Driveway Stamping Contractors - Folsom, CA
Call (916) 943-4181
|
Stamped concrete is a stunning addition to a driveway. But it should be established by an experienced contractor, otherwise it would become an eyesore is the texture comes out poorly. There particular points which can be missed during stamping and if they are not noticed before sealing, good texture may not be achieved. Our skilled contractors have had experience in countless projects involving stamping and understand how to prevent such blunders.
Over the years they have been employing tricks that produce better texture. If you want a stunning driveway installed in your front yard, do not hesitate to call us on (916) 943-4181. 
|
|
more on driveway stamping folsom
The following are tips and techniques used by experts to produce better texture of stamped driveways.
Early Stamping
Incorrect use of tampers causes blow outs. The prompt pounding actions particularly on tight surfaces cause the center of the stamp to bow down. Consequently, the edges of the stamp flex outwards, pushing against the concrete and that is how it bows out or flakes away. The only way to eliminate this issue is by stamping by use foot pressure only. The stamping process should start earlier enough. Waiting for too long makes it harder. But then, it shouldn’t start too soon before the concrete can bear the weight when there is still a water pool. Stamping when concrete is too hard inhibits the imprinting of stamps and little or no texture is attained at the edges.
Evaporation Retarder
It would be wrong to assume that the concrete slab is hard enough for stamping simply because the surface top is crusted over. The layers below could still be extremely soft and if stamped, they would sink deeper than what is required. The pillowing effect makes the crusts to crack. To prevent premature drying of the top surface, evaporation retarder is applied. This element, usually in liquid form makes the water to hold onto the concrete for long by slowing down evaporation. This is not the same product as the surface set retarders which are applied in exposed aggregate finishes. Set retarders prevent quick setting of the concrete hence slowing down the set time to allow for more work.
Crawling the Slab
To create firm slabs, a few handy workers should use kneeboards before stamping commences. Their weight pus the vigorous action of the floating works the surface completely. This produces consistency in concrete through the entire depth. Stamping also becomes easier. This is the simplest technique for dramatic outcomes. Hand floats diminish the possibility of crusting cracks and a grainer finish is achieved; one that looks more attractive and non-slippery after sealing.
Textured Roller
Sometimes the slab can get ahead of the contractor and this can be controlled through rolling of the whole surface using a textured roller before stamping. It is an effective means of obtaining texture. Regardless of the slab’s hardness, the joint lines made by stamps are always visible and not any texture. The slab will still be okay if the rolled texture is apparent before stamping.
Texture Shoes
Another technique is the use of concrete texture shoes which enable the stamper to move from the slap quickly. They slip over boots easily and friction supports them on the surface. They don’t have the troublesome buckles or straps and therefore make work easier. They resemble snow shoes, distributing the stamper’s weight over a big surface area. This prevents sinking while walking on the concrete surface. They feature similar textures as those of stamping mats so that if someone steps off the stamp on concrete accidentally, no tread mark is left behind. They are particularly useful where texture skins are applied. Since texture skins are extremely thin and flexible, bird births are easier to form if stamping is done too soon. This problem is minimized by texture shoes.
Starting from the Middle
This technique should be applied by two people beginning from the center of the concrete pour and working their way in opposite directions. It eliminates the issue of formation of different textures on the slab ends.
Liquid Stamp Release
By using a liquid release, it is possible to see the exact texture that has been attained. This product has no side effects or airborne contaminants.
Call our experts today (916) 943-4181 if you need perfectly stamped driveway.
Early Stamping
Incorrect use of tampers causes blow outs. The prompt pounding actions particularly on tight surfaces cause the center of the stamp to bow down. Consequently, the edges of the stamp flex outwards, pushing against the concrete and that is how it bows out or flakes away. The only way to eliminate this issue is by stamping by use foot pressure only. The stamping process should start earlier enough. Waiting for too long makes it harder. But then, it shouldn’t start too soon before the concrete can bear the weight when there is still a water pool. Stamping when concrete is too hard inhibits the imprinting of stamps and little or no texture is attained at the edges.
Evaporation Retarder
It would be wrong to assume that the concrete slab is hard enough for stamping simply because the surface top is crusted over. The layers below could still be extremely soft and if stamped, they would sink deeper than what is required. The pillowing effect makes the crusts to crack. To prevent premature drying of the top surface, evaporation retarder is applied. This element, usually in liquid form makes the water to hold onto the concrete for long by slowing down evaporation. This is not the same product as the surface set retarders which are applied in exposed aggregate finishes. Set retarders prevent quick setting of the concrete hence slowing down the set time to allow for more work.
Crawling the Slab
To create firm slabs, a few handy workers should use kneeboards before stamping commences. Their weight pus the vigorous action of the floating works the surface completely. This produces consistency in concrete through the entire depth. Stamping also becomes easier. This is the simplest technique for dramatic outcomes. Hand floats diminish the possibility of crusting cracks and a grainer finish is achieved; one that looks more attractive and non-slippery after sealing.
Textured Roller
Sometimes the slab can get ahead of the contractor and this can be controlled through rolling of the whole surface using a textured roller before stamping. It is an effective means of obtaining texture. Regardless of the slab’s hardness, the joint lines made by stamps are always visible and not any texture. The slab will still be okay if the rolled texture is apparent before stamping.
Texture Shoes
Another technique is the use of concrete texture shoes which enable the stamper to move from the slap quickly. They slip over boots easily and friction supports them on the surface. They don’t have the troublesome buckles or straps and therefore make work easier. They resemble snow shoes, distributing the stamper’s weight over a big surface area. This prevents sinking while walking on the concrete surface. They feature similar textures as those of stamping mats so that if someone steps off the stamp on concrete accidentally, no tread mark is left behind. They are particularly useful where texture skins are applied. Since texture skins are extremely thin and flexible, bird births are easier to form if stamping is done too soon. This problem is minimized by texture shoes.
Starting from the Middle
This technique should be applied by two people beginning from the center of the concrete pour and working their way in opposite directions. It eliminates the issue of formation of different textures on the slab ends.
Liquid Stamp Release
By using a liquid release, it is possible to see the exact texture that has been attained. This product has no side effects or airborne contaminants.
Call our experts today (916) 943-4181 if you need perfectly stamped driveway.
|
|
