Articles.Org ? Concrete Resurface: Decorative Concrete 101

Chicago, IL is known for its wealth, artistry and great real estate. Concrete flooring is common in Chicago. However, despite the concrete?s reputation as being durable, it is still subject to deterioration and in time becomes an eyesore with its cracks, stains, etc. Expectedly, real estate owners would want to have the best available when it comes to considering decorative concrete options for their homes and/or commercial establishments.

Decorative concrete is a general term used to describe the change in the appearance of an otherwise dull gray concrete to a more eye-catching one using specific materials or systems that may be applied during the pouring process or even after the concrete is cured. What makes this a popular trend is its cost.At a much lesser price, the resulting appearance e.g. marble, brick, hardwood, stone, or slate looks expensive.

There are many different methods of decorative concrete, each with its own style, uniqueness, advantages and disadvantages. Some of these are:

1. Stained concrete

Also called colored concrete, the main attraction of stained concrete is the distinctive outcome reached with the combination of creativity and professional techniques and color combinations. The two different methods of concrete staining are acid or reactive stains and water-based/non-reactive or dye stains.

2. Stamped concrete

Stamped concrete is the process of pouring about 4 inches thick of stamped concrete chicago (combination of cement, sand, gravel and water) on a limestone compacted base. The concrete is colored integrally or with color hardener, coated with an antique release and then stamped with patterns to create a stone, brick, tile and even wood effect. The combined advantage of durability with the use of concrete and the availability of patterns and color options to choose from makes it popular. On the downside, this is usually limited to outdoor use because of its thickness and the mess involved.

3. Stamp concrete overlays

Stamped concrete overlay is one the basic type of decorative concrete overlays and resurfacing system.It is usually installed at one fourth to three eighths inch thick on an existing concrete. It makes use of an engineered modified polymer cementitious product which is said to be stronger compared with normal concrete and other concrete coating products even if the application is quite thin. It is a cheaper way to resurface existing concrete to give it a new look.

4. Concrete coatings

Concrete by nature is naturally porous which is makes it vulnerable heavy traffic, exposure to the elements, chemicals, moisture, etc. This is the main reason why concrete coatings are in demand, giving the existing concrete staining chicago an extra layer of protection for the usual wear the tear. Some of the commonly used concrete coatings are:

a. Epoxy

This paint resin does not only improve the look of the floor, but also, seals the cracks and holes in floors and provides an added layer of strength and protection to the concrete itself from any natural and common hazard.

b. Polyurea Polyaspartic

Compared to epoxies, polyaspartics have almost three times the abrasion resistance of epoxies, more flexible, have better adhesion

properties and UV stable.

Decorative concrete is a skilled trade and Sundek of Illinois, with its years of experience can offer advice on all possibilities while incorporating one?s needs and vision (all within the given budget) for a more beautiful concrete flooring, wall, counter tops, pool deck, etc.

Decorative stamped concrete chicago contractor in Chicago IL? Sundek of Illinois (847) 392-3939 offers concrete overlays & concrete staining chicago resurfacing for commercial & residential projects.

Source: http://articles.org/concrete-resurface-decorative-concrete-101/

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