As anyone in this business knows already we are having serious issues with blushing of clear sealers on Stamped Concrete for many reasons. The main reasons are over-sealing and applying incompatible sealers over each other.

If you have been following this blog I have tried to keep all those interested in our progress in dealing with this issue. You know that we have been diligent in trying to find the answer to this problem.

I am happy to say that we finally have found a solution and on both fronts. Applying sealer when warranted in the past was a no brainer. You identified that a resealing was needed and either had a professional provide the service or chose to do it yourself.  In either case it meant no more than opening a can of sealer and either rolling on a new coat or spraying on a coat.

It didn’t seem to matter how many times you resealed provide you followed the instructions but along came the new EPA Regulations commonly known as VOC Regulations. This was the attempt to prevent Volatile Organic Compounds from polluting the atmosphere. The EPA as I understand it reached out to the Sealer Community to ask whether changing the formulation of the sealers being used at the time would create any issues. No one seemed to think that it would and therefore they initiated the change thinking that it would not be an issue. Unfortunately it is an issue based on what we in the industry are experiencing related to blushing or whitening of sealer.

One of the problems is that the Old Sealers and New VOC Approved sealers are not compatible and therefore when applying the new sealer over the old that re-emulsifies the old sealer and when it commingles with the new sealer whitening and or blushing occurs due to the chemical compositions being incompatible and moisture being blocked from evaporating.

These problems seen to have started about 2005 and has become worse particularly during resealing. It seems that new jobs using thin coats of VOC Approved sealers work fine on new work but on older work is where the problems continually occur.

We have been working on a solution to this and can report that our removal of the older sealer and application of a New VOC Approved Sealer has produced great results. The trick is getting off the old sealer. If you hire the right sandblasting professional who blasts using water with the proper medium that you can be successful and if done correctly will solve your sealing problem for good. It is imperative that the person be used since it must be done safely and efficiently.

I have been working at finding a solution for this for about 2 years now and trust me although there are many strippers on the market to do the same thing there are many downsides to using them, the main one being not properly rinsing prior to resealing that will only reduce your chances of a successful solution but waste precious time and expense doing it. I presently have a 55 gallon drum that cost me $2,000 sitting in my warehouse that I have to pay to dispose of.

The removal old sealers effectively can only be done quickly and efficiently by a professional. These people not only use ENVIORNMENTALLY SAFE products to remove sealers but can get it done both quickly and inexpensively. In general they can remove about 2000 square feet a day at a cost from about .65-$1.00 per square foot. Allot cheaper and faster than I have been able to do it for and be comfortable that all the sealer has been removed so that the approved sealer can be applied and reapplied in the future without any issue.

If you have a newer project that you are experiencing these whitening problems it might be as simple as re- emulsifying your sealer using Xylene to allow moisture to escape that might be trapped under the sealer. If the problem is caused by using to many coats of sealer then at that point you might have to remove what has been improperly applied and start with new sealer.

Remember that thin multiple coats works best and do not opt for trying for a shiny look since to many coats are needed to achieve this look and might destroy the breathability of the sealer and therefore lock in moisture coming from below and  create blushing.

PLEASE NOTE:

Stamped Concrete installer please try to put plastic down prior to pouring, this dramatically reduces the chance of having these problems whether a job is new or resealed since it acts as a barrier from moisture getting to the surface from below.

If anyone reading this blog has any questions whether you are a Homeowner or Contractor I stand ready to help and can be reached by email at Ted@split-rok.com.

Thanks for visiting Theconcreteprofessor

We have been installing Decorative Concrete for the past 28 years and have gotten quite good at it. The look that we have been able to achieve using Multi-Colors has been, at the risk of sounding prideful, been amazing.

We have been installing Overlays for the past 6-7 years since we have found a process that works along with a material and system that works.  For our money after trying many different suppliers products we have concluded as far as I am concerned the Brickform Stampable Overlay works best and is the easiest to work with. I do not want to go into a lot of detail but if you go to the Brickform sight I think you will see why. For a great education on this and all they sell ask to speak to Joe DiMaio who is as far as I am  concerned one of the most learned individuals I have ever had the pleasure of knowing in this industry.

Now for the answer and explanation as to how this is done.

1. Assess the condition of the floor to be overlayed and if in poor condition screw and glue 3/4″ plywood down ( DO NOT USE TONGUE AND GROOVE). Lap across existing so that you get a better structural connection.

2. Staple down Tar Paper with wire lath over it nailed very 6″.

3. Trowel down a good polymer modified layer just to the top of the wire lathe.

4. Wait one day and prime with Bonding Agent and install your overlay as you typically would.

Multi-Colors can be achieved using either casting Color-Hardener on the surface about one hour after your initial installation by going out on spiked knee boards and using a small spray bottle with water to mist the Color Hardener enough to trowel it into the surface or after dried using Colored water based splash on highlights.

Follow good installation processes and going over wooden floors is not any different from any other application. As with other applications PREP is the key to success or failure.

If you want further details we can always be reached at www.split-rok.com by email. Leave your phone number and question and I would be happy to help.

Ted Mechnick

Theconcreteprofessor

This was damaged by a Township Snow Plow

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

 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)

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

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.

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

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.

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

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