USE COLOR HARDENER FOR THE BEST REPAIRS ON STAMPED CONCRETE

16 12 2011
Damaged Stamped Concrete Driveway
This was damaged by a Township Snow Plow
Repaired Stamped Concrete Driveway
Repaired Stamped Concrete Driveway

We have been promoting the use of Color Hardener as opposed to Integral Color for years. The attached pictures show why we feel that it is the best method of coloring Decorative Stamped Concrete.

This corner of the driveway of a client of ours was damaged as a result of a Township snow plow. Naturally our client was more than upset. She had spent a lot of money on her Stamped Concrete driveway and expected to get many years of use out of it along with having it look great for years.

If this job had been installed using Integral Color (Liquid Color in the Concrete Truck) the repair could not be done in a way that would match. The reason is that Integral Color from one load of concrete to the next is hard enough to match and if a job is years old, as this one is, it would likely be next to impossible to match although with our years of experience we have done it but it can be costly. Working with color is hard enough but matching colors is an Art Form.

Those using Integral Color claim that if you get a chip in your concrete that since the color goes all the way through, if chipped it will not be noticeable.  I for one would not be sold on that idea for the following reasons.

Even if the color goes all the way through who wants to look at a chip and especially a large one like that shown here. Furthermore those using Integral Color never tell you that although the color goes all the way through there are dark grey stone that show once the surface is compromised.

All the Stamped Concrete that Split-Rok Construction Company installs is done using Color Hardeners. Look at this repair and you can see why we use it and can Warrantee our work for life. No questions asked. Cracks or chips no matter since we document all jobs as to how they were installed and what colors we used to ensure that should damage occur that we can fix it.

Over the 27 years in this business, if memory serves me a have had to repair about  8 jobs. Even though in those cases the fault was not ours like this one, we repair damage like this free of charge. WHY! because at Split-Rok Construction we have always subscribed to the Old Fashioned way of doing business. We always GO THE EXTRA MILE and give people more than they ask for and want our work to always be the best that we are capable of delivering.

This is why we have been recognized as an Industry Leader since 1985.

Look at the Crack Repair on the other page on this blog. Gone

If you are going to invest to money in a beautiful Stamped Concrete Driveway, Patio or walk insist that Color Hardener be used and get a Warantee.

The cost of using Color Hardener might run a bit morebut this can easily be justified. It will last much longer with limited fading and if damaged it can easily be repaired to it’s original look. Don’t forget reseal when needed. Usually every 3-4 years. DO NOT overseal. It will cause problems.

Visit us on www.split-rok.com or www.resealconcrete.com. And please come back regularly to our blog for other interesting concrete related information.

Please be aware that we at Split-Rok Construction will always assist anyone who has a concrete related issue whether the job was installed by us or not. No matter where in this World that you live we would like to be helpful. I recently helped a person in the Mideast with a driveway that he was installing. Our reach has no boundries and niether does our knowledge base. If I don’t have an answer to you question I am sure that I can find one. for you.

Thank you for visiting The Concrete Professor

Ted Mechnick


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Categories : Color Hardener, Concrete crack repair, Concrete Problems, Decorative Concrete, integral color, Repairing Stamped Concrete, Reseal Concrete, Split-Rok Construction, Stamped Concrete, Stamped Concrete Contractor

People that you can count on in the Decorative Concrete Industry

2 12 2011

I have met many men and women that I have respected and have come to trust in the Decorative Concrete Industry. Those that I have grown to respect are people like Joe DiMaio who over my 27 years in this business has never once misrepresented any product that he has sold me. Preparation is key. A quote from Joe.

 Of Coarse there have been issues with some of the materials that have been sold me and since we have a mutual respect for eachothers honesty and integrity he has made every effort to make good on those bad material related issues.

Joe went to work in another industry for a few years and I for one felt the void that he left behind. Although I am sure that he would have been open too helping even though we no longer had a customer-supplier relationship I never bothered him out of respect.

GOOD NEWS:

Joe DiMaio has found his way back working for Solomon Colors and admitted that although he enjoyed what he was doing, he missed the industry with all its highs and lows. Glad to have him back.

It is my hope that Joe will become an integral part of theconcreteprofessor commenting and even sharing through some articles that I hope he writes to help those in our industry understand better the pitfalls of using the wrong products but also to help consumers better understand what they should look for in selecting a concrete contractor for their projects.

If you would like a copy of  HOW TO SELECT A DECORATIVE CONCRETE CONTRACTOR please email me at Ted@split-rok.com and I will send it to you.

Welcome back Joe and hope that we can get together to better educate those who are interested in what we do.

Ted Mechnick (The Concrete Professor)


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Categories : American Concrete Institute, Basement Office, basement Renovations, Concrete Contractor, Concrete resurfacing, Renovation, Resealconcrete.com, Solomon Colors

Concrete Raising, Slab Jacking or Mud Jacking

30 11 2011

There are many times that removal and replacement of Concrete or Decorative Stamped Concrete is not the only solution to settled or uneven concrete slabs. Settling  generally occurs over time when the initial installation was improperly performed. The main cause for this is poor compaction of the sub-base or by  leaving materials that can decay over time such as stumps or construction debris. As the materials decompose and rot they leave a void under the concrete that in time can cause settlement issues since the concrete has not support and settles unevenly.

The cost of removal and replacement can be costly and in many cases where there is active pedestrian traffic, that cannot be turned off, it can create a hazardous condition during the removal and replacement process.

Uneven concrete that has no cracks or few cracks can be returned to its proper elevation with a process called mud-jacking, slab-jacking or concrete raising. Where there are greater problems like excessive cracking this can also be done by filling the cracks after jacking.  Sometimes cracks that are shrinkage related can be repaired more easily but many times will likely reappear. Movement cracks greater than 3/16″ wide usually can be filled but will return. If removing a hazardous condition is your main concern to reduce liability issues then just raising the settled slabs and filling the access holes will suffice.

The Law in most states views a difference from slab to slab greater than 1/2″ as a hazardous condition and requires businesses and homeowners to maintain their concrete to meet  this specification. Reference ACI 318.  If there should be someone that falls you can almost be guaranteed that this Specification will be posed as part of a lawsuit.

NOW FOR THE GOOD NEWS:

There is a little known or little used process that can be done using High-Pressure grout to raise the slabs back to their original elevations. The process involves drilling a series of 2″ holes in the slabs to be raised in such a way that the pumping of the grout under high pressure raises the slab or slabs uniformly. This grouting creates a new base by filling the voids under the slab. This will last provided there is no more rotting material under the slab. If there is a limited amount it usually is not enough to negate what has been done.

Sounds easy but it takes a lot of experience since if you raise the slab or slabs to high you don’t get a do over. Removal then becomes your only option. Once the slabs are raised the holes are then filled with concrete and finished flush to the surface.VOILA ! Like new at sometimes half the cost of removal and replacement.

YOU ASK?

What about the holes? I don’t like looking at them since the color doesn’t match the surrounding slab. There is a solution to this also, called Micro-Topping. There are many manufacturers of these products and the cost varies from one manufacturer to the other. We have found that we get the best results using Legacy Micro-Toppings and Stampable Overlays. The reason that we use this product over others is due to it providing consistent results. If you want further information on this or other products like this you can Contact me at Ted@split-rok.com

We are in the process of completing an 8,000 square foot job at Liberty Lake Day Camp in Bordentown, New Jersey. The Owner Andy Pritikin had been getting quotes last year for removal and replacement of the concrete around the pool at Liberty Lake Day Camp. We were called to quote the job but  after meeting with Andy we decided that since his issues were related mainly due to  settlement that the use of slab-jacking with a Micro-Topping would be the best Expedient and  Cost-Effective Solution  for his problem.

The reasons for using this method as a solution were many  cost not being the only consideration.The pool interior walls were going to be redone at the same time that we were to raise and micro-top the concrete. The time frame was also critical since the pool had to be opened in time for the season and nothing but it being useable would do.

This job was in pretty bad shape. We called All Gentillini from Concrete Raising and he got all the slabs  back in place in three days.  8,000 square feet in three days. Never would be possible with removal and replacement.

If we got caught with meeting an opening schedule at this point it would have been OK since the Liability issue was rectified. We then used a rolled on material called Rollcoat in a color that was selected by us to be light enough so as not to make the surface too hot from constant sunlight. This will be gone over with a Colored Sealer by Sherwin-Williams  Company with Shark Grip added as another precaution against slipping.

The savings were approximately $40,000-$50,000. Nice savings in this economic environment. Not to mention the elimination of aggravation and messy removal to be endured with bad weather that time of year making the time element daunting.

Decorative Stamped or Colored Concrete can also be raised and the color of the hole, can in most cases be modified to make the holes less noticeable. It takes a bit longer to get the color of the holes to match, as close as possible but at Split-Rok Construction our motto is “The Difficult we do Right Away the Impossible takes a Bit Longer.

Think of a Stamped Concrete slab that has settled around your pool for example. No matter whether the concrete was colored in the truck (Integrally Colored) or installed using Color Hardeners the odds of getting a good match of the color is remote. Using color combinations and many years of diligent experience, we can usually get a color match that is so close that even the most discerning eye will have to work harder to see the difference. Not an exact match but in most cases more than acceptable.

DON’T REMOVE IT RAISE IT!

The cost associated with this procedure can save a company, business or homeowner a lot  of money. It is also a winner where downtime in high-Traffic locations can cost money and unneeded aggravation.

Downtime is critical to any business.

There you have it. A Cost-Effective solution to either large concrete locations or small jobs where matching color is an issue.

I can always be reached at Ted@split-rok.com or visit our website at www.splitrok.com  if you need further information about whether this an approach you would like to explore and a professional honest appraisal whether this will work in your situation.

Ted Mechnick (The Concrete Professor)

Ted@split-Rok.com


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Categories : Raise settled concrete slab, Repair concrete trip hazards, settled concrete, Slab jacking, Trip hazards on concrete walks

Basement Renovations and Man Caves

18 11 2011

Today more than ever before a basement is used for more than a place to keep stuff, do wash or keep the water heater for your home.

In this tough economic environment people are not as quick to move to a new home but in some cases have a need to make their home more livable by adding more livable space.

If a  family is one with a lot of kids or a husband of wife who just need a space to decompress after a tough day, the basement can become a refuge for them or a place to have your kids and their friends to hang out. A basement renovation can be the solution to capture more livable space without the hassle and the expense of moving to achieve that goal.

Even if the space is old  there are many things that can be done to turn what might be a non-livable space into another comfortable room or rooms. Concrete floors can be leveled,polished,stained or dyed and even stamped with a Decorative Impression to simulate stone, slate, brick, etc. A bathroom, office or family entertainment room could be added.

There are limitless possibilities of what can be done with a basement if you hire someone who can patiently listen to your ideas and guide you in the right direction to bring your dream to life.

Block walls can be gone over with Decorative Plaster to simulate an old world feel like that of an Old Wine Cellar with hints of stone showing here and there to simulate the look of a plastered stone wall. Cracks can even be added to give it an old look. Floors can be refurbished to look new again using overlays or by grinding and polishing.

PLEASE NOTE: Moisture content in concrete floors in a basement can be a problem but can be easily addressed if the Contractor is familiar with moisture testing methods that need to be used prior to installing any of the above mentioned applications. Please in any case where there is excess moisture present put down carpeting. Moisture gets trapped under the carpet pad and can allow a great environment for toxic mold to grow. This can create a health hazard to your family. Always have a moisture test performed before overlaying or polishing. Area rugs can be used if the moisture problem has been corrected by using a moisture barrier.

Windows that are generally small can be enlarged to add more light into the space to make it feel less like you are in a basement.

A lighting professional can also help in making the space more livable.

Access from the outdoors can also be added using a Bilco Door leading to an entry door that can be locked as you would your front door. This allows access to the basement without coming through the upstairs living area. This is a nice touch if you have a backyard pool or are having a party and want to access a basement bathroom so that guests are not going through the house with wet bathing suits on.

Anyone with a bit of imagination like our designers at Split-Rok Construction can, after meeting with you determine how you would like to use the space. We can then direct you as to how that can happen.

We also have a group of reputable quality centered professionals that can handle any phase of what is needed to achieve this goal. They like us are passionate about what they do and bring years of experience andvision to your project.

Any basement can be turned into more than a catch-all with a little imagination and artistic vision provided that you clearly know what you would like.

Don’t move just improve is our motto.

As Americans we are always improving. We never seem to sit idle. It’s no longer necessary to move to make things better. You can remodel and give your home a whole new feel.

Ted Mechnick (The Concrete Professor) and Owner of Split-Rok Construction

You can contact me at Ted@split-rok.com for any help you might need related to this topic.


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Categories : Basement Office, basement Renovations, Color Hardener, Concrete crack repair, Concrete resurfacing, Decorative Concrete, Family entertainment center, Home Improvement, integral color, Moisture Problems, Mold, Plaster, Renovation, Split-Rok Construction, Stamped Concrete, wine cellar

American Concrete Institute ACI Membership

16 11 2011

The American Concrete Institute known to use in the industry as ACI has been in existence since 1904 and although most of those in the concrete industry are familiar with its function in the Concrete Industry, many in the consumer market don’t realize how hiring those who are Members and those who have been Certified as Flatwork finishers are the best people to hire.

The American Concrete Institute sets the standard in the industry regarding the proper way to install all types of concrete. They are used as the Building Standard in all construction projects. Local,State and Federal Projects use these standards to insure that a quality long-lasting job will be delivered.

Most Architects today specify that ACI Certified Finishers be used on their projects. If you are a homeowner you should also insist on these type of finishers on your job or at minimum have and ACI Certified Finisher who supervises your Project.

Prior to going into business for myself I was in a Cement Finishers Union here in New Jersey. I did an apprenticeship for 4 years and thought in so doing that I was being taught the correct way of installing concrete. Not until I took my first cerification test was it that the TRUTH was revealed. I was amazed to find out that my mentors although respected in the Union were not teaching me the correct way to install concrete. There were many bad practices that they were using for years that were being passed along to new guys like me.

I’m glad to say that the Union has since changed this by making ACI practices part of their Apprentice Programs.

I feel that if you are a Concrete Contractor that is serious about your business and want to give your clients the best job possible that you should look into getting certified. It not only gives you credibility but keeps mistakes and call backs to a minimum when you follow Good Concrete practices. You can find your local branch of ACI and call to see when they are testing. You can also take the test at The World of Concrete.

If you are a homeowner why not use ACI Certified Finishers. Hire the best. People who care about giving you what you expect. In life there is always a price to pay for doing the wrong thing. We all know the difference of what is right and wrong. The same rules apply to installing concrete. Cut corners and problems not might happen they will.

Use Certified Finishers and increase your chnaces of getting the best that your money can buy.

Ted Mechnick

The Concrete Professor or contact Ted@split-rok.com


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Categories : American Concrete Institute, Concrete Problems, Decorative Concrete, Split-Rok Construction, Stamped Concrete, Stamped Concrete Contractor

Taking Care of Concrete this winter

11 11 2011

As some of you know. Applying Rock Salt to either  old concrete or new in excess or at all may damage your concrete. If you have a new installation it is not recommended that you use salt within the first year from the date of installation.

New concrete may be de-iced using what is called Mag Ice. This product can be purchased at Home Depot or your local concrete supplier. It is the safest way to melt ice on new and old concrete.

Unfortunately in some areas of the country State and Local Governments are using a liquid salt that may be brought in on your car without you knowing it. This is extremely caustic and will ruin both old and new driveways that are even sealed.

Prosoco makes a product called Salt Guard that has been showing some good results as a protective measure against salt damage. It is easily applied and can make a difference.


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Categories : concrete peeling, Concrete Problems, Repairing Stamped Concrete, salt damage to concrete

Removing Sealer from Stamped Concrete

10 11 2011

I am happy to report that I have successfully removed the sealer from my own driveway that had a whitening condition due to incompatibility of sealers. I had explained that I had stripped I thought all the sealer off  in the past only to reseal again and have the same problem come up.

This process was not only time-consuming but messy and as I said did not work. I happy that we found this solution that in my opinion is both fast and cost-effective as a solution too this problem.

I will follow-up with pictures in the future and a complete explanation of the procedure.

If anyone out there is having the same problem please let us direct you on how to do this since it will save you a lot of aggravation and unnecessary cost.

I can always be reached at Ted@split-rok.com

My thanks goes out to Tim in Colorado for this suggestion. Amazing how well it worked


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Categories : Decorative Concrete, Reseal Concrete, Resealconcrete.com, Sandlasting, Split-Rok Construction, Stamped Concrete, Stamped Concrete Contractor

Contractors helping Contractors do better

9 11 2011

We all know that we are in a tough competitive economy. I for one have always felt that competition is a good thing provided its sensible competition. Competing generates a better business environment.

Contractors that are in like businesses are no threat to one and other if they are beyond the area that I or anyone does business. As a result if I can help someone in say California, Virginia or the Carolinas why wouldn’t I open a discussion with those Contractors about what they are doing in this tough economy to create new business. ANSWER: I would.

Years ago there was a magazine that explained this as having a mentor in a non-competing area of the Country. I have people like this in my network. No one can understand what you do regarding your type business that you are in better than another contractor. Someone out of your market area.

People in general like to help and exchange ideas and new concepts. Why not reach out to people and get their advice or some new ways of generating business from the people you admire what they do.

I have a mentor in Indiana that if I want to for example know a better way to run my shop he would be the guy I call. His operation runs like a finely tuned watch.

Give this some thought. I am in the Decorative Concrete Business. There are many  Associations that I could join that would be helpful to me. The catch is dropping my EGO to the point that I realize that I can’t know everything and that there are others who do what I do who might have a better way that I can use provided I have an open mind to new ways of thinking and have a desire to change.

If you’re struggling give this a try. Build a Network. It’s easy today with the internet as a tool. You will get a lot of NO responses and that’s OK since the ones who say YES are the ones you really want to know anyway.

When I was younger my Father always said ” Learn from other people’s mistakes, it’s easier and wiser than making them yourself. Wish I could say that I always took this advice but something frequently got in the way.  My ego coupled with PRIDE.

With these two human emotions running together the door to new ways of doing things is not closed. Its welded shut. Those that will survive these challenging economic times are those who can look at what they are doing that isn’t working and take the next step no matter how hard to try something different.

Ted Mechnick

Ted@split-rok.com


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Categories : Concrete Problems, Decorative Concrete, Problems with sealers, Reseal Concrete, Stamped Concrete

Whitening of Stamped Concrete Sealers – Possible causes and Solutions Don’t become a Statistic

4 11 2011

This is can be a frustrating problem in our Industry that has shown up in the past 5-6 years. There are many reasons why this happens that we are aware of and others that we are addressing. The American Society of Concrete Contractors in St. Louis that we are a Member of is taking the lead in identifying all the causes and possible solutions pertaining to Whitening of Sealer or as it is also known Blushing.

ASCC is having a symposium that Contractors and Suppliers are going to attend on Dec 1-2 to discuss what we are going to do to correct this condition. We will keep you informed on the outcome.

This condition in most causes is associated with applying sealers to soon after pressure washing. Sealing the same day can almost guarantee that you will have problems. As you would never paint a wet wall with paint the same precaution needs to be adhered to regarding sealing Decorative Concrete.

Unfortunately there are those Concrete Contractors who will tell you that you need to reseal every year. This is an utterly false statement that has been used by those who are either not well schooled in this aspect of our business or they are trying to make money by instilling false fears on you the customer.

Good quality sealers do last longer than 1 year if they are Resin –Solvent based sealers. Unfortunately in some States there are VOC regulations that prohibit the use of the Sealers  that we had great success with for over 20 years. It is my understanding from talking to my supplier at The Sealant Depot in Cinnaminson New Jersey that the EPA reached out to producers and asked how the changing the formulation of sealers to make them VOC compliant would affect the this industry.

I don’t know how many producers were asked but apparently not enough to have changed the minds of the EPA regarding changing the formulation.

It seems that the main ingredient being the solvent was replaced in part with a Tertiary Butyl Acetate to a degree that makes the sealer compliant. We will be addressing this I am sure at the Symposium to see if there is any validity to the claim that this has caused some of the problem.

Problems caused by:

Sealing the same day

Not cleaning thoroughly prior to sealing. Bad adhesion of sealer.

Applying to many thick coats of sealer.

Trapped moisture shows up a white condition since water is trapped between the surface of the concrete and the bottom of the sealer. Sunlight causes evaporation and the moisture is trapped. Sealer actually needs to breath. Allowing ground water and surface water to freely evaporate. Too many coats and incompatible sealers will cause problems.

Sealing to frequently 3-4 years is an approximately  the time a good sealer should last. Multi coats will trap water and cause blushing.

The above problems don’t show up immediately in some cases but will occur if those applying sealers incorrectly or using incompatible sealers insist on improper installation.

Solutions:

Stripping- Messy and Costly and might not remove all the bad sealer. You reapply and the same problem occurs.

Sandblasting – The most cost effective solution to correcting this. CAUTION: This needs to be done by a sandblasting Professional that has a great eye and believe this or not some degree of passion about what they do. This can be used using Coal Slag as a blasting medium. Coal Slag is the preferred blasting agent due to it being more environmentally friendly due in part to it being biodegradable. Silica Sand that is typically used is harder and can cause health issues. The application of Sealer needs to be done in very thin coats too not create the same problem.

Shot Blasting and Overlay- Extremely costly and I feel and unnecessary approach due to the advent of Sandblasting as an option.

Remove and Replace- We don’t even want to go there.

Surface Aid by The Sealant Depot. Only good for trapped moisture on a new application. It can sometimes work on older applications or reseals but generally takes to many applications to make the blushing go away for good. We find that spray followed by scrubbing works best. It emulsifies the sealer and allows the water to evaporate that was trapped.

This is only a brief description of Causes and  Solutions that I am sure will be elaborated on and discussed to see if both are plausible  or not at the ASCC meeting this December 1-2

I can always be reached at Ted@split-rok.com  or by calling our office at 732-915-6391. We are always trying to better this industry that we are passionate about by helping those who need our help. Helping each other benefits all.

Ted Mechnick

The Concrete Professor

Apology


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Categories : Concrete Sealer, Problems with sealers, Reseal Concrete, Stamped Concrete, Uncategorized

Repairing Cracks in Stamped Concrete

28 10 2011

Stamped Concrete Repair

Repairing Cracks in Stamped Concrete

Once you have paid for what you hope is a good Stamped Concrete installation all looks well until a crack shows up. The feeling that you did not get a good job shows up and you pick up the phone and call the Concrete Contractor who tells you. CONCRETE CRACKS which it will if not placed properly and in some cases even if it was placed properly it still may crack.

All is not lost if you have followed our previous suggestions regarding the proper installation of Stamped Concrete. If you had the Contractor use Color Hardener to do your project most cracks with a bit of diligence and Artistic ability can be fixed.

There are Injectable Epoxies on the market that when used in conjunction with a good quality caulk can be used to fix any crack to a level of not being noticeable provided the person fixing it has the knowledge and determination to do so.

The crack if wide enough can be filled about 1/8” below the surface with Epoxy and allowed to dry. Once dry the 1/8” space left can be filled with clear caulk and then the coordinating color sprinkled and rubbed into the caulk to disguise the crack. If the job is multi-colored all the better. These type of repairs due to the crack if long moving from one color to the next.

If your job was done using Integral Color ( Color Mixed in the Truck) it is much harder to correct these cracks since you need to try to custom mix a color that matches the Integral Color. These type repairs are more likely to still remain noticeable.

We hope that you got a warranty with your job and most of all we hope that your Contractor will honor it.

We at Split-Rok Construction provide our customers with a Lifetime Warrantee for defects in workmanship with the understanding that we will honor it in as timely a fashion as possible.

As always we can be reached at Ted@split-rok.com or call 732-915-6391 . If you are out of the area we would also like to help wherever possible. Send an email and pictures with colors used and we will try to walk you through the repair if you want to attempt it yourself.

Ted Mechnick

The Concrete Professor

www.split-rok.com


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Categories : Concrete Contractor, Concrete crack repair, Concrete Problems, Concrete resurfacing, Decorative Concrete, Stamped Concrete, Stamped Concrete Contractor, Uncategorized

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