Benefits of Decorative Concrete

By Pete Malcolm
Decorative concrete is becoming popular among many home designers, owners and builders these days. It's not at all that surprising, knowing that it provides more benefits than its counterparts. What used to look like gray, plain and boring construction material now comes with a new look that's capable of turning heads. But despite of such face lift, the affordability, flexibility and durability concrete always had is never lost in the transformation.

It's flexible enough to be used outdoors - driveways, garages, patios, entryways, backyards, pool decks, etc. Using it indoors is also possible, replacing the usually used tiles, vinyl, wood and carpet. In fact, it's so flexible that it may also be used for kitchen sinks and counter tops, other than for the usual flooring and walling purposes.

How it's given a new look is by means of several different processes or treatments used on the material. It can be colored or textured to resemble stone, bricks, slate and other similar and more expensive flooring or walling materials. Making it look like things that are commonly seen in nature is also possible, such as fossils, shells, sand, wood, etc. The list of surfaces or finishes to choose from is practically endless, particularly when different processes are combined.

Stamped Concrete Sealers

By Damian Sofsian

Concrete can mimic the texture of natural stone, brick or slate for a beautiful effect. The numerous possibilities of elegant designs and the durability have all made Stamped Concrete a rage. But you need to take certain measures to make sure that it lasts. Thus, you should get this designer concrete sealed with a Stamped Concrete Sealer. The process of sealing should invariably be a part of the finishing process of the stamping, as not only does it help in adding to the finish of the floor but it also helps in the upkeep.

It is a good idea to seal your concrete floor regularly, as it goes a great way in keeping it as beautiful as ever. The frequency with which sealing is done depends on factors such as traffic and usage.
The concrete, due to being porous, has a tendency to absorb salts and water, which in turn lead to spoiling of both the appearance and also affects the surface of the concrete, making it all the more necessary to have a sealer. Choose a good quality sealer to ensure that the Stamped Concrete stays well maintained, as there have been a few cases in which the usage of sealer has led to a bad appearance of the Stamped Concrete.

Check Out These Tips To Improve Your Home

Looking for some home improvement tips? Well, you have come to the right place. Listed below are tips for eager people of every skill level to partake of and use to better their home. After all, home improvement is an activity that nearly anyone can enjoy, right? Now is your chance to start and enjoy it.

Always comparison shop for contractors when you need to fix up your home. Later, if you decide to sell your house, it is almost certain you will need to have some repair work done. If the work you require is extensive enough, you will have to hire a contractor. This is not something to do on the spur of the moment. Not all contractors are created equal; shop around before engaging one!

New Driveway
Try laying down a new driveway outside your home. By improving the exterior of your home, you can make it look great outside and possibly increase its value. Choose a material which suits your home; there is concrete, clay tile, tarmac, natural stone, and brick that you can use. Get a professional to lay it down properly.

Concrete Driveway Replacement in Denver

This video was produced by Denver Concrete Company to show what goes into replacing an exhausting driveway.  They offer concrete replacement for businesses and homes in the Denver metro.  This video shows the step-by-step process from tearing out the old concrete and pouring and setting the new.

Details about Stained Concrete

It is quite easy to maintain the stamped concrete structures in your home. In fact, there are numerous methods that you can apply easily and conveniently. It is highly recommended that the surface is sealed with specifically designed sealers that are water and heat resistant as well as durable. These protective materials also allow for the easier and quicker cleaning and maintenance of this type of concrete. The different sealers have different composition. Usually sealers are made primarily from solid materials and they are solvent based. They protect the covered surface from the growth of any sort of fungi and are also highly dirt and dust resistant. If you still find it difficult to maintain this kind of concrete surfaces, there are some other efficient cleaning methods that are quite helpful as well.

Most of the damage done to concrete occurs during the seasons with regular rain falls because they bring a lot of dust and dirt that falls on the outdoor surfaces. If the sealer you have used is efficient, no damage should be incurred and the surface should remain relatively clean. If blotches are visible on concrete after rain, this it is a good sign of the performance of sealer. These blotches can easily be removed by cleaning the surface with water and drying it afterward with a cloth or blower. It is effortless and not time consuming. And voila, all patches are gone! It is important for the water to be adequately removed from the sealed concrete in order not to create blotches. A fine solution is to grow plants around the concrete floors because they will be continuously absorbing the water near and on them. Similarly, many people use mats made of rubber. Keep in mind that rubber is easily absorbed by the sealer of the stamped concrete, which leaves the surface covered with unwanted patches.

Stamped Concrete Process

This video was produced by Denver Concrete Company to show what goes into a stamped concrete job.  They offer stamped concrete patios, driveways and sidewalks for businesses and homes in the Denver metro.  This video shows the step-by-step process from the pouring of the concrete to the sealing.

Mixing Cement Without A Mixer

Whether you want to mix cement to redo your driveway, fill some cracks on the ground around your home, or simply as part of some landscaping project, if you don't have an electric cement mixer or a gas powered one, then you will need to do it by hand. If it's your only option, then you will have to do what you have to do, doing this can be time consuming as well as a pain in the back but. There are many strategies to actually do this but let's have a look at one.
What you should need are a few simple things. The very first is certainly the concrete luggage. You may get these at areas like Home Depot. You can find various excess weight measurements in addition to blender rates. In addition there are several types of cement to select from too. If you are unsure about what to get, you can ask one of the workers there. The price for each travelling bag is dependent upon the type as well as the amount of pounds the travelling bag is. The greater it weighs in at, the more it will cost you. For simplicity of mixing, obtain the premixed variety. Other items you need is water and shovel, and a wheelbarrow.

Concrete vs Cement

Concrete vs Concrete the age-old discussion. But aren't concrete and cement the exact same thing? Amazingly, No they aren't. cement and Concrete have comparable characteristics and properties but they also have their own distinctions too. That's right Cement and Concrete are different! And more and more folks are making use of the terminology incorrectly. So I guess it's time to add in my two cents.
Cement is actually the base to concrete, or a more common term for this base is "Portland Cement"
The most prevalent utilization of definite is a combination of concrete plus a nutrient aggregate (as gravel and sand) with plenty of h2o to result in the concrete to put and combine the whole mass. Concrete supports the aggregate with each other. With the help of this mixture collectively you will get the greater number of tough ingredient concrete. This blend is easily the most widely used constructing material in the world.

Cement Mixing For Your Garden

By Neil Tufano 

Mixing concrete or mortar, often popularly referred to as 'cement mixing' has many applications around the garden: save money by laying a new path; build a stunning brick barbeque for the summer season; or lay a new shed base yourself. Just like cooking, the secret of how to mix cement comes down to methodically following a simple recipe. For smaller jobs you can probably do your cement mixing by hand - but you can't beat a cement mixer for sheer ease-of-use, convenience and the most efficient mixing.

How to mix cement
Mixing cement for garden applications typically consists of combining sand (and perhaps aggregate in the form of small stones/gravel) cement and water in pre-determined proportions. There is an almost infinite range of mixing ratios for different applications. For many garden purposes a mixing ratio of 1:2:3 (one part cement, two parts sand and three parts aggregate) is used.

How To Plan A Home Improvement Project That Will Amaze Your Neighbors

From that deck in the back yard to the window seat in the living room, there are many types of home improvement jobs homeowners attempt to take on every day. While most of these jobs end up successful, some people inevitably bite off more than they can chew. Read these tips so that you don't become "some people."

Concrete

Resurface the concrete walkways and driveways around your home for a new look. Replacing concrete can get incredibly expensive and doesn't add much to the curb appeal of your home. Consider resurfacing with cobblestone or brick which will cost a fraction of replacing concrete and will look like a million bucks.

If you have a lot of dirt in your backyard or garden, you can easily make your own pathways using pavers and stones. You don't need to use any concrete, just lay your stones in a nice design or pattern in the area you need it to cover. This can provide a nice and balanced look to your garden, as well as keeping your shoes dirt free.

Landscape Ideas to Improve your Curb Appeal

It is usually easy to think about making improvements to the inside of your home, because you spend so much time, inside, living between the walls. However, your home extends outside the walls and into your gardens. By reading the following article, you will get some excellent advice on what you can do to make improvements on your landscaping.

If you are not a master landscaper, consider hiring a company to help you. Though do-it-yourself individuals often think that they can save money by not resorting to using a company, the opposite might actually be true. A company can determine the exact chemicals, treatments, and care that your lawn needs, resulting in less work and sometimes, a reduced cost.

The Basics of Concrete Repair

By Daniel Roshard

What is exactly concrete repair?

Concrete is such a versatile substance. It can be used for driveways, patios, porches, garages, flooring and walls. But it does tend to be susceptible to damage over the years. There are many different types of concrete repair that can be performed to help prolong the life of the concrete or give it a much-needed face-lift. A fairly competent DIY enthusiast may perform some of the smaller concrete repairs. However, a professional should do more major or large scale types of concrete repair.

Just as the uses for concrete vary greatly, so do the types of concrete repairs that can be performed. The complexity of the work and the amount of labor required also affect the cost of the concrete repairs. There are also different grades of concrete that can be used and types of resin or setting agent. If you want the best concrete repairs, you are going to have to research exactly what is involved. The mix of the concrete used for any repair varies according to the temperature and climatic conditions, especially if the work is being performed outside. A stronger mix is used in colder weather.

Whate Everyone Needs To Know About Landscaping

It isn't hard to create and design the yard, lawn or garden that you desire. All you need to know is some basic information when it comes to landscaping. Information is what you will find readily available within this article. Then you can work on achieving your perfect lawn.

Before you begin your new landscaping project, you should sketch out what you desire it to look like. This will give you a visual idea of what you want, how it will look, and what kind and amount of materials your project will require. It is much easier to make adjustments to the sketch of your landscape than it is your actual landscape itself.

Consider concrete edging your garden to create soft and shapely beds. Curved beds are more contemporary and up-to-date than sharp corners and straight lines. The fresh edges are a cost effective way to improve the look of your yard and flower beds.

When it comes to landscaping, there's a lot you need to consider. You need to know the differences between annuals and perennials, what plants thrive in what regions, and what will work in your climate. You need to be conscious of the seasons while landscaping as well. It is crucial to be informed about this information if you want the best landscaping results.

If you are adding an outdoor kitchen to your yard, granite works really well. Even though granite tends to be a bit more expensive than marble or other options, it tends to be more durable and easier to maintain.

Proper Concrete Maintenance

Proper concrete maintenance is essential for stopping the pricey concrete repair Denver residents all try to avoid. Whenever a layer of concrete must be changed, that old material must drawn out before placing the brand new slab. This could end up with costly since many concrete is no less than 3 . 5 inches thick, making the fabric very heavy. So to be able to ease removal, the slab must be saw cut or jack hammered to interrupt up into more compact pieces. When the slab is taken away, the brand new stone base could be prepared. Typically, a layer of concrete will definitely cost a minimum of six dollars per sq . ft . to exchange. So regular concrete maintenance is essential.

What exactly kinds of maintenance are required to keep the concrete in good condition? First, make certain all cracks are sealed regularly. Spring is a great time to undergo all your exterior concrete foundations and appearance for gaps and cracks. You wouldn't want water to obtain lower with the cracks and clean the stone base below. This could create settlement which ultimately results in cracking and trip hazards. A top quality concrete caulk is essential to close in the joints. Seek advice from the local concrete supplier for material recommendations.

Cleaning is yet another concrete maintenance item. Regularly cleaning your concrete surfaces could keep co2, chemicals, and chlorides from entering the concrete surface. Grime, brine, automobile liquids, deicers and sand are full of these corrosive chemicals that may deteriorate the concrete surface. By continuing to keep the top free from these products, you'll assist in preventing surface sprawling. If this involves cleaning your concrete, make certain waiting before the surface reaches a awesome temperature. You won't want to put really cold water on the hot layer of concrete as it can certainly put stresses around the material that can result in cracking.

Stamped Concrete A Great Alternative To Natural Stone

Until a couple of years back, natural stone like marble, slate and granite in which the top options for individuals who are able to pay the same however in present day world, lots of alternative options, including Denver concrete can be obtained and clients think hard before creating their mind on the product. Concrete that's been polished really sticks out from the majority of its flooring rivals but they are they much better than stone? This comparison review will help you discover the solution!

Durability: If this involves durability and gratification, polish concrete and gemstone are equally good because are both very lengthy lasting in comparison its rivals like, porcelain tile, wood and vinyl.

Cost: is among the least expensive flooring options available for sale but natural gemstones however appear is the most costly ones. For individuals who're searching toward flooring large areas at one go will discover the cost of natural stones to become very costly. For this reason lots of clients choose other available choices like ceramic tiles, carpets and vinyl after understanding that the standard from the latter is low.
 
Maintenance:  Natural stones are very popular for his or her lower maintenance costs but polished concrete really sticks out having a cheaper cost. If you work with flooring, you are aware how painful it's to keep flooring and keeping these questions very good condition.

Common Concrete Joints

To be able to prevent concrete structures from damage triggered by plastic shrinkage, thermal shrinkage, settlement, movement... concrete joints are needed. You will find 3 common kinds of concrete joints as described below.

1. Contraction (Control) Joints

Contraction Joints are intentionally installed joints made to regulate cracking that may otherwise occur because of the inevitable, frequently unpredictable, contraction of concrete. These joints are frequently known as control joints since they're meant to control crack locations. The required plane of weakness might be created by reduction of the concrete mix-section by pedaling or saw cutting some pot within 24 hrs of placing. Contraction joint movement should be small.

2. Construction Joints

Construction Joints are created pre and post disruptions within the positioning of concrete or with the positioning of precast models. Locations are often predetermined in order to limit the job that you can do previously to some convenient size, with least impairment from the finished structure, though they can also be required by unforeseen disruptions in concreting procedures. With respect to the structural design, they might be needed to operate later as expansion or contraction joints, or they might be needed to become soundly glued towards the first in order to maintain complete structural integrity. Construction joints might run flat or up and down with respect to the placing sequence recommended by the style of the dwelling.

3. Expansion Joints

Expansion Joints are made to avoid the crushing and distortion from the abutting concrete structural models that may otherwise occur because of the transmission of compressive forces that might be produced by expansion, applied loads, or differential actions developing in the configuration from the structure or its settlement. Expansion joints are created by supplying an area within the entire mix section between abutting structural models. Expansion joint movement might be high (as much as thirty percent of joint width).

Sealant for above joints are essential for just about any concrete structures. Concrete joint sealant is going to be talked about on next coming articles.

The Benefits of Concrete Flooring

Concrete comes in countless forms. Its unique makeup allows it to be a tough, durable building material that grows stronger over time. In addition, it can be molded to mimic the appearance and texture of stone, wood, brick or any other construction material. This makes concrete floor finishes the perfect options to compose your building's flooring. Below are some of the benefits of concrete floor finishes.

The Design Versatility

Concrete is the ultimate building material mimic. It doesn't simply copy the general shape and texture of a material. It perfectly replicates the material, allowing to be shaped and colored into complex designs that would have otherwise been impossible or extremely costly. The unique looks of an exotic wood or rare stone, for example, could be had for the same cost as any other design.

The Easy Installation

The malleable pre-finish liquid state of concrete allows you to have your floor finishes easily installed. This allows installers to avoid cutting and measuring mistakes that can ruin or extend the floor installation process.

There is also no need to engage in the costly endeavor of lifting current layers of flooring. This results in a huge savings of both time and money.

The Durability

Your floors will be trampled, scraped, pounded, slammed and abrasively scrubbed. Wooden floors are highly susceptible to this type of damage. The repairs for concrete are relatively inexpensive, but they are required so often that these costs can add up.

How to Repair a Concrete Sidewalk

We've all done it. Hurrying inside to an important meeting, or walking into a restaurant for dinner, it happens. You trip. Hopefully you only stumble a bit, feel foolish and then continue on with your day. Sometimes, it doesn't work out that way and you have injured more than your pride.

As a property manager or owner, the thought of a customer, tenant or visitor to your business getting hurt on your property probably makes you cringe a bit. And, it's most likely not just out of sympathy thinking of your fellow-man suffering an injury, but also out of fear of a possible lawsuit.

Keeping your concrete sidewalks and concrete curbs in good repair is a must for facility managers. Not only does it prevent these types of mishaps, but also it does wonders for the curb appeal of your building.