| The potentials of concrete as a finish material in residential and
commercial applications have only recently begun to be explored;
however, an exposed concrete floor is often an energy- and
cost-efficient alternative to other finish solutions such as wood
flooring and carpet. Virtually every new residential construction
project in the Austin area is slab-on-grade, and many commercial
projects utilize site-cast concrete floor slabs. Typically, the
concrete slab has acted as a substrate for a finish material such as
hardwood flooring, vinyl or ceramic tile, or carpet. The emergence of a
variety of concrete coloring, staining, and finishing techniques has
made interior exposed concrete floors and surfaces an additional finish
option with a unique aesthetic.
There are many
benefits to choosing to leave interior concrete floors exposed.
Economic advantages include not having to purchase and install an
additional finish material on top of the floor slab; additionally, the
inherent durability of concrete also saves long-term maintenance and
replacement costs that are associated with conventional finish flooring
such as carpet, hardwood, and the like. Concrete is a thermally
comfortable surface, slow to heat up and cool off, which helps to
moderate indoor climate. It is also a good choice for radiant floor
applications. Health benefits include better indoor air quality as the
need for flooring adhesives is eliminated, and elimination of indoor
allergens that typically accompany carpeting. Exposed concrete floors
are very low-maintenance, requiring only a wet-mop for cleaning.
Much
of the more specific information in the "Considerations" and
"Guidelines" sections was excerpted from the Concrete Network website, www.concretenetwork.com
Additional resources on flooring re-use and recycle.
http://www.carpet-rug.com/commercial-customers/green-building-and-the-environment/recycle-recover-and-reuse.cfm
http://www.p2pays.org/ref/13/12625.pdf
However, once concrete, even overlays, are applied they can be very durable and long term thus making them very environmentally friendly. Most decorative systems of staining and sealing concrete can very friendly to the environment. Even acid-staining elements, though caustic to the contractor, are more friendly to the environment then solvents or alkali based chemicals.
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