How Decorative Concrete Enhances A Home Or Concrete Business
Decorative concrete has been around since the 1950s in the form of colored concrete. It was created through an idea to add synthetic iron oxide to the original bland, gray concrete mix. After adding this substance, it became possible to create concrete with a variety of earth-like colors. Since then, concrete workers have adopted new approaches for decorating concrete. The market for decorative concrete has increased as well.
Today, it’s possible to give concrete the look of expensive cobble stone or brick, making it a more cost-efficient material. Decorative concrete is popular for concrete patios, floors, pool decks, and similar projects. Concrete is now viewed as an art medium with the different methods for decoration. The transformation occurs through the use of materials applied during the pouring process or after curing. These systems include:
- Colored concrete;
- Stamped concrete;
- A decorative overlay; and
- Polished concrete.
Add Texture With Stamped Concrete
Stamped concrete is another prevalent decorative concrete method. This process adds texture to resemble stone, wood, tile, and other common textures. A concrete stamping tool is used to give it a texture that the customer wants after the concrete has begun to set. Many homeowners enjoy using stamped concrete in their homes because of its affordability and the wide array of options. Conversely, the contractor can enjoy an easy choice for new construction and renovation projects. It’s also applicable to colored concrete.
Improve Durability With A Concrete Overlay
An overlay is another application that can increase the performance characteristics of concrete materials. They provide durable renovation without the need for continuous repairs. It’s common to use a mechanical grinder or diamond pad to polish the surface. This gives the resulting product a hard-glassy finish. A combination of methods can create even more intricate designs.
Control Two Factors To Maintain Consistency
It’s possible for decorative concrete to go awry unless a handful of factors are controlled. The most critical factor is the water cement ratio. Controlling the amount of water added to a mix is integral to consistent production as adding water lightens the color, possibly changing the final coloration. Another factor is the role gray cement plays in the final color of the decorative concrete. The added color must overpower the original concrete color; together the cement and concrete create the final color. These two factors fortify the importance of maintaining batch-to-batch consistency.
How Volumetric Mixers & Decorative Concrete Create Business Opportunities
Volumetric mixers eliminate these problems because they create a consistent mix with each batch produced. Some volumetric owners have discovered that colored concrete can be extremely lucrative and compliments their normal operations by providing specialty concrete. It can also be a competitive advantage between two similar businesses by creating a new niche market of customers and providing high returns for the service.
Questions about colored or decorative concrete, or creating a homogeneous concrete mix? Call Cemen Tech at (800) 247-2464 or email us today!
