Yearly Archives: 2019

Placing a Logo on Polished Concrete Floors

In most cases, the primary benefits of polished concrete floors to your business or building come in the practical realm. Polished concrete floors are both highly durable and easy to care for, and they serve a wide variety of purposes depending on your needs.

At Packman’s Coatings, we’re here to help with all your polished concrete needs. We provide affordable, low-maintenance solutions that retain a wonderful appearance for years – and furthermore, we can even infuse your polished concrete with any kind of pattern, color or design you like to truly round out your personalization options.

One of the most common themes here for businesses is printing a logo or another business image on the polished concrete floor. Let’s go over why branding matters for many businesses that might utilize our products, plus the methods we can use to place your logos and some other uses for these same methods.

polished concrete floors

Why Branding Matters

If you’re a business owner, you’re certainly aware of how important branding is to your company’s success. It’s one of the primary areas where you can help improve your overall recognition – you may not think it makes an impact every time someone sees your logo and connects it with your business, but it absolutely does.

And when it comes to branding, keeping things consistent is the name. This is where logos came from in the first place; within instants of seeing yours, you want clients to immediately connect the image with your company and what you do. The longer the impression sticks with people, the better (so long as it’s not a negative one, of course).

Methods of Logo Placement

When it comes to placing your logos and other branding images on polished concrete floors, you have a few options at your disposal. No matter how complex or detailed logos are, they can be placed in this manner with the right expertise. Some of the formats for this include:

  • Sandblasting: This is the most common method, particularly in recent years, using a sandblaster onto mechanically polished concrete floors. If done correctly, the result here will be a beautiful natural, polished look.
  • Dye: In addition, those looking for a stronger look can dye their engraved logos as well.
  • Template format: In other cases, a template with the logo will be designed and cut out. It will then be applied to the floor after the coating, after which another clear coating will be applied to seal it in. This is often the preferred method for a wider range of colors, even outside the “natural” look you find from sandblasting.

Not Just For Logos

While the options above are excellent for displaying your logos or branding elements, they also offer the ability to add design elements in virtually any area. Maybe you’re looking to point people in a particular direction, or perhaps the primary owners of your business are all fans of a particular sports team and want to place a prominent team design. The options are almost limitless.

For more on how we can help place your logo or other branding materials on polished concrete floors, or to learn about any of our other concrete coating or waterproofing services, speak to the pros at Packman’s Coatings today.

Concrete Waterproofing and Avoiding Deck Hazards

At Packman’s Coatings, one of the top uses of our waterproof concrete coatings is on various decks and patios. Many decks are not treated with the proper seals against various moisture and weather conditions when they’re first installed, but our services can apply a long-lasting seal that protects wood fiber and keeps the deck both dry and safe.

This last element – deck safety – is one we’re proud to assist many clients with in several areas. Our years of experience working with a variety of decks has taught us a lot about their overall safety elements and what matters here, both in terms of our waterproofing services and several related areas. Let’s take a look at some of the most important deck safety concerns out there, starting with waterproofing.

concrete waterproofing avoiding deck hazards

Waterproofing Areas

Waterproofing is highly valuable from an aesthetic and value standpoint; it protects your concrete surfaces from damage and cracks that don’t look good, plus helps keep the value of important concrete areas high. These factors are important for homeowners everywhere.

But on top of these, the safety benefits brought by professional waterproofing services cannot be ignored. Some of the top signs that waterproofing is needed are actually issues that directly impact safety – things like broken or loose flashings or other deck elements are often the first visible red flags, and these can also be significant hazards. There’s also the risk of soft spots that trip walkers, as well as the possibility of slips or falls due to moisture in areas where it shouldn’t be. Not only are you making an investment in your home and it’s value with waterproofing, you’re investing in the safety of you and your family.

Other Warning Signs

There are a few other related signs that might show that your waterproofing is lacking, or that some element of the deck overall is unsafe and might need an upgrade. A couple important areas to keep in mind:

  • Deck connectors: Are you noticing rust or other issues near your deck connectors? This can be a sign that water is making its way in unimpeded, but also may show that the entire structural integrity of the deck is at risk and requires repairs.
  • Wood board issues: If you see wood boards that are cracked, splintered, warped or soft and spongy in certain areas, you’re likely experiencing wood rot due to lack of waterproofing. This is also a structural risk.

Safety Elements to Consider

On top of ensuring your deck is properly waterproofed, here are a few other basic safety themes we can recommend:

  • Railings: Railings are recommended for all decks that are more than a step high, especially if you have small children or pets.
  • Anchors: Decks need to be properly anchored to the ground, a factor that’s of particular importance during and after strong wind or storms.
  • Missing pieces: If any weather event causes a physical piece of the deck, such as a railing, fastener or any other element, to detach, you should remedy this immediately for safety.

For more on waterproofing and deck safety, or to learn about any of our concrete coatings, speak to the staff at Packman’s Coatings today.

Care Tips for Polished Concrete Surfaces

When dealing with concrete in any form, you know you’re getting one of the most durable and long-lasting materials on the planet. Concrete is sturdy and strong, and it becomes even more so after adding a polished finish that, with the right little bits of upkeep, will last virtually forever.

At Packman’s Coatings, we provide high-quality concrete polishing services for any surface you require them on. And while it won’t take long due to how little they require, we’re also here to give you some basic instructions on how to care for your polished concrete floors. These steps take very little time, and will help avoid dulling of the surface or the concrete wearing down over time. Here are a couple simple areas to consider.

polished concrete floor cleaning

Dry Mop

The only task that should be performed daily, or close to daily, for your polished concrete surfaces is a basic run-through with a dry mop. If you have particular areas of the floor that receive higher amounts of traffic than others, these should get special attention with the dry mop.

We recommend using a microfiber pad, or some other very soft material, to avoid even the slight risk of scratching the surface. Use this item to pick up basic dust, which may not cause much of an issue in the short-term but can wear down the shine of your polish over time. If you’ve noticed certain areas that pick up and hold lots of dirt even despite daily mopping, consider using mats or rugs in these areas (entry points are the most common need here).

Wet Mop

While you don’t have to do it every day necessarily, we highly recommend using a wet mop on the polished concrete at least a few times per week. You’ll usually need nothing but warm water and a mop, though a specific cleaning solution might be needed if you have specific stains or dirt to clean. If you do use a cleaning product, ensure it has a neutral pH – products that are too acidic or alkaline can dull the shine of the surface.

Sealer and Burnishing

In some cases, basic dulling of the polished surface is virtually unavoidable due to major foot traffic and other stresses. In these cases, you can resolve the issue using a cheap, simple application of a sealer and burnishing on the floor. However, if you follow the simple mopping directions we gave you above, most floors won’t deal with dulling issues more than once every few years, if even that often.

For more on how to care for and maintain your polished concrete surfaces, or to learn more about our services in this area or epoxy coatings, concrete staining and others, speak to the pros at Packman’s Coatings today.

How Waterproof Concrete Coatings Keep Your Family Safe

For those who haven’t worked with them before, waterproof concrete coatings may seem like a purely aesthetic concern. They keep whatever surface they’re applied to looking brand new and minimize basic upkeep requirements, and this convenience is absolutely an important chunk of what makes waterproof coatings so valuable.

At Packman’s Coatings, however, we’re here to tell you that our waterproof concrete coatings provide another vital service: Protecting you and your family from the potential for a few health and safety concerns that might otherwise be present. Let’s break down the connection between concrete coating and family safety in the home, with a nod to some of the areas you may not have considered before.concrete coatings

Health Concerns

Have you ever been in a friend’s home basement and noticed a consistent musty smell? This is usually due to a water leak present somewhere on the property, one that’s seeping down to the lowest area of the home and may have contributed to the formation of mold and mildew in the basement area.

Many homeowners don’t realize it, but toxic black mold – the most harmful kind out there, and one that threatens the health of humans and pets alike – can grow in just 24 to 48 hours in the right conditions. It can lead to everything from skin allergies to headaches, fever, coughs, eye irritation, or even the early onset of asthma in many children.

One way to remove this risk entirely? Strong concrete waterproofing. Concrete that allows water to seep through is one of the top causes of all the issues listed above, but you can prevent this once and for all with our services.

Strong Foundation

Another area that’s directly benefited by good waterproofing is your home’s foundation. Water damage is one of the largest risks to the foundation, with the potential for cracks or other damage that forms out of sight over the years. If it’s bad enough, the home’s entire structure can become damaged and the building will be unsafe.

Once again, though, waterproofing prevents this. It keeps water from seeping into the foundation and causing these issues to begin with.

Fewer Risks

Many families use the basement as extra space, whether it’s for a child playroom area, exercise, leisure or some combination therein. Why worry that any member of your family is at risk when in this area? Avoid the possibility of flooding, leaking, dry rot, or the inhalation of black mold that might take place with water buildup. Peace of mind is very important for many homeowners and their families, and waterproofing is one of the top ways to achieve it in this area.

For more on how waterproofing services help protect you and your family, or to learn about any of our concrete polishing, waterproofing or coating services, speak to the pros at Packman’s Coatings today.

Risks of Water Damage from Poor Waterproofing

If you’ve never learned about waterproofing before and are considering it for your home, you might be thinking that you don’t really need it. A little water in the basement every now and then isn’t that big of a deal, you’re thinking, and your home’s natural construction will prevent anything worse than that from happening.

At Packman’s Coatings, we’re here to tell you how dangerous this approach can be as a homeowner. Our waterproof concrete coatings aren’t just for cosmetic or rare emergency reasons – they’re vital for protecting both the structural integrity of your home and the health of those inside it. Let’s look at some of the major risks you’re taking if you allow water damage to take place in the home through a lack of waterproofing.
risks water damage waterproofing

Health

The first and most important area you’re risking here is the health of both yourself and any other occupants of your home or building. Water buildup, whether it’s in more common areas like basements and crawl spaces or any others, can become particularly problematic when combined with high humidity levels (this is why these areas are often the first to be hit).

When moisture in the air condenses on walls, ceilings or other surfaces, it leads to the development of harmful mold. Mold, in turn, can cause issues ranging from exacerbated allergy symptoms up to hay fever and other significant respiratory issues. Many people’s health is at major risk when continuously exposed to mold – which they may not even know they’re breathing in.

In addition, the potential for flooding due to water damage raises other health concerns. Flooding of dirty water can lead to massive contamination risks, and even worse is “black” water that may get in through sewage or human waste routes. These kinds of floods will require professional cleanup services and may also dictate a trip to the doctor or hospital if you’re exposed.

Structural Damage

Another serious potential risk of water intrusion in your home is damage to various structural elements. The first and most common theme here is rot, which can take place due to prolonged water exposure and can damage virtually any part of your home, including the all-important foundation. Even some of the strongest support structures in your home can be damaged and even completely ruined in some cases by rot, which – like mold formation – can often take place without the occupants of the building actually noticing it.

In these cases, even if you aren’t sure rot is present, reach out to our pros immediately. We can assess any damage for you and recommend waterproofing solutions to prevent this from ever happening in the future.

For more on the risks of water damage and poor waterproofing, or to learn about any of our concrete coatings, speak to the pros at Packman’s Coatings today.

Common Waterproofing Myths Debunked

There are a number of misconceptions out there when it comes to several areas of home improvement, and one such area is waterproofing. Many people don’t really understand how this process works, or don’t realize the benefits it may have for several areas of the home during every season of the year.

At Packman’s Coatings, we provide vital waterproof concrete coatings for several surfaces, from decks to patios and garage floors. We also provide accurate, detailed information on what these services can do for you and why you might be right to consider them. With that in mind, let’s go over some of the most common myths out there surrounding waterproofing, plus set the record straight on each of them.
common waterproofing myths debunked

Myth #1: It’s Too Expensive

For starters, anyone claiming waterproofing is too expensive is taking a strange approach when speaking so generally – all waterproofing jobs are different, and the cost will depend on the precise needs. In many cases, discounts will be available for large enough areas.

More importantly, though, you have to consider waterproofing from a long-term standpoint. Even if the up-front cost is more than you had imagined, remember that this is an investment for decades into your future. Instead of paying thousands in water and other damages down the line, pay a smaller amount now and protect yourself from any risks here.

Myth #2: Black Tar Paint

Some people assume that if they just buy some black tar paint and apply it themselves to important areas, they can skip professional waterproofing services. However, this is simply false – black tar paint is only good for keeping our vapors, not actual moisture or water damage. It will not protect your home from leaks anywhere near the same way a professionally installed waterproofing system will.

Myth #3: It’s All the Same

On the flip side, you might assume that because waterproofing solutions worked for one area of your property, they will work for all others. But in reality, different areas may require different waterproofing solutions – you need pros like ours who are adaptable and understand the full range of waterproofing needs that may be present for a home. We can talk to you about areas that can receive similar solutions compared to those that need something unique.

Myth #4: It’s Not Permanent

Finally, many people don’t want to pay for waterproofing because they believe it won’t last – but these folks have likely dealt with people who aren’t dedicated professionals in the field, such as general handymen or landscapers. These professionals, while good at their jobs, may not have the same kinds of high-quality waterproofing solutions we do. Our technologies are both permanent and effective for waterproofing, meaning you won’t be returning every few years for costly upgrades.

For more on correcting myths on waterproof coatings, or to learn about any of our concrete or epoxy coatings, speak to the pros at Packman’s Coatings today.