Designing low permeability concrete, utilization of low alkali cement, proper curing, and reductions of water flow to the concrete surface will minimize the potential for efflorescence. In addition, the use of a damp proofing product such as Darapel can help reduce the incidence of effloresence.

In areas of the country that are subjected to freezing and thawing the concrete should be air-entrained to resist flaking and scaling of the surface. If air-entrained concrete is not used, there will be subsequent damage to the surface. The water/cement ratio should be as low as possible to improve durability of the surface. Too much water in the mix will produce a weaker, less durable concrete that will contribute to early flaking and spalling of the surface. See similar questions...

Color may be added to concrete by adding pigments-before or after concrete is place-and using white cement rather than conventional gray cement, by using chemical stains, or by exposing colorful aggregates at the surface. Textured finishes can vary from a smooth polish to the roughness of gravel. Geometric patterns can be scored, stamped, rolled, or inlaid into the concrete to resemble stone, brick or tile paving. See similar questions...

XYPEX is designed to penetrate and react with the mineral constituents of cement-based materials. It can be applied on concrete, concrete-block, cement stucco or the mortar between bricks. See similar questions...

This tool is primary designed for paint removal on painted wood surfaces. Infrared heat heats the mass of the material behind the paint. Marble, brick and concrete tend to dissipate the heat. It will also take longer time to scrape off the paint on these surfaces. Scrapers will become dull relatively quickly. Areas hard to reach with a scraper will also be difficult. This is not an ideal tool for this type of application but can be somewhat helpful. See similar questions...

In early life, concrete products may experience an apparent loss of colour and a bloom or stain (normally white) may appear on the surface. This is known as efflorescence. Since it is a naturally occurring phenomenon, it is not possible to be sure when, or if, efflorescence will appear. The effect generally disappears with the natural weathering process and the passage of time. It is in no way detrimental to the long-term durability of the product. See similar questions...

Although asphalt may seem to be the best choice, years have shown us that concrete actually lasts longer, will not break up in the turns and is white instead of black – making it about 40 degrees cooler in the sun. The extra heat and rough surface of asphalt can wear out a set of tires in 2 weeks during the peak season. Asphalt also must be sealed to protect it from damage by gasoline and oil. See similar questions...

Concrete countertops are the most unique, personal countertop option because they are made from scratch for each client. Often people think that granite is too shiny, too formal, too common. Synthetic solid surface materials look and feel like plastic. Concrete countertops, on the other hand, look natural and have character. This high-quality and hand-crafted solid surface option offers a color or visual texture that’s not available with other countertop materials. See similar questions...

There are some limitations to what you can resurface. If you have a driveway, don't even consider overlays because you can demolish and replace your driveway cheaper with ACDI than you can overlay. Patios, thick concrete entries, interior concrete floors and walkways are much better candidates for overlays. We only recommend stamp overlays for exterior concrete because most smooth applied overlays which are stained offer far less customer satisfaction. See similar questions...

Concrete is a commonly requested material. To be honest, we don't know much about gluing to concrete. You could check with some building sites. Cement is the adhesive that holds concrete together. It will take some research on our part but we are thinking about doing concrete. A very cool and specialized glue! It does its job then you can roll it into ball and ... well, have a ball with it. The glue that is used for "tip ins" (magazine jargon) is referred to as a Peel and Stick glue. See similar questions...

When cleaning heavily soiled or stained surfaces, use cleaning detergents formulated for pressure washers. To create quick, simple, air and water tight seals between hoses and attachments connected to the pressure washer system. The pumps on our pressure washers require a continuous pressurized water source of at least 20PSI and must also meet the required gallons per minute of the machine. See similar questions...

Yes, anywhere tile can go, decorative concrete can go. Our decorative concrete surfaces decorative concrete flooring is an extremely versatile flooring system. It can be applied on any floor in the house because of its lightweight properties and durability. The biggest problem with high-end flooring is that most clients will purchase what they can afford, not what they really want. The versatility of our decorative concrete texturing allows our clients to get what they really want. See similar questions...

It is not possible to prevent grass or lawn damage under the pool. Keep this in mind when selecting your site for set up. Fungus may develop in shaded areas around the pool. Try to keep these shaded areas free from excess water. See similar questions...

Water carries dissolved alkalis, lime and minerals from the concrete to the surface, where it evaporates and leaves behind white mineral deposits. Sometimes, it "grows" from the pores like fluffy cotton fibers. If left unchecked, this eventually hollows out and destroys the concrete – it is also called "concrete cancer." Extensive efflorescence prevents proper absorption of RadonSeal and consumes some of it, leaving less for sealing. See similar questions...

A well designed, durable, low permeability concrete mix, with an appropriate water to cementitious materials ratio (w/cm) using a high range water reducer will provide some protection against corrosion of embedded metals due to the presence of chlorides. Additional protection can be obtained by further reducing the permeability of the concrete with the use of Force 10,000® microsilica admixture and including DCI® Corrosion Inhibitor for long term durability. See similar questions...

Salt bloom and efflorescence can visibly affect coloured surfaces if the surface is overworked or too much water is used in the process. Impurities from the sand or aggregates and hydrated lime from the cement can travel to the surface, leaving a patchy whitish appearance. Although it may disappear in time, it is possible to remove the deposit by carefully applying and washing off a dilute Hydrochloric (Muriatic Acid, Spirit of Salts) acid solution. See similar questions...

Yes. Efflorescence will eventually go away naturally, but there are commercial cleaners available that are specifically formulated for concrete pavers. Most cleaners contain acid and detergents, so be sure to follow all label directions and environmental regulations when using these cleaners. See similar questions...