Common Stamped, Exposed and Regular Concrete Questions
What is Stamped Concrete?
Stamped Concrete is a process in which freshly poured concrete is colored and then textured with patented texturing tools to resemble the look of various bricks, stones, tiles and numerous other materials.
How long has this process been in use?
The concepts have been in use since about the late 1950′s.
Where has Stamped Concrete been installed?
Stamped Concrete has been installed in millions of homes and businesses throughout the world.
How thick is Stamped Concrete installed?
The thickness of the installation is dependent on the use and amount of traffic. Normal applications, such as patios and pool decks will be four inches thick. Areas subject to vehicle traffic will be installed five to six inches thick.
What is the strength of this product?
All Stamped Concrete installations will be made using 32 MPa (4641 psi [lbf/in2]) C2 spec. ready-mixed concrete.
Is the Stamped Concrete reinforced?
All of our Stamped Concrete installations are reinforced with 9 gauge grade wire mesh.
Will Stamped Concrete crack?
Stamped Concrete will be installed to industry standard, and guidelines thereby minimizing the chance for cracks. However, they may still develop due to conditions outside the contractor’s control — extreme frost cycles, or improper load factor usage.
How is the color applied?
Although there are several ways to color concrete, the Integral method is preferred and used by Pro Pavement Services Ltd. This method colors the concrete in its entirety. This prevents the concrete surface from having a freckled look if the surface were to chip exposing the grey concrete below. Color pigment is added directly to the ready mix at the ready mix plant and allowed to blend for a long period of time to create a uniform color concrete.
View Ready Mix Colors
Will Stamped Concrete wear off?
The Stamped Concrete installation should not wear providing the surface sealer is renewed as wear occurs. We estimate this to be needed no sooner than 3 years under normal traffic conditions. Should the sealer wear off completely, the colored concrete surface will still be able to resist wear much better than normal circumstances.
How does Stamped Concrete provide protection from stains, oil spills, salt?
Surface protection is derived from a combination of both the color pigments and the sealer. We apply CS-25 Sealer to all of our applications unless otherwise requested. Sealer applied every 3 years will maintain excellent protection.
View Sealer Specifications
Is there any effect of cold weather when installing the Stamped Concrete?
Although Stamped Concrete can be installed under any weather conditions the cost of doing so become prohibitive for normal construction. Under normal circumstances exterior concrete should be installed only when there is no frost in the ground and night temperatures do not fall below 5 degrees Celsius and day temperatures are 5 degrees Celsius and rising.
How long does it take to complete a job?
An average job of 1,000 square feet (approximately the area under four parked cars) will take approx. two to three days. As with all exterior surfacing, Stampeded Concrete can not be installed in the rain.
How soon can I use the Stamped Concrete surface it has been installed?
Foot traffic can begin, excluding high heels, when the sealer is dry which is at minimum 24 hours. Vehicle traffic can begin after seven days.
