Untreated concrete is dull, easily stained, and prone to damage from impacts and harsh weather conditions. What's the answer?

In Napa Valley, concrete coating is a go-to solution, and for good reason. Coated concrete is a stylish and durable method of protection for basement floors, garage floors, pool decks, driveways, wineries, and more.

Although effective, concrete coatings can fail over time. Especially if the composition is lower quality or if installation is performed incorrectly. How do you know that it's time for a new concrete coating?

Whether you have an epoxy coating or polyurea coating, the signs of wear and improper installation are the same. Just one of these signs means that the concrete underneath the coating is at risk for damage, so there's only one thing to do.

Here are the top 5 signs that it's time for a new concrete coating:

1. There are visible cracks.

Concrete coating is made to expand and contract in order to adapt to changing temperatures and the ever-shifting ground beneath. However, the elasticity of concrete coating wears down over time and cracks form as a result. The problem is when dirt, moisture, and other particles get into these cracks. This leads to further damage to the concrete coating as well as the concrete beneath.

2. The surface is uneven.

If you can feel dips and bumps as you walk along the concrete floor, then you have a problem. Sometimes this is the natural result of the ground moving beneath. This can also result from lousy installation. Dirty equipment, a low-quality roller sleeve, or the failure to remove all sand blasting materials and debris can leave hard lumps behind.

3. Standing water is a common occurrence.

If your floor is consistently damp or if cleaning spills seems more difficult than it should be, then you have a water retention issue. This can mean one of two things. Either your concrete coating is no longer sealed properly, or vapor is making its way up through the floor below. In either case you will need a new concrete coating. If it's a vapor issue, then you will need to have a vapor barrier installed between the earth and your sub-floor beforehand.

4. The coating is peeling or bubbling.

Peeling or bubbling is a sure sign of improper installation. If the floor is not prepared properly, primed, and sealed, air will become trapped within the coating during the curing phase of the installation. This is known as out-gassing, and a reliable contractor knows how to avoid this mishap. Peeling occurs when the coating is applied on top of dirty concrete. If all dirt, oil, and moisture is not removed completely, the coating will not adhere properly.

5. Your floor is changing color.

There are many concrete floor coating colors and textures to choose from, and you likely put a lot of thought into choosing the perfect style. A major change in the color or general appearance of your floor is more than an affront to your aesthetic preferences; this could be a sign of moisture intrusion. As with the moisture issues mentioned above, make sure that you don't have a vapor problem before you apply a new coating. Otherwise you will wind up in the same boat within a few short years.

Whether you need to have your concrete coating reapplied after a faulty installation or many years of use, this isn't a project you want to put off. The longer you wait the more damage your concrete floor is enduring—and the more time and money you'll spend on repairs.

For a quality concrete coating company in Napa Valley that offers the professional installation you need at a fair price, contact Rasmusen Painting and Concrete Coating today!