You’ve Got Questions, We’ve Got Answers
The staff at Bricks-n-Stones is here to elaborate on our services with frequently asked questions. We hope the answers we offer provide you with an education regarding the products we use and offer along with information to help assist you with your concrete decisions.
How much does it cost?
This will depend on the condition of the concrete and how you want it to look in the end. Our minimum is usually $1,000 with the sq. ft. averaging $4 to $6 per sq. ft., which depends upon the size, location, pattern, and amount of detail desired. Logos and edging can only be priced individually.
What is a decorative overlay?
It is a polymer modified cementitious mix specifically designed to bond to existing concrete substrates. It thus enhances the appearance and durability of that existing concrete with color, design, and slip and chemical resistance.
What is the difference between stamped concrete and a decorative overlay?
A decorative overlay is a thin layer of polymer modified concrete that resurfaces existing concrete, whereas stamped concrete is a completely new pour of concrete with a stamped impression. Overlays are much more cost effective because there is no expensive tear-out, grading, or excavation.
How long does it take to install?
Most residential jobs can be done in 2 or 3 days depending on weather conditions. There are exceptions with residential, but more so with commercial jobs, which we will address during your consultation.
How long will it last?
With a little maintenance, it will last as long as the concrete it was installed upon.
What time of year can it be installed?
Warmer weather is the best for application and faster curing times. However, overlays can be installed when the temperature is above 40 degrees and not raining.
How do you deal with cracks?
Cracks are repaired and filled before the overlay is installed. We can make the cracks disappear, but if the concrete substrate moves, shifts, or settles the concrete will crack, which will cause the overlay to do the same, usually in the form of a hairline crack, which is largely hidden in the texture of the overlay. Even if you were to tear out and replace the concrete, no one can guarantee that the concrete will never crack.
Will it be cooler to walk on?
Yes. The texture will create a cooler surface, similar to that of a Kool Deck application. It will also provide a slip resistant surface on pool decks.
Polished Concrete FAQ
How is concrete polishing done?
Planetary floor machines, using diamond pads, mechanically refine the concrete surface by removing the top cement paste and exposing the underlying, stronger concrete. Starting with courser grit diamonds and progressing through finer and finer grit diamonds, along with chemical densifiers, the concrete is honed and polished to produce a hard, smooth, reflective and durable surface.
Is it permanent?
Yes. Once the polish has been applied, the downtime is minimal, which allows for foot traffic on the surface to begin almost immediately. It won’t peel or flake as there is no coating or covering involved.
Is it slippery?
Polished concrete often exceeds the safety standards set by OSHA, which is one reason it is used in the big box stores like Walmart, Lowe’s, and Home Depot, and it tends to be less slippery than waxed floors or floors with coatings such as epoxies and urethane’s.
Is it expensive?
Actually, it’s just the opposite. Over the long run, polished concrete will cost less than any other flooring material. Initial installs can run between $2.00 and $6.00 per sq. ft. depending on floor conditions and desired finish.
How do you maintain it?
Dust mopping or wet mopping with a pH neutral soap, never any waxing. On larger floors a “walk behind” scrubber can be used.
If you have a question that is not listed above, or for a free estimate on these high-quality concrete products, give us a call at 618-363-0829 today!