STAMPED CONCRETE & CONCRETE QUESTIONS
Q. What is Concrete?
A. Concrete is a precisely measured mixture of cement, limestone, natural sand, water and chmical additives that are combined and mixed thoroughly to create a a product that can be molded or shaped for various applications for all forms of construction.
Q. What is Stamped Concrete?
A. Stamped concrete is the process of pressing rubber stamps with a decorative or natural impression into wet concrete. Stamped concrete is regular concrete poured to a 4 inch depth (unless other specified depths are required) and contains various pigments and chemical hardeners that are worked into the surface.
Q. How Is Stamped Concrete Colored?
A. There are two different methods to color concrete. The best way to color concrete is to use integral color which is mixed directly into the concrete before it is placed. Using the integral color process all layers of the concrete are colored instead of just the top layer. The second way to color concrete is to apply the color directly to the concrete after it has been placed. Last, we add a release color. Please note: There is no exact science when it comes to color placement or color variations...it is just like a natural stone.
Q. Will Stamped Concrete Crack?
A. Stamped concrete is just like any other concrete surface...it may crack. Bravo Construction's process is designed to minimize any risks of cracking. Our stamped contractors are experienced installers who will adhere to the standard specifications. First the base is mechanically compacted to make an optimal base for the concrete. Second the saw cuts are at least 1/3 inch of the concrete depth and placed in the correct manor. Third and most important is the use of expansion joints and wire mesh are applied to 100% of all concrete installations. This 4 set process will eliminate the chances of a crack occurring.
Q. How Much Will Stamped Concrete Cost?
A. Stamped concrete can range anywhere from nine dollars a square foot to thirteen dollars a square foot depending on the size of the job. Boarders and steps are extra.
Q. What Are Some Uses For Stamped Concrete?
A. The uses for stamped concrete are unlimited. Stamped concrete can be used for both residential and commercial projects that require more character than just plain gray cement...it can take your concrete to the next level. We can do stamped concrete on patios, walkways, driveways, entry ways.
Q. How Long Will Stamped Concrete Last?
A. Stamped concrete should last many, many years. Stamped concrete can be cleaned and re-sealed every two years to give it that "just like new" look.
Q. How Do I Choose A Good Concrete Contractor?
A. Many people are apprehensive when it becomes time to hire a contractor. Many times work is given to a contractor based upon "word of mouth" or simply by price. By no means are these bad ways but by the same token, they do not guarantee the work will be performed in a professional manner. We suggest asking for at least 3 references of work performed by this contractor to improve your chances of hiring the best contractor for your money. Lastly, always insist on a written estimate/contract and never pay the total of the job up front.
Q. Why Would I Choose Stamped Concrete Over Brick Or Pavers?
A. The advantages of stamped concrete include: 1: No Weeds. There are no cracks between the bricks in stamped concrete for weeds to grow. 2. Level Surface: The effects of the freeze/thaw cycles can cause bricks and pavers to pop up, separate or settle. With concrete...there is no need for maintenance of tearing the bricks up and leveling the base. 3. Cost: Stamped concrete cost 30 percent less than standard installation of brick or pavers.
Q. What Kind Of Maintenance Is Needed For Stamped Concrete?
A. No maintenance is required to maintain the strength and durability. However, to restore the natural beauty Bravo Construction recommends re-sealing the surface every 2 years. Stamped concrete can also be washed the same as any other floor surface using water and a mild soap.
Q. How Does Salt Or Calcium Chloride Effect Stamped Concrete?
A. This is the worst enemy that concrete can have especially on fresh concrete. Please avoid at all times to ensure that your concrete & stamped concrete lasts many, many years.
Q. What is Concrete?
A. Concrete is a precisely measured mixture of cement, limestone, natural sand, water and chmical additives that are combined and mixed thoroughly to create a a product that can be molded or shaped for various applications for all forms of construction.
Q. What is Stamped Concrete?
A. Stamped concrete is the process of pressing rubber stamps with a decorative or natural impression into wet concrete. Stamped concrete is regular concrete poured to a 4 inch depth (unless other specified depths are required) and contains various pigments and chemical hardeners that are worked into the surface.
Q. How Is Stamped Concrete Colored?
A. There are two different methods to color concrete. The best way to color concrete is to use integral color which is mixed directly into the concrete before it is placed. Using the integral color process all layers of the concrete are colored instead of just the top layer. The second way to color concrete is to apply the color directly to the concrete after it has been placed. Last, we add a release color. Please note: There is no exact science when it comes to color placement or color variations...it is just like a natural stone.
Q. Will Stamped Concrete Crack?
A. Stamped concrete is just like any other concrete surface...it may crack. Bravo Construction's process is designed to minimize any risks of cracking. Our stamped contractors are experienced installers who will adhere to the standard specifications. First the base is mechanically compacted to make an optimal base for the concrete. Second the saw cuts are at least 1/3 inch of the concrete depth and placed in the correct manor. Third and most important is the use of expansion joints and wire mesh are applied to 100% of all concrete installations. This 4 set process will eliminate the chances of a crack occurring.
Q. How Much Will Stamped Concrete Cost?
A. Stamped concrete can range anywhere from nine dollars a square foot to thirteen dollars a square foot depending on the size of the job. Boarders and steps are extra.
Q. What Are Some Uses For Stamped Concrete?
A. The uses for stamped concrete are unlimited. Stamped concrete can be used for both residential and commercial projects that require more character than just plain gray cement...it can take your concrete to the next level. We can do stamped concrete on patios, walkways, driveways, entry ways.
Q. How Long Will Stamped Concrete Last?
A. Stamped concrete should last many, many years. Stamped concrete can be cleaned and re-sealed every two years to give it that "just like new" look.
Q. How Do I Choose A Good Concrete Contractor?
A. Many people are apprehensive when it becomes time to hire a contractor. Many times work is given to a contractor based upon "word of mouth" or simply by price. By no means are these bad ways but by the same token, they do not guarantee the work will be performed in a professional manner. We suggest asking for at least 3 references of work performed by this contractor to improve your chances of hiring the best contractor for your money. Lastly, always insist on a written estimate/contract and never pay the total of the job up front.
Q. Why Would I Choose Stamped Concrete Over Brick Or Pavers?
A. The advantages of stamped concrete include: 1: No Weeds. There are no cracks between the bricks in stamped concrete for weeds to grow. 2. Level Surface: The effects of the freeze/thaw cycles can cause bricks and pavers to pop up, separate or settle. With concrete...there is no need for maintenance of tearing the bricks up and leveling the base. 3. Cost: Stamped concrete cost 30 percent less than standard installation of brick or pavers.
Q. What Kind Of Maintenance Is Needed For Stamped Concrete?
A. No maintenance is required to maintain the strength and durability. However, to restore the natural beauty Bravo Construction recommends re-sealing the surface every 2 years. Stamped concrete can also be washed the same as any other floor surface using water and a mild soap.
Q. How Does Salt Or Calcium Chloride Effect Stamped Concrete?
A. This is the worst enemy that concrete can have especially on fresh concrete. Please avoid at all times to ensure that your concrete & stamped concrete lasts many, many years.
