The world's foremost resource on decorative concrete
Since manufacturing portland cement damages the environment, more and more concrete makers are giving alternatives a chance. According to the LEED certification system, concrete has several green qualities, including a long lifetime and recyclability. Portland cement, one of concrete’s primary ingredients, is another story.
The choice of filler and sealant product for a decorative slab is influenced by the amount of movement taking place, the kind of abuse the surface will be taking, and, of course, how the filler will look.
Condo owners in a gated community dreaded getting their pool up to snuff. Decorative concrete contractor Julio Hallack showed them they had nothing to worry about.
There’s more to color hardener than color. The material inspires a chemical reaction, and it works best when worked in with a float. Timing is essential, and so are the right tools.
Fiber reinforcement protects concrete in two ways. Mainly, it minimizes cracking from plastic shrinkage that occurs as the concrete dries during the first 24 hours after placement. Also, it helps hold the concrete together if cracks develop after the concrete has hardened. Several types of fibers are available for decorative concrete applications.
Concrete toppings developed for stenciling decorative concrete differ from general-purpose overlays in several ways.
The healthy choice for floors. Soybeans are one of the oldest crops in the world, but soy-based products are new to the decorative concrete industry. There are soy-based products available for every phase of a project. Should you be using them?
Achieve pure, consistent color while providing your customers a highly reflective surface. Ninety-nine percent of the cement used in the United States is gray. The other 1 percent is a startlingly bright white color. Because it represents such a small share of the market, many contractors know little about white cement concrete.
Brushing or brooming a non-skid texture onto concrete is a standard finishing method. But with a little imagination, the right equipment and a skilled technique, a contractor can turn that finish into an inexpensive decoration that will please his client and boost his company’s reputation.
Tough, quick to set, and low in solvents, polyureas require only one coat and get the job done fast.
