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.

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

My concrete has oil/grease stains. How can I get rid of them?

• Commercial products are available in paint/hardware home centers.
• Sprinkle with tri-sodium phosphate. Allow to stand for 30 minutes, then scrub with a stiff brush and hot water. Rinse with clean water.
• 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.
• Dissolve a cup tri-sodium phosphate in 1 gallon of hot water. Pour over stained concrete surface and allow soaking for 25 minutes. Scrub with stiff brush or broom. Rinse with clean water. Repeat if necessary.

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, patios, gazebos, garages, basements, concrete stairs inside or outside of your home.

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.

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.

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.