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The barometric pressure variables and humidity criteria need to be
calibrated into the optimization performance variables table (provided by a
www.concreteforever.com on site project manager) prior to the pour by a
qualified engineer or by a one of the qualified Concreteforever.com
technicians, as this will determine the performance criteria and the
optimum amounts of air entrainment and bi-calcium silicates admixtures
required to optimize the mix according to these variables.

If your in the market for a Decorative Concrete or stamped concrete
flooring, patio, driveway, foundation, or stamped concrete vertical fences
then give us the opportunity to fascilitate your upcoming decorative or
stamped concrete project. Equally as important is our concrete
engineering skills required to optimize the concrete mix for your particular
application. In Houston patios and Houston driveways & even Houston
paver driveways need to be engineered to withstand the expansive soil
conditions of the region. Depending on the humidity, barometric pressure
and other significant factors, our cast concrete optimization process is a
well known process used in the prestressed concrete beams that support
bridges and infra-structures - flexible but hi-capacity strength - the day of
the pour we optimize the concrete mix with variable proportions of tri-
calcium silicate, hardeners and bi-calcium silicates in terms of
performance variables, air entraining admixtures and fiber supplemental
reinforcement. The most important property is the compressive strength.
Cement particle-size distribution to strength development is a determining
factor assuming that the depth of the hydrated layer is independent of
particle diameter to quantitatively predict the effects of particle-size
distribution on strength evolution, which is an important factor influencing
compressive strength, with phase compositions becoming significant at
later ages.

How do you color the Concrete? Once we've optimized 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. we highlight the concrete with a faux stain. 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, stone, field
stones, flagstone, bricks, pavers,pavestones, cobblestone, brick, marble,
or many other materials. Want a faux polished concrete look? Give us a
call!

Why is the base so important? Cast concrete in Houston is
comparable to a mirror image of what it is poured over, in terms of
professional craftsmanship. Without an adequate base (usually 2"- 6"
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. Whether your in an owner builder network or private
owner/builder we can help save you money.

Under the best circumstances plain concrete 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 with stone impressions or brick patios or
sidewalks that look 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. Our polished concrete floors in Houston are
stunning and affordable. 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. 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.
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 stamped concrete product is 4-6" thick,
(driveways are 6"-7" thick and patios are 4" or more) 4,000-4,500 psi
concrete. We exceed steel rebar reinforcement requirements by over
20%. We match or exceed the normal requirements for a strong finish that
withstands years of normal use. Over the years the technicians at www.
ConcreteForever.com 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. 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
faux concrete floors and engraving link for an in depth comprehensive
review of your upcoming project


This site was updated Sunday January 02 at 08:34 GMT


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