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pure portland cement per cubic yard, which translates into the highest strength concrete mix for
residential use in Texas.The concrete (or specifically, the cement in it) needs moisture to hydrate
and cure (harden). When concrete dries, it actually stops getting stronger. Concrete with too little
water may be dry but is not fully reacted. The properties of such a concrete would be less than that
of a wet concrete. The reaction of water with the cement in concrete is extremely important to its
properties and reactions may continue for many years.
How do you color the Concrete? Once we've perfected our custom mix, we then pour the
concrete, a powdered dye (color) is spread onto the surface and/or an admixture mixed all the way
through the wet concrete and trowelled in. Then a second color (also known as releasing agent) is
cast on the surface. Before the concrete hardens a set of rubber molds (stamps) are used to imprint
textures into its hydrating surface. The result will look like slate, cobblestone, brick, marble, or many
other materials.
Why is the base so important? Concrete is a mirror image of what it is poured over. Without an
adequate base (usually 2-4 inches of compacted rock, sand, gravel or road base) flatwork can
settle, separate and develop uneven surfaces.
Can stamped concrete (decorative concrete) be found in commercial settings? Absolutely,
stamped concrete can be found throughout the world and at many distinguished hotels, casinos,
resorts, etc. A famous example would be Disneyland and Disney World.
Why is decorative concrete (stamped concrete) more expensive than traditional
concrete? Recently, I have received inquiries into the cost of decorative cement work in
comparison to traditional cement work. Let me describe the two concepts... Traditional cement
(also called concrete) work is what you would find around older homes. Examples would be a plain
smooth or brushed finish driveway, curb or sidewalk. Rarely were there any designs unless a
creative contractor carved shapes into the concrete while it was still wet. The process for installing
this type of concrete is a fairly simple one, perfected by many... Not so perfected by many as well...
Under the best circumstances it involves little ground preparation, setting forms and the pour.
Finishing would require some tamping, floating, troweling and usually brooming the surface.
Although this can be tedious work it is normally a simple process when completed by an
experienced concrete driveway contractor or concrete patio contractor.
Decorative concrete (Concrete Stamping) work is a relatively new concept but really goes back
many years. You may have seen a concrete sidewalk leading into a business or mall that looked
like a rustic stone path with one or more colors. This design is becoming very popular because it is
so complimentary of landscapes and homes. Many people are even having decorative concrete
finishes installed in rooms of their homes. Kitchens are among the most common requests.
Properly finished decorative concrete can look very elegant or rustic depending on what look is
desired. While decorative concrete is the most desired these days it is also the most difficult finish
to perfect and requires much more preparation, finishing, and skill.
When the contractor actually gets to the point where the concrete driveway, patio or walkway can be
stamped (process to apply the decorative appearance) time is crucial. There are very limited
amounts of time for the various applications and any mistakes can leave a finish that the
homeowner is not satisfied with. Stamping Concrete is an art and I only know one other stamped
concrete artisan (besides my crew and myself) in a 200 mile radius from Houston that have
perfected this ancient art. ( We trained at the same institute)
Will decorative concrete or stamped concrete last as long as well as regular concrete?
Our product is 4-6" thick, (driveways are 6"-7" thick and patios are 4" or more) 4,000-4,500 psi
concrete. We match or exceed the normal requirements for a strong finish that withstands years of
normal use. Over the years Our Founder has experimented with different proportions of tri-calcium
silicate and bi-calcium silicate in terms of performance variables, one important property is the
compressive strength. In the fall of 2001, he developed a mathematical model relating cement
particle-size distribution to strength development. Assuming that the depth of the hydrated layer is
independent of particle diameter (which also is assumed tacitly in our cement hydration model) and
proportional to the square root of time, he was able to quantitatively predict the effects of particle-
size distribution on strength evolution. More recently, The Founder of AAA Affordable Concrete
Contractors also showed that cement fineness is an important factor influencing compressive
strength, with phase compositions becoming significant at later ages. In his study, he also
revolutionized a mathematical formula for the prediction of the compressive strength development
of standard ASTM C 10914 mortar in relation to the compressive strength required for residential
use in Houston, Texas.
Simply put, When our concrete arrives on site we modify the mixture depending on the humidity,
temperature, soil conditions and application type to minimize concrete cracking and potential
sedimentary displacement that may occur with an improperly mixed batch of concrete. (these
factors are never taken into consideration at the concrete plant)
After the concrete is poured and finished the job is not complete. Clean up for this type of finish
is more difficult because of the various colors that are involved. After a day or so the contractor will
have to return to the job site to pressure wash the excess color/release for the perfect finish and
look, then resin-coat and chemically stain the concrete. Simply put decorative concrete is a much
more labor-intensive process but most feel it is worth the cost because of the unique, prestigious
and elegant look.
How is decorative concrete colored? The Technicians at Concrete Forever.com use two
methods to color decorative concrete. Using the first method, color is spread onto the surface then
worked into the surface using hand tools. After the color is applied and worked into the fresh
cement, a release/hardener is applied.
The release/hardener serves a duel purpose. It adds a tremendous amount of strength and it
highlights and acts as a second color, which gives the stamped pattern and overall color a defining
and distinguished look. The second method used is when the color is mixed directly inside the
concrete at the concrete plant and mixed inside the truck. The concrete is the colored throughout
from the top to the bottom instead of just ¼” into the surface.
Due to the wide array of patterns and colors available, and the cost of stamped concrete in
relation to the natural materials installation, the choice of stamped concrete is becoming more
popular and frequent.
Colors and patterns for stamped concrete are often chosen to blend with other stone or tile
elements at the residence. Complex designs incorporating steps, courtyards, and fountains can be
achieved. Stamped concrete can also be blended with other decorative concrete elements such as
exposed aggregate finishes and acid-etch staining.
It wasn’t long ago when deciding on a driveway or patio material was easy: asphalt or concrete.
Today, the concrete choice has expanded to include a multitude of decorative concrete options.
While plain gray concrete is still the most often installed, but We at ConcreteForever.com believe
that this ancient art compliments real estate property and enhances the beauty...click on the link on
the previous page that says:" What is stamped concrete?" to read more about this ancient art and
painstaking step by step process please click on our :
Don’t feel left out if you already have a driveway or patio. The concrete industry has rapidly
developed many decorative products that can be applied to existing plain gray driveways and
transform them into stunning show piece entry ways for your home. Please check out or exotic
polished concrtte floors and engraving link for an in depth comprehensive review of your upcoming
project
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