Thursday, July 22, 2004
Wednesday, July 21, 2004
Sunday, July 18, 2004
AAA Affordable Concrete Contractors of Houston
AAA Affordable Concrete Contractors of Houston
Click here to Enter Site! -
Looking for concrete, brick, flagstone, stone pavers? Patios, driveways or patio deck designs?
Greetings and Welcome to ConcreteForever.com © - Houston Texas
Click here to Enter Site! -
Looking for concrete, brick, flagstone, stone pavers? Patios, driveways or patio deck designs?
Greetings and Welcome to ConcreteForever.com © - Houston Texas
281.513.9260
Saturday, July 17, 2004
Affordable Concrete Contractors
Affordable Concrete ContractorsGreetings and Welcome to ConcreteForever.com © Houston Texas
281.513.9260
"AAA Affordable Concrete Contractors of Houston© Home of scientific concrete applications" Free estimates, fast courtious service-.............CLICK ON OUR GALLERY BUTTON TO SEE OVER 100 CUSTOM CONCRETE PROJECTS ONLINE!
Affordable Concrete Contractors
Affordable Concrete ContractorsGreetings and Welcome to ConcreteForever.com © Houston Texas
Greetings and Welcome to ConcreteForever.com © Houston Texas
281.513.9260
"AAA Affordable Concrete Contractors of Houston© Home of scientific concrete applications" Free estimates, fast courtious service-.............CLICK ON OUR GALLERY BUTTON TO SEE OVER 100 CUSTOM CONCRETE PROJECTS ONLINE!
"AAA Affordable Concrete Contractors of Houston© Home of scientific concrete applications" Free estimates, fast courtious service-.............CLICK ON OUR GALLERY BUTTON TO SEE OVER 100 CUSTOM CONCRETE PROJECTS ONLINE!
Thursday, July 15, 2004
Designer Concrete Patios, Decorative concrete deck
Designer Concrete Patios, Decorative concrete deck
CLICK HERE TO ENTER SITE!
Looking for concrete, brick, stone pavers? Patios, driveways or exotic pool decks? WE are the CONCRETE CONNECTION © !
Houston Concrete Driveway and Patio
Houston Concrete Patio Houston Patio concrete Houston
Greetings and Welcome to
ConcreteForever.Com © - Houston Texas
281.513.9260
CONCRETE DRIVEWAY, POOLS, FOUNDATION AND PATIO INFORMATION - AAA Affordable Concrete Contractors
Click on the "GALLERY" button above to view our PHOTO GALLERY
CLICK LINKS AT BOTTOM OF PAGE FOR AN INSTANT VIRTUAL ESTIMATE FOR YOUR NEW DRIVEWAY, PATIO OR WALKWAYS!
-
Serving ALL of Houston and surrounding areas:
Click the CONTACT button for a fast and FREE in home estimate
We Meet or EXCEED all City of Houston Concrete specifications!
ConcreteForever.Com © - Houston Texas
281.513.9260
Click on the "GALLERY" button above to view our PHOTO GALLERY
CLICK LINKS AT BOTTOM OF PAGE FOR AN INSTANT VIRTUAL ESTIMATE FOR YOUR NEW DRIVEWAY, PATIO OR WALKWAYS!
-
Serving ALL of Houston and surrounding areas:
Click the CONTACT button for a fast and FREE in home estimate
We Meet or EXCEED all City of Houston Concrete specifications!
Wednesday, July 14, 2004
Sunday, July 11, 2004
AAA Affordable Concrete Contractors of Houston
AAA Affordable Concrete Contractors of Houston
The History of Concrete:
A Timeline
Cement has been around for at least 12 million years. When the earth itself was undergoing intense geologic changes natural, cement was being created. It was this natural cement that humans first put to use. Eventually, they discovered how to make cement from other materials.
12,000,000 BC Reactions between limestone and oil shale during spontaneous combustion occurred in Israel to form a natural deposit of cement compounds. The deposits were characterized by Israeli geologists in the 1960's and 70's.
3000 BC
Egyptians Used mud mixed with straw to bind dried bricks. They also used gypsum mortars and mortars of lime in the pyramids.
Chinese Used cementitious materials to hold bamboo together in their boats and in the Great Wall.
800 BC
Greeks, Crete & Cyprus Used lime mortars which were much harder than later Roman mortars.
300 BC
Babylonians & As Syrians Used bitumen to bind stones and bricks.
300 BC - 476 AD
Romans Used pozzolana cement from Pozzuoli, Italy near Mt. Vesuvius to build the Appian Way, Roman baths, the Coliseum and Pantheon in Rome, and the Pont du Gard aqueduct in south France. They used lime as a cementitious material. Pliny reported a mortar mixture of 1 part lime to 4 parts sand. Vitruvius reported a 2 parts pozzolana to 1 part lime. Animal fat, milk, and blood were used as admixtures (substances added to cement to increase the properties.) These structures still exist today!
1200 - 1500
The Middle Ages The quality of cementing materials deteriorated. The use of burning lime and pozzolan (admixture) was lost, but reintroduced in the 1300's.
1678 Joseph Moxon wrote about a hidden fire in heated lime that appears upon the addition of water.
1779 Bry Higgins was issued a patent for hydraulic cement (stucco) for exterior plastering use.
1780 Bry Higgins published "Experiments and Observations Made With the View of Improving the Art of Composing and Applying Calcereous Cements and of Preparing Quicklime."
1793 John Smeaton found that the calcination of limestone containing clay gave a lime which hardened under water (hydraulic lime). He used hydraulic lime to rebuild Eddystone Lighthouse in Cornwall, England which he had been commissioned to build in 1756, but had to first invent a material that would not be affected by water. He wrote a book about his work.
1796 James Parker from England patented a natural hydraulic cement by calcining nodules of impure limestone containing clay, called Parker's Cement or Roman Cement.
1802 In France, a similar Roman Cement process was used.
1810 Edgar Dobbs received a patent for hydraulic mortars, stucco, and plaster, although they were of poor quality due to lack of kiln precautions.
1812 -1813 Louis Vicat of France prepared artificial hydraulic lime by calcining synthetic mixtures of limestone and clay.
1818 Maurice St. Leger was issued patents for hydraulic cement. Natural Cement was produced in the USA. Natural cement is limestone that naturally has the appropriate amounts of clay to make the same type of concrete as John Smeaton discovered.
1820 - 1821 John Tickell and Abraham Chambers were issued more hydraulic cement patents.
1822 James Frost of England prepared artificial hydraulic lime like Vicat's and called it British Cement.
1824 Joseph Aspdin of England invented portland cement by burning finely ground chalk with finely divided clay in a lime kiln until carbon dioxide was driven off. The sintered product was then ground and he called it portland cement named after the high quality building stones quarried at Portland, England.
1828 I. K. Brunel is credited with the first engineering application of portland cement, which was used to fill a breach in the Thames Tunnel.
1830 The first production of lime and hydraulic cement took place in Canada.
1836 The first systematic tests of tensile and compressive strength took place in Germany.
1843 J. M. Mauder, Son & Co. were licensed to produce patented portland cement.
1845 Isaac Johnson claims to have burned the raw materials of portland cement to clinkering temperatures.
1849 Pettenkofer & Fuches performed the first accurate chemical analysis of portland cement.
1860 The beginning of the era of portland cements of modern composition.
1862 Blake Stonebreaker of England introduced the jaw breakers to crush clinkers.
1867 Joseph Monier of France reinforced William Wand's (USA) flower pots with wire ushering in the idea of iron reinforcing bars (re-bar).
1871 David Saylor was issued the first American patent for portland cement. He showed the importance of true clinkering.
1880 J. Grant of England show the importance of using the hardest and densest portions of the clinker. Key ingredients were being chemically analyzed.
1886 The first rotary kiln was introduced in England to replace the vertical shaft kilns.
1887 Henri Le Chatelier of France established oxide ratios to prepare the proper amount of lime to produce portland cement. He named the components: Alite (tricalcium silicate), Belite (dicalcium silicate), and Celite (tetracalcium aluminoferrite). He proposed that hardening is caused by the formation of crystalline products of the reaction between cement and water.
1889 The first concrete reinforced bridge is built.
1890 The addition of gypsum when grinding clinker to act as a retardant to the setting of concrete was introduced in the USA. Vertical shaft kilns were replaced with rotary kilns and ball mills were used for grinding cement.
1891 George Bartholomew placed the first concrete street in the USA in Bellefontaine, OH. It still exists today!
1893 William Michaelis claimed that hydrated metasilicates form a gelatinous mass (gel) that dehydrates over time to harden.
1900 Basic cement tests were standardized.
1903 The first concrete high rise was built in Cincinnati, OH.
1908 Thomas Edison built cheap, cozy concrete houses in Union, NJ. They still exist today!
1909 Thomas Edison was issued a patent for rotary kilns.
1929 Dr. Linus Pauling of the USA formulated a set of principles for the structures of complex silicates.
1930 Air entraining agents were introduced to improve concrete's resistance to freeze/thaw damage.
1936 The first major concrete dams, Hoover Dam and Grand Coulee Dam, were built. They still exist today!
1956 U.S. Congress annexed the Federal Interstate Highway Act.
1967 First concrete domed sport structure, the Assembly Hall, was constructed at The University of Illinois, at Urbana-Champaign.
1970's Fiber reinforcement in concrete was introduced.
1975 CN Tower in Toronto, Canada, the tallest slip-form building, was constructed.
Water Tower Place in Chicago, Illinois, the tallest building was constructed.
1980's Superplasticizers were introduced as admixtures.
1985 Silica fume was introduced as a pozzolanic additive.
The "highest strength" concrete was used in building the Union Plaza constructed in Seattle, Washington.
1992 The tallest reinforced concrete building in the world was constructed at 311 S. Wacker Dr., Chicago, Illinois.
2004 AAA Affordable Concrete Contractors of Houston Conquers the Houston market on custom concrete pools, jacuzzi's, patios pool decks, foundations, driveways and sidewalks!
Next Topic: Constituent masonry applications
The History of Concrete:
A Timeline
Cement has been around for at least 12 million years. When the earth itself was undergoing intense geologic changes natural, cement was being created. It was this natural cement that humans first put to use. Eventually, they discovered how to make cement from other materials.
12,000,000 BC Reactions between limestone and oil shale during spontaneous combustion occurred in Israel to form a natural deposit of cement compounds. The deposits were characterized by Israeli geologists in the 1960's and 70's.
3000 BC
Egyptians Used mud mixed with straw to bind dried bricks. They also used gypsum mortars and mortars of lime in the pyramids.
Chinese Used cementitious materials to hold bamboo together in their boats and in the Great Wall.
800 BC
Greeks, Crete & Cyprus Used lime mortars which were much harder than later Roman mortars.
300 BC
Babylonians & As Syrians Used bitumen to bind stones and bricks.
300 BC - 476 AD
Romans Used pozzolana cement from Pozzuoli, Italy near Mt. Vesuvius to build the Appian Way, Roman baths, the Coliseum and Pantheon in Rome, and the Pont du Gard aqueduct in south France. They used lime as a cementitious material. Pliny reported a mortar mixture of 1 part lime to 4 parts sand. Vitruvius reported a 2 parts pozzolana to 1 part lime. Animal fat, milk, and blood were used as admixtures (substances added to cement to increase the properties.) These structures still exist today!
1200 - 1500
The Middle Ages The quality of cementing materials deteriorated. The use of burning lime and pozzolan (admixture) was lost, but reintroduced in the 1300's.
1678 Joseph Moxon wrote about a hidden fire in heated lime that appears upon the addition of water.
1779 Bry Higgins was issued a patent for hydraulic cement (stucco) for exterior plastering use.
1780 Bry Higgins published "Experiments and Observations Made With the View of Improving the Art of Composing and Applying Calcereous Cements and of Preparing Quicklime."
1793 John Smeaton found that the calcination of limestone containing clay gave a lime which hardened under water (hydraulic lime). He used hydraulic lime to rebuild Eddystone Lighthouse in Cornwall, England which he had been commissioned to build in 1756, but had to first invent a material that would not be affected by water. He wrote a book about his work.
1796 James Parker from England patented a natural hydraulic cement by calcining nodules of impure limestone containing clay, called Parker's Cement or Roman Cement.
1802 In France, a similar Roman Cement process was used.
1810 Edgar Dobbs received a patent for hydraulic mortars, stucco, and plaster, although they were of poor quality due to lack of kiln precautions.
1812 -1813 Louis Vicat of France prepared artificial hydraulic lime by calcining synthetic mixtures of limestone and clay.
1818 Maurice St. Leger was issued patents for hydraulic cement. Natural Cement was produced in the USA. Natural cement is limestone that naturally has the appropriate amounts of clay to make the same type of concrete as John Smeaton discovered.
1820 - 1821 John Tickell and Abraham Chambers were issued more hydraulic cement patents.
1822 James Frost of England prepared artificial hydraulic lime like Vicat's and called it British Cement.
1824 Joseph Aspdin of England invented portland cement by burning finely ground chalk with finely divided clay in a lime kiln until carbon dioxide was driven off. The sintered product was then ground and he called it portland cement named after the high quality building stones quarried at Portland, England.
1828 I. K. Brunel is credited with the first engineering application of portland cement, which was used to fill a breach in the Thames Tunnel.
1830 The first production of lime and hydraulic cement took place in Canada.
1836 The first systematic tests of tensile and compressive strength took place in Germany.
1843 J. M. Mauder, Son & Co. were licensed to produce patented portland cement.
1845 Isaac Johnson claims to have burned the raw materials of portland cement to clinkering temperatures.
1849 Pettenkofer & Fuches performed the first accurate chemical analysis of portland cement.
1860 The beginning of the era of portland cements of modern composition.
1862 Blake Stonebreaker of England introduced the jaw breakers to crush clinkers.
1867 Joseph Monier of France reinforced William Wand's (USA) flower pots with wire ushering in the idea of iron reinforcing bars (re-bar).
1871 David Saylor was issued the first American patent for portland cement. He showed the importance of true clinkering.
1880 J. Grant of England show the importance of using the hardest and densest portions of the clinker. Key ingredients were being chemically analyzed.
1886 The first rotary kiln was introduced in England to replace the vertical shaft kilns.
1887 Henri Le Chatelier of France established oxide ratios to prepare the proper amount of lime to produce portland cement. He named the components: Alite (tricalcium silicate), Belite (dicalcium silicate), and Celite (tetracalcium aluminoferrite). He proposed that hardening is caused by the formation of crystalline products of the reaction between cement and water.
1889 The first concrete reinforced bridge is built.
1890 The addition of gypsum when grinding clinker to act as a retardant to the setting of concrete was introduced in the USA. Vertical shaft kilns were replaced with rotary kilns and ball mills were used for grinding cement.
1891 George Bartholomew placed the first concrete street in the USA in Bellefontaine, OH. It still exists today!
1893 William Michaelis claimed that hydrated metasilicates form a gelatinous mass (gel) that dehydrates over time to harden.
1900 Basic cement tests were standardized.
1903 The first concrete high rise was built in Cincinnati, OH.
1908 Thomas Edison built cheap, cozy concrete houses in Union, NJ. They still exist today!
1909 Thomas Edison was issued a patent for rotary kilns.
1929 Dr. Linus Pauling of the USA formulated a set of principles for the structures of complex silicates.
1930 Air entraining agents were introduced to improve concrete's resistance to freeze/thaw damage.
1936 The first major concrete dams, Hoover Dam and Grand Coulee Dam, were built. They still exist today!
1956 U.S. Congress annexed the Federal Interstate Highway Act.
1967 First concrete domed sport structure, the Assembly Hall, was constructed at The University of Illinois, at Urbana-Champaign.
1970's Fiber reinforcement in concrete was introduced.
1975 CN Tower in Toronto, Canada, the tallest slip-form building, was constructed.
Water Tower Place in Chicago, Illinois, the tallest building was constructed.
1980's Superplasticizers were introduced as admixtures.
1985 Silica fume was introduced as a pozzolanic additive.
The "highest strength" concrete was used in building the Union Plaza constructed in Seattle, Washington.
1992 The tallest reinforced concrete building in the world was constructed at 311 S. Wacker Dr., Chicago, Illinois.
2004 AAA Affordable Concrete Contractors of Houston Conquers the Houston market on custom concrete pools, jacuzzi's, patios pool decks, foundations, driveways and sidewalks!
Next Topic: Constituent masonry applications
Saturday, July 10, 2004
Houston Concrete Contractors
Houston Concrete Contractors
h2 align=center>Greetings and Welcome to ConcreteForever.com © - Houston Texas
281.513.9260
Houston stamped concrete, pools and patios - AAA Affordable Concrete Contractors
CONCRETE PATIO AND DRIVEWAY SPECIALISTS
CLICK HERE FOR AN INSTANT VIRTUAL ESTIMATE FOR YOUR NEW DRIVEWAY, PATIO OR WALKWAYS!
-
h2 align=center>Greetings and Welcome to ConcreteForever.com © - Houston Texas
281.513.9260
CONCRETE PATIO AND DRIVEWAY SPECIALISTS
CLICK HERE FOR AN INSTANT VIRTUAL ESTIMATE FOR YOUR NEW DRIVEWAY, PATIO OR WALKWAYS!
-
Concrete Houston, Stamped Concrete, Patio Houston
Concrete Houston, Stamped Concrete, Patio Houston
Greetings and Welcome to ConcreteForever.com © - Houston Texas
Greetings and Welcome to ConcreteForever.com © - Houston Texas
281.513.9260
Houston stamped concrete, pools and patios - AAA Affordable Concrete Contractors
CONCRETE PATIO AND DRIVEWAY SPECIALISTS
CLICK HERE FOR AN INSTANT VIRTUAL ESTIMATE FOR YOUR NEW DRIVEWAY, PATIO OR WALKWAYS!
-
What is stamped concrete? Stamped concrete begins with regular concrete. A powdered dye (color) is spread onto the surface of the wet concrete and trowelled in. Then a second color (also known as release) is cast on the surface. Before the concrete hardens a set of rubber molds (stamps) are used to imprint textures into its wet 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.
Will decorative concrete last as long and as well as regular concrete? Our product is 4-6" thick, 3500-4500 psi concrete. We match or exceed the normal requirements for a strong finish that withstands years of normal use.
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 described 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 wet. The process for installing this type of concrete is a fairly simple one, perfected by many.
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 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 skills.
When the contractor actually gets to the point where the concrete 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 radious from Houston that have perfected this ancient art.
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 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 and elegant look.
How is decorative concrete colored? AAA Affordable Concrete Contractors of Houston uses two methods to color decorative concrete. Using the first method, color is spread onto the surface by hand using the “dry shake method,” 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. The release/hardener is applied using this method as well. The second method tends to be slightly more expensive since the cost of the material will increase. Both are good methods and not one is better than the other. Which method is used depends on the conditions and what look the customer is trying to accomplish.
"I can't afford to do my entire project all at once. Can I do half now and half later?" Decorative concrete is surprisingly affordable. Best of all, every project can be done in stages. It is not a problem to pick up a pattern from one area and connect up to another area of your project at a later time.
When is it necessary to reinforce concrete? It is always an advantage in the long term to add re-bar (reinforcement bar). This guarantees that concrete will settle evenly and avoids uneven surfaces, and cracks that widen over time. The soil here in Houston is comprised of mostly clay, shale mixed with various sediments making our soil some of the most unstable soil in the world. Re-bar is costly but just consider it insurance for your dream project. However, re-bar or fiber reinforcement is not always necessary on every type of project and you should discuss the necessity with your contractor.
What kind of finishes are available? The most common concrete surfaces are broomed concrete, exposed aggregate, stamped concrete and hard-trowel. Broomed concrete is most commonly used for city sidewalks and approaches. Exposed aggregate concrete is created when a cement surface is washed off with water after initial set. Advantage: its pretty. Disadvantage: the concrete has been aged 20-30 years immediately. Stamped concrete imitates natural surfaces such as stone, brick, slate, etc (see below). Hard-trowel concrete is generally used for garage floors and indoor surfaces. It has a smooth, shiny finish.
Is there any chance that my concrete might crack? Concrete, by nature, will crack. However, certain preventive measures can be taken to highly reduce the likelihood. The AAA Affordable Concrete Contractors of Houston installations have achieved a level of crack prevention exceeding almost all others in the industry. Numerous measures are taken to highly reduce cracking. Unlike most of our competitors, AAA Affordable Concrete Contractors of Houston uses wire mesh steel, fiber or rebar reinforcement and polypropylene fiber mesh in nearly all of our decorative installations.
Control joints, named control because they “control” where the crack will occur, are also utilized. These, along with a few other “family secrets” very significantly lower the probability of a crack occurring.
Do all decorative concrete contractors use the same installation methods? Absolutely not. After extensive experimentation and testing, AAA Affordable Concrete Contractors of Houston uses a unique concrete mix designed specifically for decorative concrete in this area. (We also mix in some of our chemical X ..ssshhhhh it's a secret!) The unique concrete mix is much more conducive toward the special needs of decorative concrete than that of a normal everyday mix. Additionally, there are certain installation techniques, which are performed exclusively by the folks at AAA Affordable Concrete Contractors of Houston that dramatically enhance the quality of the decorative concrete.
Should I spray water on the freshly dried cement to keep it cool in hot conditions? No, this was a practice used for many years. What the seasoned artisans at AAA Affordable Concrete Contractors of Houston has found is that frequent wetting of the freshly dried cement causes the cement to become hot then cold, resulting in expanding and contracting. This reaction is not good for the cement and may cause it to crack and weaken. Additionally, applying water too early can wash out color on your decorative concrete.
Will my decorative concrete look the same as the picture or what is shown on the web page? No. No two jobs are exactly the same. Looks vary depending on the ground base, temperature, moisture, mix, brand or color, etc. The folks at AAA Affordable Concrete Contractors of Houston can come very close to matching your existing surface, but no two jobs will ever be exact.
How expensive is decorative concrete? Remarkably, decorative concrete is relatively inexpensive. It’s usually less then pavers, wood decks or flagstone. Decorative concrete can range between $5-8 per square foot. Final estimates will vary depending on site conditions, complexity of the job and total square footage installed. AAA Affordable Concrete Contractors of Houston provides free estimates and will be have to give you a final price quote.
Does decorative concrete fade? Once sealer is applied to your decorative concrete it will take on a clear and shiny look. However, if sealer is applied, you should be aware that over time, the shiny look will fade.
Cleaning and sealing stamped and colored concrete should be done on a regular basis just like any other home maintenance. The frequency will depend on how high a traffic area to cars, foot traffic, water, and any chemicals the concrete is exposed to. The folks at ConcreteForever.com recommends resealing every 2 or 3 years. If you wait longer, you may notice the color fade slightly. But just like waxing a car, reseal your stamped concrete and the color will be as vibrant as the day it was installed.
"Do I have to seal my stamped concrete?" Answer: We use a special formulated Color wax that enhances the color characteristics and we apply it after the job is complete, we recommend a fresh coat every 36 months or 3,000 miles...some folks like the natural look?
Why should I have decorative concrete at my new house? Good question!
“Decorative concrete is the future of concrete." You most likely will not choose outdated carpet, tile or cabinets in your new home. The concrete around your home is no different. Simple natural gray concrete is out. Vibrant colors - stone patterns are in. The best part being that decorative concrete is timeless, yet extremely affordable.”
Serving ALL of Houston and surrounding areas:
Click the CONTACT button for a fast and FREE in home estimate
We EXCEED all City of Houston Concrete specifications!
Houston concrete foundation, retainer wall, driveway and patio specialists
Fast driveway removal & replacement in Houston and surrounding areas. Brilliant flagstone borders & flagstone trim, flagstone walls, flagstone counter tops. Acrylic flagstone and ledge stone waterfalls and fountains, flagstone, ledgestone fireplaces and more
Permit, engineering & design services
Pool Patios, Custom Pools, jacuzzi's, patios & decks
Stamped & colored concrete patios and driveways
Free estimates and
NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED
Bobcat & dumptruck service
Best concrete driveway in Houston!
Intricate Interlocking paver designs for the upscale home
Exceeds all Houston concrete driveway specifications
Prompt concrete delivery
Concrete pumping for the hard to reach patio
Affordable Stamped concrete in houston commercial quality at residential prices! Decorative borders, flagstone, pavestone, cobblestones and more, free estimates
concreteforever.com
hotmail.com
Concrete Houston, Stamped Concrete, Patio Houston
Concrete Houston, Stamped Concrete, Patio Houston
Concrete Houston, Stamped Concrete, Patio Houston
Greetings and Welcome to DecorativeConcreteNetwork.com © - Houston Texas
281.513.9260
CONCRETE PATIO, STAMPED CONCRETE DRIVEWAYS AND PATIOS, EXOTIC POOL AND DRIVEWAY SPECIALISTS
GREETINGS AND WELCOME TO THE DECORATIVE CONCRETE NETWORK Call TODAY for your FREE estimate! 281 513 9260
CLICK LINKS AT BOTTOM OF PAGE FOR AN INSTANT VIRTUAL ESTIMATE FOR YOUR NEW DRIVEWAY, PATIO OR WALKWAYS!
-
What is stamped concrete? Stamped concrete begins with regular concrete. A powdered dye (color) is spread onto the surface and /or an ahmixture 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.
Will decorative concrete last as long and 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 we have experimented with different proportions of tri-calcium silicate and bi-calcium silicate in terms of performance variables, one important property is the compressive strength. Previously, our technicians at concreteforever.com 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 the NIST 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, David Hunt, Founder of concreteforever.com also showed that cement fineness is an important factor influencing compressive strength, with phase compositions becoming significant at later ages. In this study, we also have attempted to predict the compressive strength development of standard ASTM C 10914 mortar in relation 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, tempture and soil conditions to minimize concrete cracking and potential displacement that may occur with an improperly mixed batch of concrete. (these factors are never taken into consideration at the concrete plant)
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 radious from Houston that have perfected this ancient art. This person I refer to is my mentor.....
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 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? AAA Affordable Concrete Contractors of Houston uses two methods to color decorative concrete. Using the first method, color is spread onto the surface by hand using the “dry shake method,” 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. The release/hardener is applied using this method as well. The second method tends to be slightly more expensive since the cost of the material will increase. Both are good methods and not one is better than the other. Which method is used depends on the conditions and what look the customer is trying to accomplish.
"I can't afford to do my entire project all at once. Can I do half now and half later?" Decorative concrete is surprisingly affordable. Best of all, every project can be done in stages. It is not a problem to pick up a pattern from one area and connect up to another area of your project at a later time.
When is it necessary to reinforce concrete? It is always an advantage in the long term to add re-bar (reinforcement bar). This guarantees that concrete will settle evenly and avoids uneven surfaces, and cracks that widen over time. The soil here in Houston is comprised of mostly clay...unstable to say the least
Concrete Houston, Stamped Concrete, Patio Houston
Greetings and Welcome to DecorativeConcreteNetwork.com © - Houston Texas
281.513.9260
CONCRETE PATIO, STAMPED CONCRETE DRIVEWAYS AND PATIOS, EXOTIC POOL AND DRIVEWAY SPECIALISTS
GREETINGS AND WELCOME TO THE DECORATIVE CONCRETE NETWORK Call TODAY for your FREE estimate! 281 513 9260
CLICK LINKS AT BOTTOM OF PAGE FOR AN INSTANT VIRTUAL ESTIMATE FOR YOUR NEW DRIVEWAY, PATIO OR WALKWAYS!
-
What is stamped concrete? Stamped concrete begins with regular concrete. A powdered dye (color) is spread onto the surface and /or an ahmixture 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.
Will decorative concrete last as long and 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 we have experimented with different proportions of tri-calcium silicate and bi-calcium silicate in terms of performance variables, one important property is the compressive strength. Previously, our technicians at concreteforever.com 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 the NIST 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, David Hunt, Founder of concreteforever.com also showed that cement fineness is an important factor influencing compressive strength, with phase compositions becoming significant at later ages. In this study, we also have attempted to predict the compressive strength development of standard ASTM C 10914 mortar in relation 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, tempture and soil conditions to minimize concrete cracking and potential displacement that may occur with an improperly mixed batch of concrete. (these factors are never taken into consideration at the concrete plant)
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 radious from Houston that have perfected this ancient art. This person I refer to is my mentor.....
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 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? AAA Affordable Concrete Contractors of Houston uses two methods to color decorative concrete. Using the first method, color is spread onto the surface by hand using the “dry shake method,” 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. The release/hardener is applied using this method as well. The second method tends to be slightly more expensive since the cost of the material will increase. Both are good methods and not one is better than the other. Which method is used depends on the conditions and what look the customer is trying to accomplish.
"I can't afford to do my entire project all at once. Can I do half now and half later?" Decorative concrete is surprisingly affordable. Best of all, every project can be done in stages. It is not a problem to pick up a pattern from one area and connect up to another area of your project at a later time.
When is it necessary to reinforce concrete? It is always an advantage in the long term to add re-bar (reinforcement bar). This guarantees that concrete will settle evenly and avoids uneven surfaces, and cracks that widen over time. The soil here in Houston is comprised of mostly clay...unstable to say the least
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
