Cement floors, as well as any other masonry element. They are often very feared by people when it comes to building them or repairing them. They always choose to call an expert before daring to make a mistake that threatens the stability of the structure. Let’s discuss how to repair the smooth cement floor.
Although we think it is a responsible decision, we believe that “calling the professional” should be something you do by your own choice; not by necessity. That is, everyone should know how to repair, maintain and care for every element of your home. After all, it is your heritage. And you should only go to a third party when you want to maximize your time. For that reason, today we’re going to show you how to repair your smoothed cement floor.
Advantages of the smooth cement floor
When we think of floors, the first word that comes to mind as interior designers are base. The bases for good decoration, the foundations for a solid heritage; the roots for a happy home.
Therefore, have a floor that constantly demands attention due to its fragility. It is not our favorite things. That is why we tend many times for the most stable floors and that do not get dirty in the long term.
Carpets are the victim’s par excellence of accidents in everyday life. Food crumbs, spilled liquids, even the needs of our pets; All those things are great to threaten for a carpet.
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Wood floors often suffer too much damage due to the dragging of furniture over them. Water can cause them to bulge. They are very fragile against the impacts of any kind.
Although there are other materials besides cement, some can be very expensive; all for being considered “exotic,” that is why in Visita Casas we decided on the basics and classic.
And although they are also at risk of damage, they are not as fragile compared to other types of floors; and repairing them is not expensive or complicated at all, so learn to repair them yourself by following these instructions!
Learn to work
This is not a job that can be done by taking shortcuts. Many people usually place carpets or laminated wood floors to cover the ugly cement floor. If it looks ugly, it’s because it has not been treated well.
So the first step we will teach you is to do things well. Let’s begin by chipping the loose cement; and here is the moment when you most need to pay attention to those little details. If the straightening is done well, surely you will not have to chop too much cement; but if you notice small loose pieces, pass the spatula as many times as necessary.
Sweep the debris, then clean with a vacuum cleaner and; Check again for pieces that are loose or chipped. Only when you can say that the floor looks solid around that area to be repaired; is when you can continue moving forward with the work of construction.
Preparing the right mixture for this type of work
Visits, children, furniture dragged, things that fall; etc. All that stress is something that our floor must support; so the smoothing layer should not only be level and shiny but should also have some elasticity, be flexible.
How is this elasticity achieved?
Well, the key is in the preparation of the mixture. Although you can use cement specially oriented for this type of floor. We will tell you the secret of the mix we prepare to perform this type of work.
Cement, cold glue and water
It is the secret to achieve a mixture that has enough elasticity; so that our floor support the stress of day to day without cracking. A whole bag of cement (42.5 Kg) should be mixed with 9 Kg of cold glue, the equivalent of half a wedge.
First, pour half of the water into the container where you will make the mixture and place 1/3 of the cement along with half of the cold glue. Mix until you achieve a homogeneous result and then you can add the rest of the components until you spend them.
Remember that you can use colored earth
The cement can also be mixed with sand for this type of work; although it is not necessary if you want to preserve the natural color of the floor. But if you are going to repair a flat that is red or green; then you must use dirt of that color to match the repair work.
And do not forget that, before placing the cement laying. It is best to previously apply an adhesion promoter. Thus the work will have a more optimal and professional finish.
How to make the laying of the new cement?
Once you have the mixture ready and with the elastic texture that you want; before applying it on the ground, first add a set accelerator, this is for a more professional finish.
Pour the mixture in the areas of the cement floors smoothed that you want to repair and; with a spatula laid at 45 °, he performs the laying motion always looking for the exit. The result will be a sticky and smooth laying; it is advisable to let it dry at least 24 hours before continuing to work on it.
Vitrifying the smoothed cement floors
Once you’ve managed to repair the cracks, broken corners or; that you have completely renewed the appearance. It always looking for the best face cement has to offer. Now that the laying is dry, it is time to correct the imperfections. We usually use two sandpapers, one of 220 and another of 180. Of course; depending on the level of imperfections you notice; you may have to use sandpaper of 400 or more. But you should always end up with a thinner, minimum of 120.
Once you have finished the process of leveling and removal of imperfections; again it returns to the broom and the vacuum cleaner, because now we will apply the vitrified one.
To do this, look for a product that is specifically for concrete and/or concrete; If you are using a specific color, then use that color. But we guarantee that the natural color of the cement with the secret mixture of Visita Casas is very beautiful; lighter than the cement you usually see on the street or in other houses.
To speed up the work, you can apply the glaze with a roller. If you notice small bubbles or annoying imperfections, again use sandpaper 120 and apply another layer. The drying of this product varies between 3 and 4 hours; everything depends on the climatic conditions in which you are working.
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Precautions and recommendations you should take
Climatic conditions are essential for this type of work. You should not do this type of cement laying job in direct sunlight. Premature drying of the job will cause long-term problems. Neither should be done if the ambient temperature is 5 ° C °.
The vitrification must be done according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. As usual; You should always apply the first coat of the product after mixing it in equal parts with some solvent. Two or three passes are usually necessary for this type of work. However, the second and third subsequent hands; they should always be the pure vitrifying agent.
Eliminates stains easily and efficiently
To remove stains that usually settle in the pores of cement floors; the best way is to go to the solution we have around the corner. The anti-fat cleanser we use for our dishes and the softener we use for clothes; They are the perfect allies to solve this problem.
With a toothbrush or a larger one, depending on the stain. Rub the degreaser on the floor stain. Remove the foam with a damp cloth and then; Use softener and a rag to clean excesses. Taking advantage of this simple solution, your cement floors will look like new forever.
