The popularity of stamped concrete in residential property has grown in the recent past. If you are building a new concrete structure or considering renovations, this might be the ideal choice for your project. The material is used to enhance outdoor areas such as driveways, patios and pool decks as well as indoor spaces in flooring. It is made to mimic patterns and textures of other materials, primarily some of the natural alternatives including brick, wood and stone. The processes involved in the production of this concrete are addition of the primary base and accent colors and stamping of the concrete to create ideal patterns and textures.
Benefits
The main advantage of installing stamped concrete is the availability of custom designs; the pattern, style and colour options are almost limitless. The chosen aesthetics can be made depending on preference and existing landscaping designs. The material is economical in the achievement of aesthetic results that would otherwise be expensive.
For instance, marble or lumber are not cost-effective for most homeowners while stamped concrete that looks alike is likely to be within the project budget estimates. The labor required for installation is minimal because the work is done onsite and the process is essentially making the mixture, pouring and then stamping. Alternatives like pavers are labor-intensive because each unit has to be transported to the site and set individually. Moreover, concrete surfaces are easy to clean and maintain.
Drawbacks
Stamped concrete lacks resilience so it is not a durable choice especially compared to alternative finished surfaces. The installed material is susceptible to cracks and scratches when exposed to unfavorable conditions. It is not a good surface for high traffic driveways and packing areas. Repair of damaged concrete is challenging because it is almost impossible to create a fresh mixture with identical texture and color onsite.
Maintenance Tips
Proper care and periodic maintenance work is essential in extending the stamped concrete's lifespan. You should apply color hardener products to the concrete occasionally to increase the resilience and improve resistance against abrasion and cracks. Sealing is also a beneficial practice which enhances aesthetics and protects the concrete against dirt, UV exposure and chemicals. It also makes cleaning tasks easier and more effective. Do not use de-icing salt products on stamped concrete because it will have adverse effects on sealer. The salts generally cause the protective layer to fail and separate from the base. Note that vigilant maintenance is in vain if the concrete surface is poorly installed so choose your contractor carefully.
For more information, check out companies such as Liquid Rock Constructions Pty Ltd.
Share5 March 2015
Concrete may seem boring to the uninitiated, but as the wife of a concrete contractor, I have learned, over the years, that it is anything but boring. Contemporary concrete can be used in a range of applications from functional sound walls to decorative koi ponds, and it can be left gray, stamped or acid stained. If you are getting ready to do a project, you have come to the right place. In this blog, I am going to post a myriad of information about concrete with an emphasis on project ideas and the different uses of concrete. By the end, I hope you find concrete as exciting as I do!
