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In most cases, cosmetic issues with stamped and decorative concrete appear to be a much bigger issue than they really are. At Inno-Crete Restoration Services LLC, we specialize in revival of residential stamped & decorative concrete work. As specialists, with over 10 years in this specific area of the industry, you can trust our expertise when considering the processes of color and sealant revival, meticulous crack and chip repair, and even sand-blasting to fully strip the concrete down to its original layer and texture.
Color &Resealing
There are many variables, on top of natural elements, that cause wear and damage on stamped, decorative, and other concrete surfaces. However, strain from the elements tends to usually be the issue.
The amount of rain, sun, snow, ice, etc. that any individual concrete receives in it's lifetime, stamped or not, is well known to be the main source or initial cause to this damage. Stamped concrete however, is especially susceptible. In most cases, high exposure to sunlight causes the layer(s) of sealer that should be protecting the stamped surface to burn off overtime. In this process, removing and 'bleaching' out color with it.
Resealing is the process of adding a thin, even coat of a new sealing compound over-the-top of an already existing or partially existing coat of sealer. Because it's the best way to fix the fading and loss of character that the elements cause, this is the most common common and recommended aspect of restoration. Although this process is regarded as the minimum of work that needs to be done when maintaining and up-keeping stamped concrete, resealing stamped concrete should be considered only when sealer is needed.
Other variables such as the soil deep under the foundation from when it was originally built. Here in Colorado the Bentonite clay that we are built on has proven to be an issue that will always be here. Over our years in the business, we've seen all kinds of things. Cracks in recently completed projects, areas unexpectedly sinking and even a house moving away from the patio in one instance. Although something as drastic as that doesn't fall under the "cosmetic issue" category that we specialize in, it goes to show how big of an impact an unseen variable can have on a concrete structure.
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Sandblasting (Stripping of Existing Sealer)
Conditions and reactions that warrant this process include, but are not limited to:
-Spalling: Break away of the surface layer of sealer which often extends to the top layers of the textured surface
-"Bubbling" or "gummy" areas: A result of sealer build up in areas that receive too much sealer, too often, or within too short of a time period. This can also be caused by uneven exposure to sun an other elements throughout the structures life. The thick layer of material often results in slippery, over-colored and extremely inconsistent in color. This can also be caused by uneven exposure to sun an other elements throughout the structures life.
-Blushing: Splotching, faded-white areas that can be as small as your hand, to areas that cover entire surfaces of patios. This is caused when one layer of sealer becomes delaminated from the layers under it. This allows air, moisture and other debris under the surface of the patio. Ultimately becoming a problem that re-sealing alone cannot fix.
Some of these issues can be fixed using sealer thinning products, but in some cases, the best option to consider is our Strip n' Seal process. In some cases, this is necessary in order to fully remove old layers of sealer and years of wear, and restoring the structure project to make it look the way it used to; and the way you want it to.
Over time, we've found that the sandblasting process is capable of removing other cosmetic stains & irregularities with concrete, such as: paint spills, rust spots, concrete and chemical spills, previously applied stains, and other hard to remove eyesores from the concrete structure.
(Before Strip&Seal)
(After Strip&Seal)
Steps of Strip & Seal Process:
**Price and specifications of job determined during initial estimate**
*The strip & seal process averages 3 days start-to-finish*
1.)Preparation- For a more efficient and effective overall process: sandblaster, compressor & other equipment will be brought to the jobsite a minimum of one day prior to scheduled service.
2.)Begin Stripping- Sandblasting begins. A mixture of equal parts water and sand (recycled bottle glass), is used to blast off the existing surface and/or imperfections that are being addressed.
3.)Initial Cleanup- A cleanup is done after the initial pass of the sandblaster in order to discourage any damage to the vegetation around the house and/or the house itself. Keep in mind that the material being used is in the end, just sand. Although the process seems less than tidy, its far superior to chemical stripping; which can eat away at the paint on your house, and kill your plants and grass to the root.
4.)Inspection- Being easier to inspect after the initial cleanup, the area is then looked over meticulously to identify any areas that need more attention or may have been missed during the first pass.
5.)Follow Up- During the second pass with the sandblaster, marked areas are addressed using minimal force, to remove any remaining areas that need further attention, while keeping the integrity of the surrounding texture.
6.)Final Cleanup- The concrete structure, home, fences, grass, and anything that is affected by the sandblasting process is hosed down and power-washed until the harmless material biodegrades and fully dissipates.
7.)Choose Color & Reseal-
If you're tired of the current color of your patio, that's another reason this process may be the right choice for you.
The 'Strip & Seal Process' not only helps improve the overall appearance of the structure, bringing out the artistic nature of decorative concrete, and better accenting surrounding areas; but it can also make your outdoor living space much safer. After years of old sealer, color & other damage material are removed, the surface of the concrete becomes much less slippery. This means that through this one process, not only will your outdoor space become more enjoyable to look at, it will also pose less of a safety risk, be more enjoyable to use, & you can get more overall life out of your long-term investment.