While we try to get the closest match possible, we cannot guarantee a perfect match.  This is based on a number of variables:

• Concrete mix designs will vary some degree between loads by the same supplier.
• Admixture per yard of concrete ratio varies somewhat.

Note: No two patios are identical, nor can they be. Because of the color hardener (highlight) streaking, and release application (contrast), the colors adhere differently each application. In addition, a different pattern using the same colors will cause the color process to look different.

The colors are extremely close, but not an exact match.  We encourage our customers to use our reference sheet as a guide to see other projects.  It not only gives you an actual example of what the different patterns look like, but also what the actual colors look like (with some degree of variance).

The colors will slightly change in the first month, until the concrete has finished curing.  The sun will eventually cause it to lighten over time.  Preventive maintenance through sealing keeps the colors protected and vibrant.

Many customers tend to be concerned when they see this stage of the process.  There is no reason to be alarmed.  What you see is the Release color (contrast color).  After the color hardener (highlights) is streaked, the release color is spread over the entire surface.  The release color helps the stamps from sticking to the concrete and helps prevent the highlights from spreading.  The release is floated and absorbed into the wet concrete.  You cannot tell what the final appearance will be until it has been cleaned, detailed, and sealed.  When all phases have been completed, you will see the unique beauty of your design.

Generally, it is the next day.  We cannot seal in the rain.  Rain will cause the sealer to turn milky white in color.  If it rains 3-4 hours after the sealer has been applied, the sealer will already have dried and cannot be damaged by the rain.

Concrete should be cleaned with water-based cleaners only.  Standard dish soap and water are the best.  Use a soft to medium bristle brush, being careful not to rub too hard as to remove the sealer.

Concrete should be sealed once a year.  It can be rolled on with a thick nap roller.  Always check the weather forecast; sealer should be applied on a clear day that is not subject to rain.

You should not drive on concrete for seven days.  It will achieve minimum p.s.i. strength by the seventh day.  For areas like patios and walkways, we suggest to not use or walk on these areas until one day after they have been sealed.

Concrete will occasionally develop fracture/stress cracks during the curing process.  This is normal behavior for concrete.  Stress fractures cannot be prevented.  We do, however, use zip strip for contractual joints for a number of reasons.  1) They are less noticeable in stamped concrete than saw cut joints, and 2) joints are made to help alleviate stress fractures.  There isn't any guarantee that it will crack there, but more often than not, it will.  Contractual joints also help with the expansion and contraction of the concrete due to heat and cool, as well as the freeze and thaw process. 

Reasons for Cracks in Concrete:

Class C Soils: Class C Soils are soils that have been disturbed.  Your soil is in this category because at one time or another it has been moved.  Most likely, it was when your house was built.  When soil is moved, it creates air pockets The air will eventually work its way to the surface, which creates settling.  Similar to the way your house settles over time, concrete will settle over time.  We use #57 limestone as a base because of its compaction ability.  This will give the concrete a stable base, but your sub-base soils (Class C) will eventually cause a shift in settling.  This will happen whether you use bricks, concrete and/or decking.

Soil Conditions: The Northern U.S. experiences a condition known as soil creep.  Soil creep is the slow, down slope movement of soil under the influence of gravity.  Frost heave, thermal expansion and contraction of the surface, and alternate wetting and drying of the soil can cause soil creep.  Although this area was originally frozen over a million years ago, scientists estimate that we could continue to experience soil creep well into the next 500,000 years.

We strongly recommend that you do not use salt.  A chemical breakdown occurs when you mix calcium carbonate (concrete) and Sodium (salt).  This causes the concrete to weaken and spauld (when the top layer of your concrete peals off).  Though concrete will naturally spauld and breakdown over the course of many years, preventive maintenance is the best approach.  If you need to prevent slipping on ice, sand can be used.  However, sealing should be done the first clear day in spring because of the friction wear on the existing sealer.

We recommend that you do not plow your stamped concrete.  The blade of a snowplow will scrape and scratch the surface; it can also chip the textured areas.  We recommend using a shovel and/or snow blower over these surfaces.

It is not likely.  Bricks are porous, so they retain moisture.  Moss needs dampness and low lighting to grow.  Concrete is not porous, and when sealed, has an added moisture barrier.  You may experience some moss growth in areas that are continually damp with low light.  This is generally surface moss.  It can be washed off with soap and water to eliminate the slippery film.  One of the advantages of architectural concrete over brick pavers is the low maintenance.  Because concrete is a single surface, rather than individual bricks, weeds and grass can't grow between the joints.

We are located in Portage County in Northeast Ohio. We typically service an area within a two hour radius of our home. However, we are not against traveling further. Let us know where you are and tell us about your project, and we will be glad to discuss the possibilities. Just send us an email!