CHOOSE ADDITIONAL DESIGNS BY NUMBER
NOTES FOR FUTURE CLIENTS, PLEASE UNDERSTAND:
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Color of the concrete surface, might differ slightly from the color chart presented;
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Sometimes we can come across errors in materials (we can’t cover all the costs);
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Vegetation, acts of God, weather can’t be controlled by the contractor;
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If you decide that you want to request a seal service for your bare concrete(grey, plain that been recently poured or just protect an old one), know: because every slab is unique in its color and texture, the color of the concrete after sealer application is difficult to predict. The mix design, temperature, humidity, use of chemical admixtures, finishing techniques and porosity are just a few factors that will affect the concrete surface color. A sealer will deepen the true color of concrete and will highlight all the differences in the surface texture that result from floating and finishing. If you are looking for a esthetic look I would suggest to apply a solid coat, in this way you wouldn’t see imperfections. If you decide to do it, please Contact Us;
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Concrete sealers have limitations and require some level of maintenance to keep them looking and performing at a high level. Life span will vary by the type and traffic the sealer is subject to;
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Resealing will not fix issues with the concrete, such as color failure or efflorescence.
Concrete is made up of multiple materials. The stone, sand, water and cement are used to make concrete. These ingredients are nonidentical from location to location.
If one were to add an exact amount of the same pigment to 2-3 batches of concrete produced on different sites, the final colors would almost certainly not match. Not only would they not be an exact replica, but depending upon how different the color of the raw concrete is, the colored loads could vary by several shades!
There are simply too many variables that affect concrete’s final color.
A few of them are listed below:
Weather and site conditions
Relative humidity, dampness of the substrate, sun or shade, and windy conditions can all influence finishing practices and the final tone.
Moisture on the surface
Both during and soon after finishing, additional moisture on the surface, followed by evaporation, will cause the color to become a lighter shade.
Sealer choice
Sealants have a huge effect on final tone. Solvent-based acrylic sealers generally provide a higher gloss and can dramatically darken colors. Water-based, on the other hand, generally look more natural, less glossy and don’t darken the concrete as much. Penetrating sealers typically don’t change the appearance of concrete at all. The sealed surface appears virtually the same as unsealed colored concrete.
Considering these factors and more, it’s impossible for anyone — whether he or she is a manufacturer, concrete producer or contractor — to guarantee that the concrete’s final color will duplicate the color chart and everything will be perfect.
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From questions to answers
GENERAL QUESTIONS:
What is the difference between cement and concrete?
Although the terms cement and concrete often are used interchangeably, cement is actually an ingredient of concrete. Concrete is basically a mixture of aggregates and paste. The aggregates are sand and gravel or crushed stone; the paste is water and Portland cement. Concrete gets stronger as it gets older. Portland cement is not a brand name, but the generic term for the type of cement used in virtually all concrete, just as stainless is a type of steel and sterling a type of silver. Cement comprises from 10 to 15 percent of the concrete mix, by volume. Through a process called hydration, the cement and water harden and bind the aggregates into a rock like mass. This hardening process continues for years meaning that concrete gets stronger as it gets older.
So, there is no such thing as a cement sidewalk, or a cement mixer; the proper terms are concrete sidewalk and concrete mixer.
At what temperature can concrete be poured?
Concrete can be poured year around. We pour concrete without reservation when the daytime temperature is 45 degrees and above.
For epoxy coatings, the temperature should be between 55 and 95 degrees in order to obtain better results.
Do I need to remove topsoil and dirt before placing concrete?
Yes. Dirt and anything organic must be removed before placing concrete. Organic materials are unstable and unable to provide uniform support for concrete slabs.
If we want new concrete back patio, will the yard be affected?
Concrete work is not a no-mess proposition. If you are concerned about your yard, tell us about it, se we can protect it . Often this is accomplished by laying down plywood runners on which to drive equipment without rutting the yard. Plywood is expensive, so expect to pay more for this service.
How long after my job is done can I drive on my new concrete?
In most cases, 3-5 days of cure time is needed for the concrete to achieve the necessary strength for residential traffic. Cure times may vary depending on weather conditions, thickness and strength of the concrete.
What is the easiest patio to keep clean?
Concrete is the easiest material for a patio to keep clean.
What is fancy concrete called?
It is called Decorative Concrete, which is becoming more popular every single year. The biggest trends include stained, stamped, and other concrete finishes creating a refreshed, modern and updated look on front porches, back patios, pool decks, sidewalks, countertops, fire pits, outdoor kitchens, garage floors, office floors, showrooms, warehouse floors, barn floors, automotive floors, storage floors, etc.
How much does resurfacing cost?
The cost of your project depends on a variety of factors:
which product you choose
condition of your existing surface
your location
desired design
SPECIALIZED QUESTIONS:
My concrete has oil/grease stains. How can I get rid of them?
Commercial products are available in paint/hardware home centers.
Scrub stain with concentrated detergent using a stiff brush. Rinse well with water. Dry and repeat if necessary.
Sprinkle dishwasher detergent on wet concrete. Let it stand a few minutes, then pour boiling water on the area. Scrub and rinse.
Choosing decorative concrete over pavers or the deck?
Decorative concrete has a few advantages. One would be flexibility of design. The pattern, shape, and color options with concrete are virtually limitless. Unlike pavers, you shouldn’t need to use herbicide to kill weeds growing up through your concrete patio. Also, you don’t have to worry about differential settling of pavers during freeze cycles, or when pests burrow under your patio. Unlike wood decking, concrete presents no splinters or yearly re-staining, and concrete is more durable than wood. Last, concrete is the least expensive!
Where decorative concrete can be used?
Decorative concrete can be used at any driveways (stamped one or not), concrete decks, sidewalks, front porches, back patios, gazebos, garages, basements, concrete stairs inside or outside of your home, warehouses, barns, commercial entrances, retaining walls, countertops, etc.
Are concrete floors fashionable?
Yes, concrete floors are fashionable, especially in modern and minimalist designs. Their sleek, clean look complements open spaces and simple decor, making them a popular choice in contemporary homes and businesses. Besides their style, concrete floors are highly durable, fire-resistant, and allergen-free, since they don’t trap dust or allergens like carpets do. They also offer versatility in finishes, from stained to sealed, enhancing both function and aesthetics in any space.
3 ways to make old concrete look nice?
How do you make concrete more decorative?
How to decorate concrete floor?
What is a cheaper alternative to polished concrete?
A cheaper alternative to polished concrete is using a concrete sealer or epoxy coating. Sealing the concrete floor gives it a clean, shiny look and adds protection. Epoxy coatings are another option that can add color, shine, and durability to your concrete floor while offering a range of design choices. Both methods are easier and less expensive than full concrete polishing, but still provide a decorative finish.
Do you think i should seal the concrete?
Yes, it is highly recommended. Whether the concrete work is inside or out, just walking on your new finish will wear the color. Sunlight will “bleach” it. Left unsealed, water can migrate into it and (if outside) make it susceptible to cracks from freezing and thawing. Sealers will protect your investment.
How often should the concrete be resealed?
There are a lot of variables. It is advised between 12 to 24 months. If the concrete surface is in full shade, 3 years or more could be expected.
What is the dry time for the sealer?
Again there are a lot of variables. Most likely that will depend on the month when applied. For foot traffic 24 to 72 hours. Heavy traffic one week to 2 weeks.
Can you seal concrete years later?
Yes, you can seal concrete even years after it has been poured, as long as the surface is properly prepared beforehand. Sealing concrete years later is a great way to protect it from further wear and tear, enhance its appearance, and prevent damage from water, stains, and other elements. Sealing older concrete can revive its appearance and provide long-term protection, making it a worthwhile investment even years after installation.
How to take care of the concrete after the decorative work been finished?
Never use a pressure washer to clean your stamped concrete. Over time the high pressure breaks down the sealer and reduces the protection, the shine and expected life of the sealer.
Always use a gentle cleaner when washing stamped concrete. Best would be little warm water and soap.
Sweep the surface with a soft brush.
Always use a garden hose to rinse your stamped concrete. This will extend the life of the sealer.
Plan to reseal your stamped concrete at least every 12 to 24 months. If you wait too long between sealer applications the sealer will breakdown and allow the color to start fading.
Avoid over-spray from lawn sprinklers. Constant exposure to water on the surface will break down the sealer.
Avoid salts and deicers.
Pots and planters on top of the stamped concrete should be at least ½ off of the surface to allow the stamped concrete to dry and reduce humidity staining under the planter. Use a drip tray that catches the water.
Avoid watering plants with plant food or fertilizers that have high acidity over stamped concrete because it stains the concrete and destroys the sealer.
My concrete floor carry glue, carpet, tile, paint. Can the floor be stained or re-coated?
There is always a way to improve the aesthetic look of your concrete. Staining requires that the surface be free of anything, which will inhibit stain penetration. Therefore, any sealer, glue, paint, or anything else on the floor would need to be eliminated prior to staining. We will be happy to assist you and see how can we solve your problem.
Will decorative concrete increase the value of my home or business?
Is decorative concrete good for Arizona’s desert landscaping?
How much are you charging guys per square foot?
Usually the price ranges between $3.00 to $100.00 per square foot, depending on the complexity of the project. Every project is unique and you really can’t based it of square footage.
What are some other extra costs that we can expect?
debris removal
disposal fee
any additional changes prior to the project start
extra additional work involved after the project is completed
travel fees if applied
Do you take credit cards?
Yes. We also accept direct deposit, checks and cash. We are working on providing more accessible payments for our clients in the near future.
