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then you might want to consider giving us a call. We specialize and are certified in the ancient art of Stamped
Concrete & Decorative concrete applications, procedures and cementious optimization.
Although Stamped Concrete Has been around for ages, Optimizing the concrete is a relatively new science.
Check out this featured article written by The Decorative Concrete Institute:
From: "Decorative Concrete Institute.org"
Date: Fri, 25 Feb 2005 18:18:07 -0800
Local: Fri, Feb 25 2005 6:18 pm
Subject: Optimizing the concrete to simulate Ashlar Slate, Cobble stone or Flagstone
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Stamped Concrete has been around for many years. Over the years the
creative masons at http://www.affordableconcretecontractors.com that articulated this
fine art have infused concrete casting and science into the most
innovative & elegant flooring on the market today.
Chemically engineering the concrete to simulate brick, stone, slate,
cobblestone and even wood is an integral part of any decorative
concrete project.
If these consequential variables are not encompassed into the stamped
concrete equation the result can be a finish that will be noticeably
artificial not to mention antonymous of the purpose of installing
stamped concrete versus the natural stone or slate appearance intended.
A synthetic slate, cobble or flagstone stamped concrete patio for
instance will be just like its natural counterpart in virtually every
way. This includes the same basic geological structure, chemical
composition, colors, and other characteristics. Many times the
synthetic will fool even seasoned masons. Only minor characteristics
allow separation of a synthetic slate or cobble stamped concrete from
the natural materials.
The rationalization of the maintenance free characteristics of a
synthetic reinforced stamped concrete floor, patio or driveway compared
to installing the actual natural stone materials is that the stones
will require continuous maintenance and requires a reinforced concrete
sub-base that will drive the cost up an average 32% to 41% more that
using the elegant, ever-lasting and distinguished decorative concrete
systems available by a few very select companies in the USA.
The cost differential of decorative concrete versus plain concrete has
some young and inexperienced concrete companies venturing into the
stamped concrete Industry at an alarming rate and unfortunately the
above described chemical engineering variables or proper molding
techniques are not being utilized and as of late we have realized that
homeowners are unfortunately paying the cost for a "knock-off" stamped
concrete patio, driveway or slab.
Being an Industrial and Commercial Decorative Concrete Contractor for
the past 20 years has given Affordable Concrete Contractors of Houston
the opportunity to work side by side with
some of the Industries greatest engineers, architects and scientists in
relation to analyzing the durability variables related to the
mechanisms of reaction and reactions affecting material properties and
service life.
Over the years our the experienced staff at Affordable Concrete Contractors of Houston
has been able to isolate reasons
for structural failures and identify issues requiring new codes,
standards, methods and finding new ways of predicting long-term
materials performance. Our cutting-edge procedures used to cast and
install today's innovative stamped concrete materials are literally
unsurpassed.
Their unique engineering optimization of our geological concrete mixes
have been tested ranging from chemical and thermal analysis, to IR and
Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy, to Scanning Electron
Microscopy, x-ray diffraction, computer modeling and more, the seasoned
artisans and engineers at affordable concrete contractors of Houston(many of whom actually developed or
refined the techniques) have blazed the trail of analytic cementious techniques,
applied to a wide range of projects using these composite materials and
additives.
article written by
Carrie Michaels, Editor Decorative Concrete Institute magazine