Poured concrete is three times (3x) stronger and resists water infiltration better than block. Poured concrete also offers a faster building cycle than block.

When cured, the concrete in AMVIC walls is 50% stronger and use 30% less concrete than traditionally poured walls. While the cost of a bare block or poured wall is less, AMVIC provides insulation and furring strips, and is ready to finish, making it a cost effective and less labor-intensive choice. AMVIC also is far less labor intensive to use where there are frequent openings and/or popouts as are frequently the case in residential construction.

Yes. The AMVIC forms are used to allow builders to pour a solid concrete wall. However, upon completion, the forms are designed to provide insulation, nailing surfaces, and a vapor barrier, all in one step.

A - Concrete must have water to gain strength and hydrating membranes are an essential part of concrete construction. When ICF is used, the concrete achieves a higher strength than specifications because of this ability to keep moisture in the mix. Eventually, all the water is converted to concrete crystals. Top

Yes. The AMVIC forms are used to allow builders to pour a solid concrete wall. However, upon completion, the forms are designed to provide insulation, nailing surfaces, and a vapor barrier, all in one step.

Yes. ICF forms are used to allow builders a solid concrete wall. Also, the A-One Form brackets (webs) run the full height of the form so much less bracing is needed during pouring. The majority of ICF's on the market require major bracing because their forms cannot support the weight of the concrete.

You will never see a crack running through a paver patio or across a paver walk, and of course pavers offer more design diversity. Back to top

In Iowa, during the 90's we used rubble trenches successfully on several EcoNests?. This summer we will be doing our first rubble trench on an EcoNest? in New Mexico to move towards our goal of eliminating Portland cement from our homes. The production of Portland cement is an energy-intensive process that is responsible for 6-10% of global warming depending on which study you read.

SMOOTHCRETE prefers to pour the concrete countertops on-site. By doing so, it saves on time in making the template and forming as well as avoiding seams in your concrete countertop.

Yes, the standard sets a minimum limit of 3 cm. In residential systems the thickness of the concrete is approximately 4,5 cm.

Depending on several things like temperature and humidity, with few exceptions, stains and sealers require a 30 to 45 day cure time. Concrete hydrates during cure. As it cures moisture dissipates from the slab. If it is sealed too soon the water vapors may build up and push the stain and sealer off. How soon a pattern can be engraved or cut also depends on several things like temperature, humidity, aggregate type, and the type of cut. You should wait at least 7 days before decorative engraving.

Yes, however extreme cold & extreme heat present additional challenges with concrete. Additives will be placed into the concrete to compensate for these conditions. During the wintertime we use heated mixing water and accelerating chemicals in the concrete mixture. Placement of concrete can be done safely as low as 15 degrees at the time of placement. The use of such additives may cause an additional expense.

We prefer not to use brick as it tends to splinter and crack over time. But we do lay brick—usually the old “antique” brick. We also discourage concrete block patios.

Although the terms cement and concrete often are used interchangeably, cement is actually an ingredient of concrete. Concrete is basically a mixture of aggregates and paste. The aggregates are sand and gravel or crushed stone; the paste is water and portland cement. Concrete gets stronger as it gets older. Portland cement is not a brand name, but the generic term for the type of cement used in virtually all concrete, just as stainless is a type of steel and sterling a type of silver.

Choose Omars Paving Stones for any paving project. Omars Paving Stones system will instantly improve your home's appearance and increase its appraised value. With dozens of shapes and colors to choose from, design possibilities for driveways, walkways, patios & pools, sunrooms and other areas are endless.

Better. Interlocking pavers are rated four times stronger than poured concrete. Because of their unique design and installation, they resist shifting, buckling and shrinking, optimizing surface performance and appearance. Paving Stones won't even fade under the harsh sun. Unlike asphalt, they are maintenance-free without the need for messy sealers. Save time & money season after season.