Find the Answers to Your Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Whenever you pick a contractor, you should always make an informed decision. You should know about their process, the materials they use, and a general timeline that you can expect. That is why the team at Inno-Crete, LLC has put together a few frequently asked questions to help you make a good decision.
Stamped concrete is a process in which newly placed concrete is given a three-dimensional texture, color, and a protective clear coat to seal it. Many of our stamped concrete projects involve new homes without patios or older homes whose existing patios have structural issues and need to be removed and replaced. In addition to patios, other popular applications include front porches, walkways, and driveways.
There are currently 15 standard patterns available, and you choose 2 colors from the 40 available on the [Brickform](link to www.brickform.com) color chart.
Yes. A one-year warranty is included (does not include driveways). This warranty covers cracking, chipping, and de-lamination of color or sealer. Extended warranties are also available and include a free re-seal.
Once a year is typical. High-traffic areas exposed to direct sunlight will require more frequent re-sealing than covered or shaded areas. Generally, if your stamped concrete looks dry and colorless but the color returns when wet, it is time to re-seal.
A plastic shovel is recommended to avoid scratching the surface.
Stamped concrete can become slick when wet. Re-sealing your stamped concrete with an anti-slip additive known as “shark grip” can help make the surface less slippery when wet.
Our average stamped concrete project takes 3 days to complete. Some can be done in as little as 2 days, while larger projects may take slightly longer to complete.
Day 1 - After the design is complete and all color and pattern choices are made, construction begins. We start by prepping the area, which consists of removing any grass, rocks, ground coverings, existing concrete, etc. Sprinkler lines are cut and capped. This is followed by grading (the addition of road base as required), compaction, form setting, and the placing of 1/2” re-bar on 36” centers.
Day 2 – When the area is fully prepped, 4,000 PSI concrete with integral fiber mesh is poured and a powdered color hardener is troweled into the surface, creating a smooth, even base color with 6,000 PSI compressive strength. A powdered, colored antique release is then applied over the area. At the appropriate time, stamping tools are used to impress both color and texture into the concrete surface.
Day 3 - Clean-up begins. Control joints are cut approximately every 10 feet and will be concealed in the pattern wherever possible. The concrete is power washed, exposing the combination of colors and texture you have chosen. Any required touchups are done at this point. Once completely dry, a solvent-based acrylic sealer is applied. This is a “breathable” cure and seal, and it is the only type of sealer that should be applied during the 30-day curing period. Although requiring 30 days to fully cure, your new stamped concrete may be walked on 1 to 2 days after it is sealed. Large or high-energy pets should be kept off for a few extra days to avoid scratching.
