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Is stamped concrete good for patio?
Stamped Patios Because of its superior durability and weather resistance, colored and stamped concrete is the perfect choice to bring the high-end look of stone, brick, or wood to patios, pool decks, driveways, walkways and courtyards.
How long after pouring concrete can you stamp it?
“But, in general, when you can touch the concrete and not have any sand on your hand, it’s about time, when that laitance is crusted enough, to put a release agent on there. Generally, it’s within an hour or two.” Frazier recommends getting enough stamps to cover at least the width of the slab.
What makes stamped concrete crack?
Answer: The crack in this stamped overlay is caused by a crack in the underlying concrete that reflected through to the overlay. The sticky gray material is the epoxy that was used to repair the original crack. The original colored and stamped concrete slab had developed cracks running through about 30% of the slab.
Is stamped concrete worth the money?
Many homeowners wonder if it is worth the cost to install a stamped concrete patio or driveway. The answer is yes, because it adds curb appeal and aesthetic value to your home, allowing you to maximize the return on your investment.
Can I stamp my own concrete?
Stamped Concrete DIY. The short answer is NO! Concrete, especially stamped concrete, is unforgiving and expensive in terms of materials and time. Unlike carpentry, plumbing, or electrical work, concrete doesn’t come apart and you can’t come back tomorrow to finish if you run out of time or patience.
How do you know when concrete is ready to stamp?
If you leave a clean imprint about 3/16 to 1/4 inch deep, you can generally begin stamping. Another test is to place a stamp on the concrete and step on it. The stamp should hold your weight and not slide around or sink too deeply into the surface.
Can weeds grow through stamped concrete?
Weeds will not grow through the “cracks” of stamped concrete because the “cracks” or “mortar lines” are simply part of the imprinted design of the continuous concrete surface.
Can you fix a crack in stamped concrete?
You can use MatchCrete™ Clear Concrete Repair Polyurethane to repair intregal color or stamped concrete. Remove dirt, loose concrete, repair materials or failed caulk. Use a diamond blade to slightly cut open the crack and clean out loose concrete and debris. Use tape to mask off the crack.
What are the disadvantages of stamped concrete?
Cons: Stamped concrete WILL CRACK, many designers call this a feature. Only rated at 3,500-5,000 psi, should not be driven on. Will absorb moisture, not resistant to freeze thaw cycles. Quality control often an issue, multiple trucks on a job can produce unwanted variation in color. Must be re-sealed every 2-3 years.
How thick should stamped concrete be?
How thick is stamped concrete? Our standard slab is a minimum of four inches. Some situations will require us to pour six inches of concrete, and this would be discussed before the project takes place.
Is it cheaper to lay concrete or pavers?
As far as installation costs and concrete costs go, poured concrete is technically the most affordable per square foot. However, even though the upfront cost of pavers is higher, concrete pavers offer greater value and durability than poured concrete and stamped concrete.
Does stamped concrete get hot?
We recently did stamped concrete for our pool deck and are finding it to be unbearably hot. If the color of the stamped concrete is a dark color it will absorb the heat from the sun and be hot to touch.
Is it OK to power wash stamped concrete?
Never use a pressure washer to clean your stamped concrete. Over time the high pressure breaks down the sealer and reduces the protection, the shine and expected life of the sealer. Always use a garden hose to rinse your stamped concrete.
Can you stamp concrete after it dries?
Can I stamp over a damaged concrete surface? Yes. SUNDEK can repair your existing concrete surface and then apply a stampable concrete overlay on top of it.
What is the average price for stamped concrete?
The average cost for a stamped concrete is $5 to $12 per square foot, not including the concrete slab which costs $2 – $7 per square foot. Most homeowners spend a total of between $3,751 – $8,540 for stamped concrete patio. Get free estimates from concrete pros near you.
What is better pavers or stamped concrete?
STRENGTH COMPARISON. Poured concrete is typically around 3,000-4,000 PSI on average, whereas pavers are 8,000 PSI or greater. Pavers are significantly stronger than stamped concrete and more resistant to the effects of freeze-thaw cycles.
Why does my new concrete look blotchy?
Discoloration on the surface of new concrete can be from several factors including inconsistent mixtures, too much or not enough water, low quality materials, poor workmanship, the use of calcium chloride, environmental issues, or issues created during the pore or during the curing process.
Can you change the color of a stamped concrete patio?
Answer: You can change the color of stamped work once it has been placed by applying different types of stains, tints, or dyes. The type of coloring method you use will depend on the look desired and amount of color change needed.
How do you color concrete after it dries?
Dyes — The most common method of applying dye is to disperse the dye powder in acetone and spray a fine mist over the concrete surface. “Using acetone will cause the dye to dry very quickly which will allow you to introduce more colors if desired and seal the surface right away,” Cline says.
Does stamped concrete cost more than pavers?
Pavers vs concrete: cost Pavers are more expensive for materials and installation compared to concrete slabs, but can be about the same price when compared to stamped, decorative concrete.
