Stamped Concrete FAQ's

 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q:   Why choose stamped concrete  over alternative products?

A:    Cost and Maintenance are the two main reasons.  Stamped concrete can  be up to 50% cheaper than the material it is  replicating.  With the  freeze thaw cycles we experience here, pavers and other individually  laid materials often have to be reset. Other problems with these type  of products is that they start to grow weeds in between themselves and  you find yourselves constantly removing them.  Stamped concrete on the  other hand is a solid reinforced slab that is flat and basically  maintenance free. 

Q: How real does stamped concrete look?

A:  Put it this way, you have probably seen stamped concrete before and did  not even realize it is concrete.  Our stamped concrete will amaze  you.Q: What kind of maintenance is involved?A: Some people choose not to  maintain it at all, and prefer the naturally aged look (slightly  fade and weathered).   While other prefer a high gloss / high shine  finish.  This can be achieved by pressure washing  your concrete or  stamped concrete and resealing every year or two.

Q: Is stamped concrete slippery when wet?

A:  Some stamped concrete patterns are more slippery than others. We use a  variety of techniques to eliminate this (rhino grip, seeding  color hardener to use of wooden floats). Please inquire and we will be  happy to explain.

Q: How is the concrete colored?

A:  We mainly use integral colors that are mixed in the truck.  This means  your stamped concrete or traditional concrete is colored throughout.  If  your were to chip or scratch it, it will have that same color  underneath it, where as, if you were to use just a color hardener  (applied to top only) and chipped or scratched it, it will be a grayish  white color underneath it. We then use a powder release (more  realistic than liquid) which gives you an accent color that remains in  the depressed areas of your stamp (ie grout lines, and depressed areas  in the stone / slate).  We  also use concrete stains, antique washes,  color hardeners, and other techniques to achieve the desired look that  you are after in your stamped concrete or traditional concrete project.

Q: What affect will the winter have on my concrete?

A:  Concrete is one of the most durable construction materials known to man  when placed properly. We only use the highest quality mix designs and  additives to to insure that your concrete will stand the test of  time. Using salt could cause damage to any concrete surface, sand or  kitty litter are good alternatives.  When removing snow from your  stamped concrete it is highly advisable to use a plastic shovel or snow  blower with plastic blades.Q: How long until we can use our new  concrete?A: Traditional concrete can take foot traffic in 2 days, and  vehicular in 7 days. Stamped concrete you need to stay off longer. Once  we saw cut our joints and wash it off we have to wait till it is  completely dry before we apply the cure and seal.  This can take  anywhere from 3 to 5 days depending on the weather. We ask that you stay  off it because we need a clean and dry surface to seal it.  Once the  sealer is dry (12-36 hours max.) you can walk on it.  You can drive on  it no earlier than 7 days after initial pour, same as your driveway.

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