Stamped Concrete Colorado Springs are an in-situ architectural process that incorporates textures and colors into rigid concrete surfaces. It can imitate the look of wood, stone, brick, or tile.
Concrete coloring is accomplished through integral color or by using color hardener. Basic stamped concrete will have a simple pattern, such as slate skin.
Whether you have a garden, walkway, or driveway, old and worn concrete can take away from your property’s curb appeal and detract from its overall value. However, with recent innovations in design, texture, and application, new stamped concrete can bring fresh, updated style to any outdoor living space.
Concrete patios are one of the most popular choices for homeowners who want to transform their outdoor spaces. They can be molded and colored to mimic the look of stone, brick, and other materials for a high-end upgrade at a fraction of the cost. And because they’re constructed of durable concrete, they can withstand the elements and stand up to heavy traffic.
While many homeowners choose to have their concrete patios poured and installed as they would a regular slab, some prefer to have them pre-cast. This option is less expensive, and it can be delivered to your home ready to install. This method also allows for additional customization, such as a unique color or pattern, that would not be possible with a traditional slab.
A newly poured concrete patio can be stained with color during the mixing process, called integral coloring, or it can be sprayed on top of the wet concrete after it’s been poured, which is called broadcast coloring. Regardless of which option you select, a professional masonry contractor can help you choose a color that will complement the existing colors in your landscaping and home. Cool and warm grays, rusts and reds, browns, and neutral beiges are among the many color options that you can choose from.
Another way to spruce up your landscape is by installing decorative curbing, which can be made out of stamped concrete or block. Dundee Concrete & Landscaping offers a variety of patterns, stamps, and textures to match your taste and complement your existing landscaping. Curbing helps eliminate the need for costly landscape mulch, keeps rocks and bark from mixing into your grass, and makes mowing and trimming easier. Plus, it adds a sophisticated look to your landscape and increases the value of your home.
Durability
Unlike pavers and natural stone, which can crack as they settle and expand due to changing weather conditions, stamped concrete stays rigid. This helps it resist heaving and movement more effectively. Because of this, stamped concrete can last longer than other paving materials.
However, like any other paved surface, stamped concrete can get damaged and need repairs. It can also be difficult to match new areas of a driveway or patio with the existing concrete if it becomes chipped or stained.
Stamped concrete comes in a range of colors that can be used to mimic different paving materials. Earth tones are the most common, but you can also find grays, charcoals, and even reddish hues like terra cotta. The color is added to the concrete during construction using a powdered or liquid release agent. These are spread or sprayed over the top of the concrete before it’s stamped with the desired pattern.
In addition to choosing a base color for the concrete, homeowners can choose an accent color to highlight other features of the patio. Whether it’s a stenciled design or an imprinted texture, the accent color will be visible when the concrete is washed and sealed. It’s important to choose a release agent that matches or accents the chosen color so that the finished product is consistent with the rest of the patio.
The concrete must be regularly washed and sealed to protect it from the elements. This will help keep it looking good and prevent the need for costly replacements in the future. A sealer will also increase the durability of the concrete, so it can withstand heavier foot traffic and vehicle loads. A non-slip additive can be added to the sealer if needed for pool areas.
While stamped concrete offers more options than brushed concrete, it’s important to work with a professional when it comes time for installation. An experienced contractor will ensure that the concrete is mixed and poured properly to avoid premature bubbles or cracking. They’ll also be able to provide recommendations for an appropriate finish that will look great and hold up over time.
Maintenance
Whether your stamped concrete surface is for a pool deck, patio, driveway, or other outdoor flooring, it requires regular care to prevent dirt and grime from marring its beautiful appearance. Keeping your concrete clean will prolong its lifespan and keep it looking great.
If your concrete is stained or dirty, you can clean it by rinsing the area with a hose attachment and using a soft brush or push broom to remove any stuck-on debris. For stubborn stains, mix a non-abrasive mild cleaner into water and use a mop to apply it to the concrete. Be sure to rinse off the soap residue with a hose again after cleaning.
For driveways and other surfaces that receive heavy traffic, consider a deicing agent that does not contain salt. Salts can damage the concrete surface, especially in the first winter after installation. If you must use salt, apply it sparingly to avoid damaging your concrete.
Adding a layer of sealer to your concrete is one of the best things you can do to protect it. Sealers add a rich, glossy sheen and help your concrete last longer. They also help prevent oil and other stains from seeping through the surface of your concrete and staining it.
When choosing a sealer, make sure it is specifically designed for stamped concrete. Many manufacturers of commercial and residential sealers offer concrete-specific formulations that are more durable than other types of sealers.
A quality sealer will protect your concrete from environmental elements, including rain, snow, sand, ice, and salt. It will also keep it looking new for years to come.
It is recommended that you reseal your concrete every two years. This is especially important for spaces that experience frequent traffic, such as a driveway or a patio.
While concrete is durable, it can still be damaged by extreme weather conditions and harsh treatment. If you notice a crack in your concrete, call a concrete contractor as soon as possible to repair it. This will prevent the crack from widening over time and will help maintain the structural integrity of your property.
Installation
Unlike pavers and slabs, which are pre-cast and finished, stamped concrete is prepared onsite. This gives contractors the ability to change the color of the concrete as it’s being poured, making it easier to match other materials like stone, slate, and brick.
In addition to the color, stamped concrete can also be imprinted to mimic other types of paving materials. This can be useful when a homeowner wants the look of stone or wood but doesn’t want the cost or upkeep of those materials. In some cases, the paving material can even be changed as the project progresses, giving homeowners more options and flexibility with their final product.
When choosing a color for stamped concrete, many people choose earth tones that mimic the material they’re trying to imitate. This includes browns and tans as well as grays and charcoals. Redder tones, such as terra cotta, are also commonly used. These colors can be added either as integral colors or by using a color hardener.
One of the disadvantages of stamped concrete is that it tends to crack more easily than other paving materials, especially in areas with extreme weather conditions. This is because the concrete expands and contracts as it heats and cools, which can cause the surface to crack. However, this can be minimized by hiring a contractor who is experienced with working with stamped concrete and knows how to prevent cracking.
Another consideration is that, although stamped concrete does not require as much maintenance as other paving materials, it still requires regular sealing to keep the color looking vibrant. This is particularly important if the concrete will be exposed to cars, de-icing salts, and other chemicals.
Stamped concrete can also be slippery when wet, as it has less traction than brushed concrete. While this can be an issue in some situations, a nonslip additive can be added to the sealer to improve traction. While this will increase the price, it may be worth the extra expense if safety is a concern.
