Benefits Of Stamped Concrete Overlays

By Author: Anson Jef
Total Articles: 2
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As an alternative to installing stone, granite, marble and slate, stamped overlay is much cheaper but still achieving almost the same effect in color and texture.

A stamped concrete overlay makes use of an engineered modified polymer cementous product which is considered to be:

=> Stronger compared to normal concrete and other concrete coating products even with if the application is as thin as a grain of sand.


=> Highly resistant to salt, chemicals, UV, freeze/thaw, delamination, hydrostatic pressure, oil, stains, mildew/fungus, depending on the seal coat,


=> Cost effective since the overlays and sealers provide more strength and durability and nearly maintenance free surface that looks like stone, brick, slate at much lesser cost.


=> More flexible with the wide variety of applications – broom finish, splatter texture, trowel finish, stamped overlay, chemical stain – color and design options

It is usually installed at one fourth to three eighths inch thick on an existing concrete, thus eliminating the hassle ...
... of breaking down and replacing what you have, as long as the existing one remains structurally sound. Because of its versatility, it can be done anywhere outside or inside top floors of office or apartment or condominium building, and on horizontal or vertical surfaces. Unlike regular stamped concrete which is often limited to outdoor use because of its thickness and the mess involved especially during the powder release antiquing process.

A stamp is pressed into the overlay just like full depth stamped concrete applications for a more natural look of stone, slate, brick and tile. The overlay is then coated with sealers giving it a nonporous finish. Contractors can, also, provide the proper texture – smooth or rough to suit any condition like making it skid resistant for areas around the pool, for example.

Most work come with guarantee that the overlay will adhere to the concrete and not delaminate or fade especially in places like Washington DC where direct sunlight can fade painted surfaces and surface coatings in a matter of weeks. In addition, because it is UV resistant, it is, heat resistant thus cooler than traditional concrete and remains cool and comfortable even during summer.

With the non-porous systems, cleaning and maintenance of stamped overlay is faster and easy than concrete as majority of stains can be hosed down with mild detergent or plain water. Salt, sand, deicers and fertilizers will have no effect. With proper maintenance, a stamped overlay can outlast the traditional concrete for years.

The installation process would take about 3 to 7 days, depending on system and finish chosen and most can be walked on within 24 hours, a couple of days if expected traffic is heavy.

Depending of the usage and traffic, it is recommended that surface be resealed every 3 to 5 years. However, in places where there is only foot traffic resealing can be done every 5 years.

Contractors who are doing stamping concrete should be able to make an easy transition to the more popular stamping overlays. Many of the tools used are the same or similar and with just a few modifications the technique can be mastered with practice.

Contractors who are doing stamped concrete washington dc should be able to make an easy transition to the more popular stamping overlays. For more Informations Please Visit Our decorative concrete washington dc Website.