Stamped Concrete Flooring

Stamped concrete is concrete that is patterned and/or textured or embossed to resemble brick, slate, flagstone, stone, tile, wood, and various other patterns and textures. Stamped concrete is commonly used for patios, sidewalks, driveways, pool decks, and interior flooring. Stamped concrete, often called textured or imprinted concrete, replicates stones, such as slate and flagstone, tile, brick and even wood. The ability of stamped concrete to resemble other building materials makes stamped concrete a less expensive alternative to using those other authentic materials such as stone, slate or brick.There are three procedures used in stamped concrete which separate it from other concrete procedures; the addition of a base color, the addition of an accent color, and stamping a pattern into the concrete. These three procedures provide stamped concrete with a color and shape similar to the natural building material. It also is longer-lasting than paved stone, and still resembles the look. Idea of concrete decoration with stamped concrete not only adds their strength for the floors but also provides a pleasing appearance. This is now a good idea for low-cost landscaping where costly granites, interlocks in landscaping and patios are used, the stamped concrete stays upright.

PRODUCT FEATURES:

❖ Is more affordable than natural stone, brick or pavers

❖ Enhances outdoor spaces and adds to your home value

❖ Offers nearly limitless pattern and color choices

❖ Slip resistant when treated with a non-skid additive

❖ Is durable and long-lasting

❖ Easy to maintain

❖ Flexible design

❖ More durable

❖ attractive finis

❖ Abrasion resistant

❖ Anti Skid and Flexible in nature

❖ Slip resistant

❖ Higher temperature resistance

❖ Economical and Durable

❖ Good chemical resistance

❖ Resistance to thermal shocks

INSTALLATION METHOD:

1. STEP 1: 1.Subgrade Preparation

● The subgrade makes a big difference in the overall performance and structural integrity of the slab. It must be well-compacted which will help prevent drainage and can prevent soil erosion under the concrete.

1. STEP 2: Placing the Forms

● Forms, made from wood, metal or plastic, are attached to stakes to contain the concrete in the area desired. It is important that forms are in good condition, be set to provide the proper slope or grade for drainage, and are erected to create clean corners where they about each other or structures

1. STEP 3: Installing Reinforcement

● Using steel reinforcing bars or welded wire mesh are critical to providing structural function and support in the slab. The main reasons to include reinforcement in the slab is to help control cracking, provide structural capacity, increase impact resistance, and reduce joint maintenance.

1. STEP 4: Placing the Concrete

● The most common method for placing concrete is to have the ready-mix truck pull up to the placement area and deposit the concrete from the chute. The concrete should be placed as close to its final destination as possible because moving it around too much (with shovels or other tools) can lead to segregation. Also be sure plastic sheeting is used to protect adjacent buildings, landscaping, or other existing slabs from concrete splatter. The type of concrete used is also crucial to successful placement. Make sure to discuss with your contractor how he plans to avoid issues that can arise without the proper slump, or mix design.

1. STEP 5: Screeding and Finishing the Concrete

● The work done immediately following concrete placement is critical, since this is when you must create the perfect canvas for decorative stamping. The two most important factors are that the surface is leveled to prevent any low or high spots, and that cement paste is brought to the surface to permit a well-defined

1. STEP 6: Applying Color

● There are two basic techniques:

● Integral Color: Liquid Color into the ready mix truck. This procedure combines the color with the mix prior to the pour and the slab is colored throughout, or:

● Broadcast Method: Apply color hardener powder directly to the freshly poured concrete surface. Color hardener will penetrate the top of the concrete slab 1/8" and color thoroughly.

1. STEP 7: The Stamping Process

● The window of time in which to stamp is generally short, especially in warm weather. The stamp layout should be diagrammed ahead of time, and there should be enough labor on hand for the volume of work to be done. Typically, the edges are pre-textured first because later when the larger stamps are used, they may overlap the forms and won't be able to be fully depressed into the concrete. The concrete should then be stamped in the same sequence it was placed. Stamping alignment should be checked regularly, along with verifying that the correct random patterning is being followed to ensure a realistic-looking outcome.

1. STEP 8:Curing Stamped Concrete

● The goal when curing (or allowing your concrete to dry) is to retain sufficient moisture content for a long enough time to allow the necessary properties of the concrete to develop. With proper curing, concrete becomes denser and less permeable, resulting in an overall increase in strength and durability.

1. STEP 9 :Installing Joints Cutting

● contraction joints (also called control joints) can help to prevent conspicuous cracks. Although not all cracking can be prevented due to the stress caused by temperature changes and drying shrinkage. Providing stress relief at planned locations can help control random cracking

1. STEP 10 :Sealing Stamped Concrete

● No decorative stamped concrete installation is complete without the application of a sealer. This is the final step and one of the most important. A sealer will help enrich the color of concrete, will add a sheen to the surface (ranging from satin to high gloss), reduces the chance that efflorescence will discolor the surface, and blocks penetration of stains from dirt, chemicals, leaves, etc

INSTALLATION MATERIALS:

❖ Manual cutter

❖ Drill

❖ Mixers

❖ Rubber boots

❖ Gloves

❖ Compactors

❖ Levels

❖ Tape measure

❖ Moisture Retarders

❖ Vibrators

❖ Trowels

❖ Brooms

❖ Polishers

❖ Concrete moisture meter

❖ Roller

❖ Texture trowel

❖ Vertical texture skin

❖ Hand tamper

❖ Colour hardener

❖ Liquid release agent

❖ Cure and seal

❖ Stamp tamper

❖ Chisel