Frequently Asked QuestionsIf you’d like the expert techniques of Stamped Concrete Houston gleaned from our years of experience, give us a call at 281-336-9555.
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How long will stamped concrete last?
In the past stamped concrete would crack and crumble long before regular concrete. With the advancements in the technology and techniques, stamped concrete now has an average lifespan on 25 years. It’s life is longer than traditional concrete work due to the sealants used. It does need resealed every 2-4 years.
When can you walk on stamped concrete?
Stamped concrete is set in 3-4 hours. Once it’s been sealed, it can be walked on in 2-3 hours. We recommend that all pets be kept off for 3 days (72 hours) so their nails don’t pierce through before the sealer & concrete have had adequate time to fully dry and seal.
Is stamped concrete expensive?
In comparison with the raw materials cost plus labor costs of other patio materials, stamped concrete is by far the least expensive option. Installed the costs start at $10 per square foot and go upwards from there, to about $40 per square foot.
How much does stamped concrete cost? How much are stamped concrete patios?
In general, the market has a range of $2 - $18 per square foot, with a median range of $6 - $12 per square foot. However, there are huge differences between the needs from one job to another. Give us a call and we will be thrilled to give you a free estimate for your specific job.
What is the difference between concrete and cement?
The words are very often used interchangeably, however the substance refer to different, but similar materials. The definition of cement is calcined lime and clay to create a component of concrete. Concrete is made of broken stone, gravel and sand with a mortar to hold it together. The mortar is cement and water.
Is stamped concrete a good DIY project?
Dad would say ‘that dog don't hunt.’ The experience of a variety of products and techniques, the expertise of the variety of soil conditions and concrete mixtures, combined with the knowledge and access to the expensive tools make it a poor choice for DIY. Usually one of the above conditions create weaknesses in the finished product, particularly shortening the usability of the slab.
Can you fix the small fractures that appear in the corners and edges of the imprints?
YES, we’ve repaired many shrinkage cracks. Allow 24 hours for them to fully cure. These issues are THE REASON it’s important to choose professional installers in the first place.
Can you repair driveway scaling where some of the design is flaking off?
The two causes of scaling is improper installation and freezing and thawing. We honestly have to come out to look at the problem to determine if it can be repaired. Give us a call and we’ll come out for a free estimate of each.
Can you fix layers that flake off getting bigger each spring?
Spalling issues can be fixed by grinding away the compromised top layer and resealing. Give us a call.
Can you repair the small cones of concrete that are popping through the surface?
Pop-outs are caused by silica mixed in with the aggregates in concrete. Pop-outs are ugly, but can be fixed by grinding, then resurfacing.
What is wrong with just using brick or cobblestone?
Cost – longevity – flexibility are all less attractive for cobbles & more wonderful for our products. The bottom line is with the proper maintenance for cobbles, brick or pavers of yearly re-sanding, & re-leveling the life expectancy of your patio is about 5-10 years. However, there’s no yearly maintenance required for stamped concrete. Stained concrete should be resealed every few years and then has life expectancy of 15-30+ years.
Does it look as good as brick, concrete pavers, and cobbles?
It’s absolutely stunning. No one will think it’s real wood, but it will be there years after the wood deteriorates. And it is beautiful.
Will stamped concrete leave my yard looking nice?
We make every effort to leave your site clean, showing off your dazzling new pool deck. Concrete is dusty, messy work. We know that’s not what you want in your yard or drive or at the edge of your pool. We use industry standards and techniques learned from years of experience to make sure your beautiful new stamped concrete patio is left just that way – beautiful.
Here’s an example. One of the ways we avoid a dusty mess is in the way we clean up the releasing powder at the end of the job. We can take a fine-grade silica sand mixed with water to create slurry. We drop this slurry in various random places over the top of your newly stamped and dried driveway. With a stiff broom we scrub the surface with the sand slurry. The silica grabs the release powder, avoiding the dust and polishing the surface at the same time, to prep it for the final seal coat.
Here’s an example. One of the ways we avoid a dusty mess is in the way we clean up the releasing powder at the end of the job. We can take a fine-grade silica sand mixed with water to create slurry. We drop this slurry in various random places over the top of your newly stamped and dried driveway. With a stiff broom we scrub the surface with the sand slurry. The silica grabs the release powder, avoiding the dust and polishing the surface at the same time, to prep it for the final seal coat.