WHY SHOULD I CONSIDER DECORATIVE CONCRETE OVER PAVERS?

 

Pavers can look incredible, but their inherent flaw is that the surface is created with many interlocking pieces and causes them to be susceptible to frost-heave, causing them to lift, sink and become displaced during the changing seasons.  They also are susceptible to weeds and plant growth in the cracks and crevices, causing unwanted ongoing maintenance.

 

WILL MY CONCRETE CRACK?

 

Yes, concrete does and will crack regardless of how well it's installed. Control joints are placed in concrete to help control random cracking. Shrinkage is the main cause of cracking. As concrete hardens and dries it cracks. This is due to the evaporation of excess mixing water. Only 1/10 of water mixed into cement is needed to make concrete, the rest is used for workability. Concrete slabs can shrink as much as 1/2inch per 100 feet. This shrinkage causes forces in the concrete which literally pull the slab apart.

 

CAN I USE SALT ON MY CONCRETE?

 

NO! Salt is the main reason for the breakdown of the integrity of the concrete and can cause spallilng. Play sand or grit should be used for traction in the winter months.

 

WHAT IS ACID STAINING?

Acid staining is a permanent coloration process where an acid based solution combined with natural metallic salts react with the lime present in the concrete. Paint is just a coating for concrete and will chip and fade quickly. Acid stain colors are produced by a chemical reaction in the concrete resulting in a permanent coloring of the concrete surface that will not chip or fade.

 

CAN I STAMP AND STAIN EXISTING CONCRETE OR DOES IT HAVE TO BE NEW?

 

Existing concrete can be stained to give it a revitalized look. This can be a cost-effective way to give your concrete a facelift and a new look. Assuming the existing concrete is stable and not deteriorating it can be used. Existing concrete can also be stamped by installing an overlay over the existing concrete and stamping it.

 

HOW OFTEN SHOULD CONCRETE BE SEALED?

 

We recommend decorative concrete be sealed every 2-3 years to help colors remain vibrant.