Enhance Your Property With Quality Concrete Services
Concrete is a versatile construction material used to build various structures. It is also durable, and if constructed properly by good concrete services, it can last many years.
Concrete can be designed with several textures and colors to enhance curb appeal and add value to your property. Here are some tips and trends to consider when hiring a concrete contractor.
Recycled Concrete
Rather than discarding old concrete after demolition projects, professionals are discovering that the material can be repurposed. This is great news for the environment and construction budgets alike.
Contractors can save money by using recycled concrete aggregate (RCA). This material is created from preexisting concrete that has been crushed, screened, and cleaned to remove contaminants and elements. These may include steel reinforcement fibers, clay, dirt, plastic, and organic materials. RCA can be used as an alternative to quarry aggregates and is available in different sizes to suit specific applications.
Large pieces of RCA can create rip-raps, typically placed along shorelines or breakwaters, to control erosion and protect the environment. RCA can also be used as a base for roads and offers cost-saving benefits.
Green Concrete
Concrete is one of the world’s most popular building materials, but it also contributes to climate change with its high need for energy during manufacturing. The solution is green concrete, which uses waste and byproduct materials to reduce its environmental impact and CO2 emissions.
Concrete supplies used in green concrete is fly ash, a byproduct of coal-fired power generation. Using this waste product instead of conventional cement significantly reduces the CO2 released into the atmosphere during production.
Green concrete also allows builders to earn LEED or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, which points towards certification, further encouraging its use. And while it may cost more than traditional concrete at the outset, its durability and longevity can result in significant long-term savings.
Concrete Repair
Concrete is the most widely used and trusted construction material in the world, and it is very important to take good care of your concrete to ensure longevity. It is also cost-efficient to address damage and deterioration as it occurs rather than waiting for it to turn into something dangerous.
Small cracks and chips can be repaired with concrete patch kits or poured concrete. Large cracks may require professional repairs to be successful.
Leveling concrete is a quick and easy solution for trip hazards and uneven slabs, and it can also be very beneficial to curb appeal and property value. A well-maintained home with a beautiful yard and pristine concrete will always impress potential buyers.
Stamped Concrete
Concrete is versatile and a good choice for many home projects. It can be shaped and stamped like pavers, flagstone, brick, or natural stone. This allows you to create a unique design that matches your style and personality.
Compared to other materials, stamped concrete is more affordable and requires less maintenance. Regular sweeping and occasional washing with a hose or pressure washer are all needed to keep it looking new.
A properly maintained stamped concrete surface resists weed growth and stays firmly in place. It can even be used around swimming pools with the addition of a nonslip additive. This makes it a safe option for homes with children and pets. It also resists damage from cars and heavy equipment.
Concrete Staining
Staining concrete offers property owners a wide range of color options, allowing them to customize their home or commercial space. Stains bond chemically with the concrete and penetrate its porous surface, unlike paint, which can chip or peel over time.
Stains designed for concrete offer the advantage of being environmentally friendly, with low VOC or water-based options. They also provide a more durable result than paint, which fades over time due to sun exposure or moisture infiltration.
Like paint, stain must be properly prepped to ensure contact with the concrete’s surface pores. Strong cleaning with a concrete cleaner and degreaser is key. Depending on the type of stain, it can be tinted with a full spectrum of colors — from earth tones to a complete palette.