FAQs

Why should I repair my concrete instead of replacing it?
Concrete replacement generally requires heavy equipment that can cause damage to the surrounding area, including landscaping and sidewalks. Some areas simply are not accessible, and must be removed with labor-intensive smaller equipment or sledgehammers. A large portion of that concrete also winds up in landfills. Plus once it's replaced, you simply have a brand new ordinary looking surface that's as vulnerable to stains, oil absorption, spalling, cracking and salt damage as the old concrete.

We deliver a concrete system that:
  • Requires no heavy equipment
  • Is more environmentally and landscape friendly
  • Takes only a few days to install depending on size and condition
  • Resists stains, oil spills, and salt damage
  • Adds beauty and value to your home, neighborhood, and/or business!
What's the basic decorative concrete system?
Our acrylic concrete system is a combination of modified acrylic resins and specially formulated Portland cements. It combines the strength of cements with the durability and bonding power of acrylics, with added color as desired. A penetrating sealer applied on top provides superb durability, weather and UV resistance to ensure a long product life.
How long has this kind of product been in use?
Concrete resurfacing has been around since the early 1970s. Acrylic polymers were added in the 1980s to provide superior bonding properties, and increase strength, durability and longevity.
Tell me about the bonding and design process. How does it work?
The steps can be affected by individual situations, but basically, it follows this order:
  1. First, the surface is etched with a mild acid solution and pressure washed to clean off dirt, remove loose aggregate, and open the concrete pores.
  2. Next, a very thin "skim" coat of the acrylic cement mix is applied by trowel or squeegee. This is to provide maximum absorption into the pores of the concrete, and to fill in all holes, or voids.
  3. Then, patterns are laid out using reinforced tape or stencils when the acrylic cement mix is dry.
  4. A second acrylic/cement coat is applied using a hopper gun in a random spray pattern, or troweled to accomplish a stone or realistic brick look. When this coat is dry, off come the tape/stencils, revealing the design patterns.
  5. Then 2-3 coats of solvent-based sealer are applied by roller. The sealer coats penetrate and soften the skim and spray coats, and bond all layers to the concrete.
  6. When dry, these layers become a permanent part of the existing concrete, providing outstanding weather and stain resistant properties.
How thick is the mix applied?
Not very thick at all - usually between 1/8" - 3/32". The most important thing is getting the acrylic to penetrate the concrete than building up the surface. Actually, the thinner it is, the better the flexural properties it has. Flexing is very important, as it allows for expansion and contraction during freeze/thaw cycles.

Skim coats can be applied up to 1/2" deep for holes and "spalling" (chipping or flaking), and larger repairs up to 12" thick are rebuilt using specialized fast-setting acrylic mortars.
Will my concrete still heave in the winter?
Unfortunately, nothing can eliminate the heaving of concrete. However, after applying our product, the surface will be denser and a lot less porous. This reduces large cracks that previously allowed water penetration. Consequently, significantly less water is retained, dramatically reducing the heaving caused by freeze cycles over a period of time.
Is the acrylic/cement mix affected by cold weather?
Not at all. Because it's an acrylic, it remains flexible, yet extremely durable. Freeze/thaw cycles cause concrete to expand and contract. Because the acrylic is essentially part of the concrete surface, it moves with the concrete, not against it, as is the case with products like tile, slate, pavers, asphalt or concrete patches.
How does the restored surface stand up against oils, stains, salts, and discoloration?
Because of the protective properties of the sealer coat, the restored surface has a non-porous finish. The majority of oil and grease stains wash off with mild detergent. Salt, de-icers, fertilizers and such, have no immediate effect. In addition, because of a unique UV (ultraviolet) additive, it won't discolor due to exposure to sunlight, even in the harshest of conditions.
Will the finish wear down or chip off?
Not as long as the acrylic sealer is replenished as wear occurs - usually every 3-4 years, under normal traffic conditions. The finish is designed to absorb potential wear on the concrete system as long as the sealer is in place.
What are my color choices?
We currently have 28 base colors to choose from, and our unique highlighting system provides virtually unlimited color combinations. Custom mixes and personalized logos are available at a small additional cost.
How do I take care of the new surface properly?
Although our concrete system is extremely durable, it's not indestructible. The rule of thumb is this: Treat it like you treat concrete, and it will treat you even better. Exercise caution when setting heavy objects on it, as you would with concrete. Take care not to drag heavy items that would scratch concrete.

Otherwise, maintain the surface with periodic non-solvent washing. Just clean oil spills and the like as quickly as possible to keep it looking new.
What about expansion joints? Are they covered up?
No - in fact, all existing joints are re-cut a little deeper to ensure that when the concrete does move, it moves where you want it to, and not at some undisclosed weak spot. Concrete must be allowed to expand and contract with temperature changes. Expansion joints and cold or control joints provide a "controlled crack" for this movement, and prevent cracking in the wrong places.
What do you do about heaved, sunken, and severely damaged concrete?
Either grind down the heaved (raised) concrete, or build up the adjacent section to meet it as appropriate. Severely damaged sections are torn out and replaced only if necessary. The idea is to save as much as possible to help minimize the cost and time of replacing the entire area.
Can cracks be repaired?
Absolutely. All cracks are repaired using high strength epoxies prior to applying the skim coat. Then new tension control joints are placed, or existing ones cut deeper, to alleviate the tension and allow for the movement that created the crack initially. (Note: Cracking cannot be garaunteed due to elements beyond our control, i.e. changes in weather, underlying foundation, etc.)
Can your concrete system be applied around pools?
Most definitely! Our products are the ideal solution for pool and spa areas. They're non-skid, 30-40% cooler than bare concrete, and won't stain or be adversely affected by pool chemicals. They also provide a perfect transition from pool to yard, and add that finishing touch like no other product. Because of its versatility, we can also use stencils to indicate depth markings or areas of safety concern.
How soon can the surface be used after application?
Under normal temperature and weather conditions: For regular foot traffic (excluding high heels, cleats, or spikes), 24 hours; Vehicle traffic: 5-7 days.
What kinds of surfaces can the concrete system be applied to?
Our products can be applied to any concrete surface, vertical or horizontal. Wood surfaces must have a cement backer board such as Hardi-Board or DuRock applied to add stability and minimize flexing.