If you own a commercial building of any sort, you'll want to ensure that you keep the parking lot and walkways in good repair. Any chips, dents, or holes in these surfaces can mean damage to vehicles as well as pedestrian trips and falls, for which you may be financially liable. Poor-quality concrete can also detract from the look of your building and reduce your property values. When you're ready to have new commercial concrete poured, note some common misconceptions about this material and its installation so you know what to discuss with a concreter at a company like Liquid Rock Constructions Pty Ltd and know what to expect from the end result.
All concrete is alike
Concrete is actually a mixture of various amounts of cement, sand, gravel, and water, and a concreter will often create a specific batch that will work well for a certain surface. For example, in a parking lot, you may need a layer of concrete that is softer and thicker than that used for walkways, so it won't crack under heavy trucks. This mixture may need to be further adjusted if the soil on your property is especially dry so the concrete will hold its structure. Your concreter may actually take a soil sample from your property, or they may quote different prices for different areas of your property, as they may need to make specific batches for a walkway versus an entrance to a shipping area.
Forklifts damage polished concrete
Commercial concrete flooring is often installed inside warehouses, as it's very durable and can be polished to a high gloss finish. It's a common misconception that forklifts will damage or mar polished concrete; however, while the wheels of the forklift can leave scuff marks behind, these can often be polished away with a cloth mop. Otherwise, forklifts and other such equipment shouldn't damage polished concrete floors.
Aggregates are likely to chip or come loose
An aggregate is a material that is added to the top layer of concrete to give it texture; these are usually small pebbles or rocks that are crushed or otherwise sized specifically for use on concrete. Once the aggregate is added, a layer of sealant is put on top of the concrete to protect the material.
Note that this aggregate is lodged into the concrete, which then dries around it, and this sealant also keeps the aggregate in place; it's very unlikely that normal foot traffic or vehicle traffic can loosen or chip aggregate. If you want to add texture and traction to your commercial concrete, don't hesitate to ask your concreter about what aggregates can be added and their overall durability.
