Floating Concrete Floor Vs Floating Concrete Finish
24th May 2022 Concrete is an important material in construction – it’s used for buildings, bridges, roads and dams, and is used for structural applications like pipework and drainage. Concrete flooring also offers considerable advantages – like strength, fire resistance and longevity. But with the different types of concrete flooring options available, which one will best suit your next construction project?
Following on from the success of our guide to concrete flooring finishes, we take a specific look at two types of concrete flooring – floating concrete floors and floating concrete finishes. Read on to learn the differences between the two, the benefits of each and why you should trust The LGW Group for all your concrete flooring needs.
Contact us today to arrange a site survey for your concrete floor.
What is a floating concrete floor?
A floating concrete floor is formed of floating concrete slabs that are laid on the ground without any type of anchoring.
Floating concrete floors are idea for small structures that do not require solid, strong foundations (like garden sheds or garages).
What are the benefits of a floating concrete floor?
Floating concrete floors come with many benefits, such as:
Ideal for building extensions
Implementing floating slabs will not affect the existing foundation, meaning they will not interfere with any structures that are already built. This makes them the perfect floor solution for building extensions.
No need for additional groundworks
Floating slabs do not cause any disturbance to the ground underneath as the slabs are applied and placed above ground.
Prevents ground moisture
Floating slabs act as a barrier, preventing any moisture from entering from the ground, avoiding any water seepage and frosting. It’s why floating concrete floors are common in locations with cold climates.
What is a floating concrete finish?
A concrete finish is accomplished through a power float to smooth and level a hardened concrete floor once water has evaporated from the ground. A power float machine utilises its rotating circular pans to achieve a smooth and polished finish.
Concrete finishes are typically found across all sectors, but are ideal for areas with high traffic – like industrial settings such as warehouses and factories.
What are the benefits of a floating concrete finish?
There are many advantages to opting for a floating concrete finish. These include:
Durable
As an incredibly durable surface, floating concrete finish flooring can withstand the weight of heavy machinery that is often found in industrial warehouses. What’s more, the smooth surface is waterproof – any spillages can simply be mopped up.
Resistant to cracking
Power floating recompacts the concrete floor, removing the potential for the concrete to dry too quickly and crack. The smooth finish also reduces the likelihood of cracks in the future.
Low maintenance
Floating concrete finish flooring is easy to clean and manage – as a floating concrete finish is a shiny and smooth surface, your cleaning efforts will not be hindered by small bumps or grooves in the floor.
Which is better – a floating concrete floor or a floating concrete finish?
This all comes down to the building structure that will host the concrete floor; for smaller settings that do not need a strong foundation (like a house extension), we recommend a floating concrete floor. For larger, busier spaces (such as a manufacturing facility) we suggest a floating concrete finish.
The LGW Group can handle all types of concrete flooring, and we will work with you from initial site survey to completion to make sure your concrete floor is completed to the highest quality and is long-lasting.
The LGW Group are Concrete Flooring Specialists
If you’re working on a construction project, whether professionally or as a hobby, then you could benefit from our concrete flooring services. Strengthen your concrete and give yourself peace of mind by bringing in hugely experienced engineers who have impeccably served the South for many years.
The LGW Group brings together some of the South’s leading construction specialists, including experts in concrete services. To find out more information about our concrete flooring services, get in touch today on 0117 958 2090 or complete and submit our online contact form.