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Concrete Cleaning

Jan 21
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How a Home’s Flooring Affects Market Value

By Carpet Cleaning, Concrete Cleaning, Deep Cleaning, Natural Stone Cleaning, Tile and Grout, Upholstery Cleaning, Wood Floor Cleaning

how home's flooring affect market valueIf you’re preparing to sell a home, chances are you’ve already identified several problem areas you’d like to tackle in order to increase the resale value. Drywall, paint, cabinet hardware, and flooring are all common areas for improvement. Flooring, in particular, is an area many realtors suggest deep cleaning or changing before sale to improve the overall market value of the home.

It can be tempting to rip out older carpet and invest in the hardwood that is so popular with today’s home buyers. Often, sellers elect to install cheap, new flooring instead of restoring their existing flooring – and they may do so at a cost they won’t recoup when it’s time to sell the home.

In many cases, it’s more cost effective to deep clean rather than replace.

Carpets

If existing carpet is still serviceable, it is likely better to keep and deep clean it than replace it with other carpeting. Prospective owners like hardwoods, but are often primarily looking for cleanliness and may even be calculating the amount of time left before they’ll need to replace your existing flooring with their own. It can be difficult to recoup the cost of new carpet in a home sale; it is often better to clean the carpet and offer a small allowance if the buyer asks.

Tile

Tile is the preferred flooring in bathrooms and kitchens. It can be expensive and time consuming to remove, particularly if it was installed correctly. After its removal, you also risk installing a flooring prospective buyers plan on tearing out anyway, and you may not recoup the costs of the new flooring.

To make the most of your current tile floor and increase the resale value, make sure it is clean. Invest in a service to deep clean the tile and the surrounding grout, as well as apply a sealant to ensure new stains don’t linger, and you’ll recoup the costs in the sale of your home.

Wood

Hardwood is the preferred choice of most home buyers in today’s market, but the wood needs to be in good condition. Otherwise, buyers will likely see nothing but mounting costs and time in order to refinish it. Instead of undertaking this time-consuming work yourself – or, worse, covering your wood floors with new carpeting – consider hiring a professional wood floor restoration service.

Your existing flooring will be buffed, cleaned, and resealed, and any discolorations or penetrating stains treated. Your floor will now have the look of a new wood floor, increasing the market value of your home without the cost of new flooring.

No matter what type of floors are in your home, Professional Surface Restoration has a deep cleaning solution designed to increase the market value of your home without the need for replacement flooring.

Call (419) 705-8693 to request a consultation and demo.

 

Sep 18
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How to Winterize Your Concrete Floor

By Concrete Cleaning, Concrete Sealing

how to winterize your concreteConcrete is a porous material, and despite its strength and durability, this means it’s vulnerable to certain weather conditions. Winter weather – especially snow – can wear down concrete surfaces by seeping into the material. Much like roads and sidewalks, concrete patio floors and driveways can experience destructive freeze/thaw cycles during the winter. As a homeowner, it’s important to understand why the winter poses such a big threat to concrete surfaces and how you can act to protect your concrete during the coldest months of the year.

Concrete’s porosity gives it the ability to absorb water. When the weather is warm, moisture in the air, such as rain or dew, can evaporate after it’s absorbed by concrete. But as temperatures go below 32 degrees, the moisture in the air freezes and expands after it is absorbed by the concrete. This not only causes cracks to develop on the concrete’s exterior surface, but it places extreme pressure on its internal foundation as well.

Once the concrete is cracked, it’s at a higher risk of damage because water can easily get into the openings and apply pressure as it solidifies and expands. This weakens the overall stability of the concrete surface and creates a potentially hazardous walking surface.

Thankfully, you have ample time to avoid the consequences of damaged concrete surfaces before the winter begins. Consider the following winterization steps to protect your home’s concrete exteriors from deterioration as the temperatures drop.

Check Your Concrete for Signs of Damage 

The first step in winterizing your concrete surface is to evaluate its current condition. If the surface is showing signs of damage, such as cracks, unevenness, or spalling, the best solution is to have these issues repaired as soon as possible. Making a point to get the damage repaired now will help prevent it from metastasizing as the temperatures drop.

If your concrete slab has cracks but is still even, you can repair the fissures with a durable sealant. However, concrete surfaces that are uneven or with cracks bigger than a quarter inch might need to be professionally repaired or resurfaced.

Seal All Concrete Surfaces 

Sealing is the optimal way to preserve your concrete and doing so before the temperatures start to decrease will help shield it from damage that occurs a when moisture from snow and ice seeps into the concrete’s surface. If your concrete is free of cracks or has just been repaired, you can protect it with an acrylic sealant to keep it safe from moisture during the winter.

If you’re not sure how much difference professional cleaning and sealing might make for your concrete surfaces, why not see an expert demonstration? Professional Surface Restoration offers free estimates with no obligation.

For additional information, visit our concrete cleaning and sealing web page, or contact us to set up an appointment.

Aug 16
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Concrete Floor Maintenance Tips

By Concrete Cleaning

Concrete Floor Maintenance TipsOne of the perks of installing polished concrete floors in your home, garage, or patio is its low maintenance. Concrete is strong and durable, and part of the charm is in its imperfections. Without a bit of regular floor maintenance and care, however, you risk exposing your concrete floors to the elements. Concrete is porous and can absorb stains that may blemish your space. Use these concrete floor maintenance tips and techniques to protect you for the long haul!

Dust Mop Daily

If you want your concrete floors to look their absolute best, dust mop daily using a soft microfiber cloth. Going over your floors each day with a dust mop can remove dirt, dust, and debris that might otherwise be too abrasive for your polished concrete. You might also need to wet mop with clean water a few times per week to remove harder-to-clean spots. The more often you dust-mop, the shinier your polished concrete floors will remain.

Use a Neutral-pH Cleaner

Concrete floors are special in that cleaners that are too acidic or alkaline can deteriorate the flooring material. Don’t put your floors at risk or accidentally dull the shine of the polish with the wrong cleaner. Make sure you’re mopping with a mix of clean water and a cleaner with a neutral pH balance to prevent abrading, discoloring, and deteriorating your beautiful concrete floors. Avoid cleaners that are “heavy duty,” contain acid, or have vinegar or other acidic ingredients. The manufacturer of your floors or sealant may have recommendations.

Clean Up Spills Quickly

You don’t want to test the stain-resistance of your concrete floor sealer if you don’t have to. Clean up spills immediately to make sure your floors don’t absorb any colors, liquids, or odors. Stained concrete floors can be difficult to make like new again. The best way to maintain their clean and shiny appearance is to mop up spills right away. You might also want to consider laying down mats or rugs in high-traffic areas to catch dirt, grime, and spills before they reach your floors.

Seal against Water

Concrete floors are water- and stain-resistant, but eventually you will need to reseal them to make sure the protection from the elements lasts. Reapply the sealant every few years to keep your concrete floors looking like new. If you don’t reseal your floors every few years, they could be more prone to water damage, stains, and abrasions. Hire our professionals if you don’t think you can clean or reseal your concrete floors alone!

If you’re not sure how much difference professional cleaning and sealing might make for your concrete surfaces, why not see an expert demonstration? Professional Surface Restoration offers free estimates with no obligation. Contact us to set up an appointment.

Jul 18
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What to Clean Before Putting Your Home Up for Sale

By Carpet Cleaning, Concrete Cleaning, Deep Cleaning, Furniture Cleaning, Tile and Grout, Upholstery Cleaning, Wood Floor Cleaning

What to cleanSelling your home takes ample preparation, and not just in thinking about the financial aspects and figuring out where you’ll move to next. As you’re working on vacating your home, someone else will be determining if it is the place they want to move into. You need to make sure that everything looks as appealing to a potential buyer as possible.

You want your house to have vibe appeal – that intangible factor that makes it feel like home to a prospective buyer. Despite not having concrete elements, vibe appeal goes a long way to making a sale. While you don’t want to dig into any massive investments that won’t bring you proportionate payout, little touch-ups can make a big difference in making your home more appealing to its future residents.

Surface Cleaning

A clean home is easily one of the major components of vibe appeal, and thorough cleaning means your house will look as attractive to potential buyers as possible. Cleaning up any dust, polishing metals, and wiping down the windows can make a big impression on visitors.

Carpet

You don’t just want to stop at surface cleaning, however. Beyond general tidiness, give your carpets a thorough once-over. Don’t just stop at vacuuming; get your carpets professionally cleaned so they look and feel the best they can.

Tile and Grout

Tiles make for a great stylistic choice, but grout has the unfortunate tendency to show staining, even with regular cleaning. A full-scale deep cleaning of grout can make your tile look tip-top, giving the impression of newer tiles.

While all tiles are important, you want to take special care when tending to your bathroom. A dirty bathroom can give the impression that the whole home is dirty. Eliminating any traces of dirty grout will help your restroom contribute to the sale of your home instead of driving potential buyers away.

Front Lawn and Driveway

The adage “don’t judge a book by its cover” unfortunately does not apply to homebuyers. Before they even consider taking a tour, potential buyers will decide if they want to buy your house based on the front exterior. You need to do a little more than stick a “for sale” sign in your driveway to make people want to step inside.

Make sure you’ve tended to your front lawn. Adding a few plants and flowers helps make your house look attractive to others. If you have a driveway, keeping that in shape is essential, as well. Tend to any potential cracks and power wash the concrete.

Removing Clutter

There’s a chance your house has been your home for a substantial amount of time, and it’s filled with your belongings and memories. You need to remove as much mess as possible. Clean up any clutter for showings, so potential buyers can feel they have enough space and imagine themselves at home. For areas such as closets, removing at least half of your clothes can make the space seem roomier.

Cleaning is easily one of the most critical parts in successfully selling your home. Be as thorough as possible and watch your vibe appeal increase as a result.

Thinking about putting your home up for sale? Call us today at (419) 705-8693 to request a FREE demo.

May 09
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5 Cleaning Tips to Maintain Your Concrete Surfaces

By Concrete Cleaning

concrete surfacesWith summer right around the bend, many homeowners will be pursuing their deep-cleaning plans to prepare their homes for the warmer months. Many homeowners forget to include the cleaning of hard surfaces, such as concrete and natural stone in their cleaning efforts. These surfaces require routine maintenance and cleaning, especially if you want to keep them looking great between professional cleaning and sealing services.

To make sure the concrete surfaces of your patio and around your pool are ready in time for the spring and summer months, check out the following five ways to keep your hard surfaces looking as good as possible:

  1. Use Baking Soda or Vinegar-Based Solutions

Baking soda and vinegar are two great ingredients for cleaning cement and concrete patios. Both are safe and natural options. To remove heavy stains, use a mixture of equal parts vinegar and water. For a gentler cleaning solution, mix ½ cup baking soda with one gallon of water and 1/8 cup of liquid dishwashing detergent. Simply spray your patio thoroughly, scour, and rinse completely.

  1. Pressure Washing

If your patio is severely stained or mildewed, it might be a good idea to utilize a pressure washer, which can be rented or purchased at a tool rental center or your local home improvement store. Be sure to follow the directions when using the machine and to wear eye protection because these machines send water out in quick, forceful streams.

  1. Protect Stains with Concrete Sealer

When your patio is thoroughly cleaned, you can ensure it is safe from additional stains with the use of a concrete sealer. Always begin at the center of your patio and use a paint roller to spread the sealant out to the corners. When your patio is dry, it will be shiny and clear just in time your first barbecue of the season.

  1. Use Walk Off Mats

Dirt can erode the exterior layer of a hard surface, and it can cause serious damage if it is not kept at bay. If you have concrete flooring inside your home, experts say having at a walk off mat with a length of at least 5 feet can reduce approximately 35 percent of the soil from reaching a hard surface. Even better, a walk off mat of 25 feet can deter nearly all of the soil from getting to and deteriorating your hard surface floor covering.

  1. Conduct Routine Maintenance of Concrete Surfaces

The best way to avoid lasting stains and surface erosion to your hard surface flooring is to reduce the amount of debris and dirt that accumulates on a regular basis. Basic weekly or monthly upkeep means starting with dry maintenance procedures including sweeping, dusting, microfiber mopping, and vacuuming, and then moving on to wet maintenance procedures, such as spot and wet or damp mopping.

For questions about how to maintain your concrete surfaces, call Professional Surface Restoration at (419) 705-8693 today.

Sep 26
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4 Reasons to Consider Concrete Cleaning and Sealing

By Concrete Cleaning

Concrete CleaningYour concrete surfaces suffer the effects of dirt and grime more than other types of surface. Over the years, concrete can become stained from chemical spills, chewing gum, and more. Concrete cleaning and sealing can return your soiled surfaces to brand new. If you’ve been thinking about having your concrete cleaned, here’s why you should call an expert today.

  1. Concrete Cleaning Improves Curb Appeal

Before you invest in any type of home improvement, you want to know what value you’re receiving in exchange for your dollars. Dirt and discoloration build up over time, so you might not notice how much your concrete has changed from when it was new.

You might sweep away or scrub at your concrete, but that doesn’t provide the deep-level cleaning that comes from hiring a professional. Technicians perform a comprehensive analysis of your concrete surfaces and use professional-grade equipment and chemicals to loosen every bit of debris. Heated, high-pressure extraction sucks away what scrubbing removed so it can’t be redeposited. Experts then seal your surface to help it resist future stains.

  1. Sealing Protects Your Investment

Whether you’re finally installing the patio of your dreams or restoring your current one to its previous glory, a sealer can protect your concrete for years to come. You wax your car to protect its paint and apply sunscreen to protect your skin. Sealing provides the same type of protection for your concrete surfaces.

Unsealed concrete is exposed to the elements. When moisture settles on your concrete, it freezes and thaws repeatedly throughout harsh Ohio winters. Fluctuating temperatures can cause unsealed concrete to weaken. Chemicals and oil are also able to quickly penetrate concrete that remains unsealed.

  1. Sealing Adds Luster

You choose how your concrete will look after professionals apply sealer. Most sealers soak into the concrete and become invisible after they dry. Acrylic resin sealers and epoxies can give your concrete a glossy surface. Sealers can also be tinted to change the color of your concrete.

  1. Sealer Is Long-Lasting

Some maintenance has to be repeated every year, but with proper care, sealers can last for years. Because they penetrate deep into your concrete, they offer long-term protection.

If you’re not sure how much difference professional cleaning and sealing might make for your concrete surfaces, why not see an expert demonstration? Professional Surface Restoration offers free estimates with no obligation. Contact us to set up an appointment.

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