Microcement Exteriors: Advantages, Benefits and Uses
微水泥 exteriors has become the trending decorative continuous flooring. A coating increasingly present in the minds of architects and construction companies due to its great advantages, making it the leading alternative for covering outdoor floors such as terraces, patios, porches, gardens, swimming pools, and even walls and façades.
If you’ve always thought that microcement was exclusively for interior decoration, reading this article will completely change your perception, and for the better. Here, you’ll find everything you need to know about exterior microcement, a rising decorative trend: advantages, cost, application, finishes… Why choose microcement for exteriors?
There are many reasons why choosing microcement for exteriors is an excellent idea, whether it’s for coating walls, façades, porches, or as an exterior continuous flooring, the latter being the experts’ preferred option.
In any case, applying microcement in exteriors guarantees creating stunning environments, as it forms a coating with excellent adhesion, allowing its application on a wide range of substrates and materials. A continuous decorative coating that combines powerful visual aesthetics on one hand and outstanding functionality on the other.
Here are the six main advantages that have popularized microcement in exteriors:
- Microcement for exteriors provides continuity
Microcement is a continuous coating that is applied directly over the existing substrate. That is, it doesn’t require expansion joints. This is a huge added value that allows exterior microcement to blend perfectly with other architectural and decorative elements, giving a sense of continuity and harmony between all components. This continuity can go further, with exterior microcement acting as a bridge with the indoor space of the home or building.
- Exterior microcement is highly resistant to traffic
The high performance of microcement remains intact in exteriors. One example is its resistance to foot traffic, the main factor that has led to exterior microcement becoming a well-known alternative to other coatings such as natural or artificial stone, tiles, concrete, or mosaic, among many others.
- Rain and heat do not affect exterior microcement
Weather conditions are crucial when architects, designers, and other construction professionals select materials for exteriors. Microcement, if a high-quality type is used and it is protected and sealed with the appropriate varnishes, will not be affected by rain or heat.
- Exterior microcement has antiseptic properties
Thanks to its seamless surface, exterior microcement prevents the growth of fungi, weeds, or bacteria, thus creating an antiseptic environment. Additionally, it is a decorative coating that is very easy to clean and requires minimal maintenance and care.
- Exterior microcement flooring is non-slip
Finding materials that provide a non-slip finish for exterior coatings is non-negotiable. That’s why you’ll be pleased to know that there are types of microcements (like Sttandard Microstone, our microcement for exteriors) that possess this property, making exterior microcement flooring a completely slip-free area.
Another non-slip microcement for exteriors is Atlanttic, our two-component microcement specifically designed for pools. In fact, at Satine, we also offer Topsealer WT Anti Slip, our water-based polyurethane varnish that makes exterior surfaces coated with microcement non-slip.
- Microcement for exteriors is very durable
Last but not least, if there is one characteristic that perfectly defines exterior microcement, it is its durability. It is a flooring or wall coating capable of maintaining its optimal properties over time.
Thus, with exterior microcement, you not only achieve a high-end, elegant, and sophisticated decorative finish, but also a very long-lasting coating, almost imperishable.
Ideas for using microcement in exteriors
Microcement can be perfectly used in a variety of ways in outdoor spaces. Below are some of the best ideas for using exterior microcement, thanks to its limitless customization of finishes and colors. Take note!
- Microcement for terraces
The most common use of microcement in exteriors is for flooring, especially on terraces. It’s a coating capable of covering large areas like terraces in a single piece, thus preventing the accumulation of dirt. But most importantly, the beauty of its finishes and its magnificent resistance to water and humidity make exterior microcement a great choice for terraces.
- Microcement for fachades
Walls and façades covered with microcement offer the same benefits as floors. And if you combine it with exterior microcement flooring, the sense of space will multiply exponentially. The extensive customization allows you to achieve anything from minimalist and industrial finishes to rougher or more rustic looks.
- Microcement for swimming pools
When building a pool, construction pools are usually chosen. With microcement pools, you can achieve the same spectacular results with the added advantage of not needing costly construction work. This results in a time-saving that directly correlates to a reduction in labor costs.
Not to mention that exterior microcement for pools adapts perfectly to any space, even if your terrace is small or has complicated slopes.
How much does exterior microcement cost?
It may seem like the price of exterior microcement is higher than for interiors. However, this impression is completely incorrect. The final cost of applying exterior or interior microcement depends on the same factors: the condition of the substrate (if there is moisture, if it’s unstable, if it needs repairs, etc.), the area in square meters to be coated, and the complexity of the work.
Only in one case is the price of exterior microcement higher: for pools. Why? Because its application is much more complex and requires more skilled labor.
How to correctly apply microcement in exteriors
To apply exterior microcement without problems, a series of steps must be strictly followed. Mistakes in the process would result in a final finish far from what is desired and expected. That’s why it’s so important to work with a skilled and experienced professional.
These are the six steps for applying microcement in exteriors:
- Prepare the substrate to be coated with exterior microcement. Ensure it is in good condition, and if not, repair it.
- Place fiberglass mesh over the future exterior microcement floor or wall, which will help reinforce the future continuous decorative coating.
- Prime the future exterior microcement coating with an adhesion promoter.
- Apply two coats of base microcement for exteriors.
- Apply two coats of finishing microcement for exteriors.
- Seal the exterior microcement coating with a high-quality varnish.
