefits of Using an Overlay for Concrete Surfaces

Whether you’re fixing imperfections in an existing floor, designing a new space, or enhancing an areas with branding and style, here’s why overlays are a smart choice.

Get Creative: You know that boring concrete look? Well, overlays can change that! You can make your concrete look smooth textured or even give it a fancy handcrafted vibe. It’s like a blank canvas waiting for your artistic touch.

Affordable Upgrade: Want to spruce up your space without burning a hole in your wallet? Overlays could be the answer. These overlays are affordable, usually costing $3 to $5 per square foot for thinner ones.

Versatility Galore: Overlays are the chameleons of the concrete world. You can use them indoors or outdoors, commercial facilities and residential buildings and grounds.

 

Concrete Overlay Prep & Installation

Before installing concrete overlays, you must prepare to ensure a smooth process.

1. Have Your Concrete Evaluated: The first step is to take a good look at your existing concrete foundation. Any damages will need to be addressed prior to application.
2. Prep the Concrete: Surface prep may be the most crucial part of the process. The area needs to be free of dust and dirt and leveled appropriately to prepare for installation.
3. Pick Your Overlay: The right commercial floor contractor can help you engineer the right overlay. They can work with you on formulating the coatings to meet your business needs that will give you the most bang for your buck.
4. Colors and Finishes: Most overlays can be customized to match branding or complement the style of the space. Textures, stenciled logos, and patterns may also be applied.

 

Overlay Maintenance

Post-installation, regular maintenance will help you increase the life of your floor. Depending on how its engineered, it may be as simple as broom sweeping or as involved as a deep sanitization. It just depends on the space, how it’s being used, and what factors can impact the integrity of the overlay.

 

Popular Applications & Uses for Concrete Overlays

Overlays can help you improve a commercial space with durability and style.

1. Exterior Walkways, Patios, and Pool Decks
2. Commercial Buildings and Grounds
3. Restaurants, Hospitality & Client/Customer Facing Areas

Overlays for Commercial Projects, High Foot Traffic Areas

Strength

In places like stores, restaurants, and busy sidewalks, you need surfaces that can take a beating without looking beat up. They create a tough, long-lasting surface that can handle constant foot traffic without cracking or wearing out.

Functionality

You can customize overlays with different textures and even mimic natural materials like stone or brick.

Cost-Effectiveness

Concrete overlays may save you time and labor because you don’t have to tear out the old concrete.

Black Bear Coatings & Concrete can work with you to determine if a cementitious overlay or hybrid flooring system will best meet your facility’s needs. If you are dealing with a damaged or deteriorated concrete floor, either of these options could be the answer.

Black Bear Coatings & Concrete will work with you to Determine which Overlay is Right for Your Space

With over 30 years of combined expertise in this niche industry, Black Bear Coatings & Concrete has set industry standard and pioneered floor installation techniques used by many companies today. We will work with you to determine what concrete overlay or hybrid flooring system will best meet your facility’s needs. If you are dealing with a damaged or deteriorated concrete floor, contact us for a free on site estimate.

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