Decorative Concrete Expectations:
Decorative concrete is the process that allows concrete to simulate the look, color, and texture of stone, brick, slate, or other natural textures. The installation of this type of concrete is similar to regular concrete, except for a few considerations that must be taken. Please see below.
1. Joints: Joints are required in decorative concrete just as in regular concrete and serve the same function. However, the joint detail in decorative concrete will sometimes not coincide with the detail of the pattern chosen. Joints are required in order to ensure proper expansion and contraction of your new concrete. These joints are detailed in the concrete where our concrete technician believes a crack is most likely to occur. The omission of control joints will result in unwanted stress cracks.
*Note A: All concrete cracks. Proper joint placement will minimize stress cracks and hide cracks but is not a guarantee that a crack will not occur outside a joint. If a crack does occur outside of a joint, due to the amount, and type of reinforcement being placed within your project, it normally, will not cause separation nor will affect your project structurally in any way.
*Note B: During the process of saw-cutting our joints in the concrete surface, chipping of the edge of the pattern may occur but will not affect the integrity of the concrete in any way and is normally hidden when the project is sealed.
2. Stamps: Stamps are used in the decorative concrete installation process. The stamps are made out of a heavy rubber compound and have the design of your choice imprinted within to simulate the aesthetic of your liking.
*Note A: The process of stamping concrete is subject to variations in pattern depth. This may be caused by the amount of pressure used during the stamping process as well as timing and a mix of shade and sun cast on the project area. Portions of the decorative concrete that are deep may hold water, however, most variations are slight and enhance the concretes’ natural appearance.
*Note B: It is not uncommon with the stamping process for chipping of corners or fissure cracks to occur on your new concrete. These chips or fissure cracks will not affect the integrity or detract from the look of your new decorative concrete. Normally a fresh coat of sealer will cover up the chips and make them less noticeable.
3. Color: Actual concrete color can differ from color charts or existing jobs due to differences in water content, finishing, curing methods, weather conditions, and raw materials to name a few. With this in mind, Foxcrete Construction Group LLC will only be able to assure that the concrete color will be close to the color you have chosen. We appreciate your understanding in this matter. Color takes 30 Days to change to its true form. Prior to a full cure, the color can present splotchy and uneven.
4. Sealer/Maintenance: The sealing of decorative concrete is done with a water-based acrylic sealer. This sealer is formulated for decorative concrete, and the use of any other sealer will normally cause unwanted results. Normal weathering and use will cause the sealer to wear and dissipate. This will in turn expose the concrete, color, and antiquing to accelerated weathering. We recommend you have your decorative concrete project sealed the year after installation, and then every other year after that to ensure color and project longevity.
5. Production: Any solid surface in an exterior setting can be slippery. The production of decorative concrete creates a solid exterior surface which means decorative concrete can, like any other surface, be slippery when wet. With the curing and sealing process, we use, our decorative concrete is no more slippery than other surfaces you may use in your backyard. We urge you to use care when walking on any surface but believe that decorative concrete is the best choice for your backyard project.
Let’s Talk Color.
I realize how important this decision is!
This choice doesn't have to be rushed!
You may be asking, "How do I choose my color? There are too many and they all look blah. These color charts tend to have that effect.
You have a primary color, this is your first choice. You will see roughly 75% of this color across the board. Next, you choose a secondary color, this is your highlighting color. The highlighting color gives the pattern depth and you will see 25% of this color in the low areas of the texture and pattern. This color always compliments your primary color and is usually darker.
Example:
If you choose Dove Gray as your primary color off the APC color chart, then you should have a secondary color such as dark grey for your highlights.
A good rule of thumb when picking primary colors:
Red Base bricks= Alabama Ochre or the Tan Varieties Highlighted with Mocha / Dove Grey Looks nice as well.
White and anything Light Color: We often choose Dove Gray or a light gray. You can also use Ochre or Khaki
Buff Colored Brick: Khaki or Greige look fantastic! Geige is exactly like it sounds, you can highlight it with mocha, rock gray, or walnut.
Pre-Planning
Please read over these considerations so we can work together to ensure we can give you our best!
I have ensured that access to the working area is free and clear of debris, valuables, plant's, limbs, furniture, etc
I am aware Foxcrete may have to make unscheduled visits to the site during the project.
I am aware Foxcrete is not liable for unmarked sprinkler heads and lines. Irrigation repair starts at 25.00 per broken line or head.
I am aware Concrete installation requires the use of equipment to bring materials to and from the point of access and site. This traffic back and forth can cause damage and will need repair unless plywood protection is elected. Plywood protection is not an alternative to landscape repair, but only a method to reduce the damage.
I am aware a landscaper may be needed upon the completion of the project to repair the surrounding landscape (Including adjacent lawn) and or path of travel when the project is completed at no liability to Foxcrete. Landscape repair can be completed as an additional expense and MUST be notated on the estimate.
I plan/have consulted with a handyman to ensure brick or siding material can be repaired or adjusted when the project is complete.
I am aware that unmarked private utilities such as sump lines, cisterns, septic tank, or auxiliary electric lines, and invisible dog wires are all subject to damage during any kind of excavation and construction.
I am aware that cable and tv lines are notoriously found to be very shallow or poured into old concrete during the original building process. I am prepared for an outage should one occur.
I am aware that boarding my outdoor pets during this project is suggested due to opening left in fences, scheduling conflicts, wet concrete that can be damaged by footprints, etc
I am aware Foxcrete will need ample parking and full access to the working area, sometimes at inconvenient times.
I am aware that if access to the project site must be over or on finished pavement, asphalt, or concrete of any type, scratching or coughing may inherently occur accompanied by tire tracks. Otherwise dirt surface may appear.
I am aware that the elevation of the new concrete may change due to drainage necessity. Unless a scaled architectural drawing is provided to Foxcrete, this may be at the description of the on-site foreman.
I am aware colored concrete takes 30+ days to cure and how its actual color. Also, a variance of color may be shown on projects that require more than one load of concrete.