The Concrete Answers to your Questions

• Reinforced Steel Corrosion - The steel rebar inside the cement coating does not rust or damage thanks to the alkalinity of concrete. De-icing salt contains chloride ions that start with corroding the rebar and weakening the overall foundation of the concrete, internally cracking.
• Freeze-Thaw Damage - In the colder parts of the US extreme temperatures can damage concrete driveways, patios, and walkways. Freezing weather brings along ice, cold showers and snow allowing water to seep into the concrete via tiny cracks where it freezes in the joints.
• Inadequate Installation And Poor Equipment - The conditions when setting your concrete mixture will determine stability and strength of your structure. Concrete that sets at standard temperatures takes days for the material to set up, depending on the thickness. Concrete installed at low temperatures (or if the material froze) in the initial hours after placement could compromise the compressive strength and durability of the material.

The most common causes of cracks are made during the installation by mixing in excess water, which considerably reduces its strength. It also results in shrinkage, which in turn can lead to cracks.

Concrete also expands and contracts like any other material due to hot and cold weather. The ground under the concrete surface does the same. This can result in cracks appearing on the surface as well. Concrete has a weight limit, so, if heavy objects fall on the concrete surfaces, it can cause a crack to form.

If you have a good idea of what you want in terms of size, materials, aesthetics, and budget, then we can provide you with a detailed project plan of what to expect.

If you don't know exactly what you want or how to articulate it, we can help you visualize and plan with a number of options to fit your budget.

Yes, we will submit the required permits and plans for each project to the local authorities.

Concrete is a porous material that readily absorbs liquids, so it is important protect not only the surface, but the entire structure. In freeze-thaw climates, the expansion of frozen liquids can destroy the surface of unsealed concrete. A concrete sealer will protect against:

• Oil stains
• Tire marks
• Deicing salts
• Yellowing or fading
• Water damage
• Dirt, mud and mold
• Lawn care chemicals

Sealer Type	How They Work	Performance
Penetrating sealers (includes silanes, siloxanes, silicates, and siliconates)	Penetrate and react chemically within the capillaries of the concrete to shield against moisture penetration and deicing chemicals.	Provide excellent protection against outdoor exposure conditions and are also breathable, allowing moisture vapor to escape.
Acrylics	Form a thin protective film on the concrete surface. Available in both solvent- and water-based formulations.	Provide good protection against water and chloride intrusion, but usually wear faster than polyurethanes and epoxies.
Polyurethanes	Form a high-build protective film on the concrete surface. Available in both solvent- and water-based formulations.	Nearly twice as thick as acrylic sealers, and produce a very durable chemical- and abrasion-resistant finish.
Epoxies	Form a high-build protective film on the concrete surface. Most are two-component products mixed prior to application.	Produce a hard, long-wearing, abrasion-resistant finish, and offer excellent water repellence.

*Note: Always check with the sealer manufacturer to verify the compatibility of its product with the decorative surface you plan to apply it to.

Patterned or stamped concrete is designed to resemble brick, slate, flagstone, cobblestone and other patterns. Stamped concrete is much more economical and yet still capable of achieving a desired look. Because concrete is the most often installed surface for driveways, courtyards, and patios, stamped concrete is a popular application for creating a feasible and unique design.

A stamped overlay offers all the aesthetic benefits of conventional stamped concrete but is applied over existing concrete. Stamped concrete overlays allow you to duplicate the beauty and texture of natural stone, brick, slate, wood, and other materials without having to replace your concrete.

However, if the existing concrete is in bad shape, with many cracks or severe settlement, resurfacing may not be a viable option. Consult with Park's Concrete Service for a Free Evaluation.