Decorative Concrete: Stamped Overlays 101

By Author: Wolad Toz
Total Articles: 3
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Austin, Texas is known for its wealth, artistry and great real estate. It is no wonder, therefore, that real estate owners are discriminating when it comes to considering decorative concrete options for their homes and/or commercial establishments. Decorative concrete contractors, for instance, offers the latest technology in decorative concrete, including stamped concrete overlays.

The purpose of concrete overlays, just like resurfacing, is to cover damage or out of date finish or add topping for aesthetic reasons, to an existing and still structurally sound concrete. These can be stamped, troweled, squeegee finished, self-leveled, and sprayed among others. Though decorative concrete overlays are made up of different chemical additives, some basic elements include, cement, aggregate in the form of sand, silica or calcium carbonate and a polymer.

Polymer is an acrylic type glue that helps resurfacing materials bond to their substrate, making it more durable, stronger, and flexible. A stamped concrete overlay makes use of an engineered modified polymer cementous product which is considered to be:

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... => 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, or slate but at a 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. The thickness will depend on the stamp or pattern that will be used. Stamp concrete overlays are intended to set-up or dry slowly to allow the craftsman time to “stamp or imprint” a pattern before the system hardens.

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. 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.

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.

With numerous formulations, color options, and finishing techniques available, skilled professional contractors can mold, color, texturize these elements to create different outcomes. The 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. Installation usually comes with a guarantee that the overlay will adhere to the concrete and not delaminate or fade especially in places like Austin 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.

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.

A stamp is pressed into the overlay just like full depth stamped concrete austin applications for a more natural look. For more Informations Please Visit Our concrete stamping austin Website.