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Archive for the ‘Concrete Patios ’ Category

Homeowners Are Discovering The Benefits Of Carvestone Over Stamped Concrete In Houston

Posted on: December 15th, 2017 by
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Those that choose stamped concrete in Houston as a way to protect their exterior concrete surfaces, such as their driveways, walkways, patios and pool decks, usually find that they regret that decision. This is especially true when they learn about the Carvestone concrete overlay installed by Allied Outdoor Solutions. That’s because Carvestone is superior to stamped concrete due to a number of reasons, which his why is quickly replacing stamped concrete in Houston as the most popular concrete coating.

Homeowners that have stamped concrete in Houston will notice after just a short time after installation that there is significant wear and tear. After just a few years, repair or even reinstallation will be needed, which means additional costs that erase any savings that stamped concrete may have provided at the time. Allied Outdoor Solutions has installed thousands of Carvestone concrete coatings over the years and most of those still look as good as they day they were first put in; some even a decade later.

And when we say “look good” we mean it. When compared aesthetically to stamped concrete in Houston, Carvestone is clearly more appealing. That’s because the unique limestone mixture helps the Carvestone concrete overlay achieve the look of real stone without the costs of real stone. It only makes sense that Carvestone was originally created to restore historic buildings in Europe. Beyond that real stone look, each Carvestone project that is installed by Allied Outdoor Solutions is custom designed specifically for that home. Creating a one of a kind look for your concrete coating isn’t something you can achieve with stamped concrete in Houston and it will certainly make your home stand out among those that don’t have Carvestone.

Anyone that has installed stamped concrete in Houston or had to live through any other home improvement project will also appreciate the fact that when we install Carvestone, we do it with no messy tear outs. Each Carvestone installation is done by hand. This includes the troweling, grouting, texturing and coloring. This ensures that not only do are we able to closely manage each aspect of the project to match your custom design but we’re able to do all the work with disrupting your home. The finished product will look much better than any stamped concrete in Houston and you’ll have a concrete overlay that will protect your exterior concrete for years to come.

http://beautifyyourconcrete.com/stamped-concrete-houston.html
We treat your home project with the utmost care and attention, as we would treat our own home projects. Allied Outdoor Solutions is committed to giving you the best possible results. Each job is carved, colored and grouted by hand. No tape, stencils or stones!

Concrete Saws

Posted on: December 12th, 2017 by
0

Today, it can be quite simple to log onto the Internet and search for the equipment that one needs, including concrete saws or other concrete tools. There are online specialized resources that have these products with discounted prices and you will surely find them to be exactly what you needed. You can easily shop for concrete stamps while staying comfortably at your desk, browsing the Internet. And, on the plus side, you will definitely be pleasantly impressed with the prices offered for Ashlar concrete stamps.
Lets say you are interested in concrete saws. Well, you should know that there are different types in this category available, depending on your needs and previous experience in working with saws. The great advantage when shopping online for concrete saws is that you have the opportunity to choose from several types, thus finding the right type for your concrete project. So, when it comes to concrete saws, you can choose between any of the following: gas, hydraulic, electric or air. Its your own option and its great to be able to choose from several types of concrete saws.
But what happens if you also need other concrete tools, such as concrete stamps? Actually, things are quite similar in this category as well. You can choose between a large number of options, the selection presented being enough to satisfy the tastes and demands of even the most pretentious customer. Whether you are interested in purchasing single pieces of concrete stamps or you want a complete set, the truth is that you will not find better prices than online. Plus, there are these many different types available, such as Ashlar concrete stamps. You choose and they will send them to the specified address. It doesnt get easier than that.
Finding the right concrete tools can be a little bit difficult, especially if you dont know where to search. However, if you have found a website that you deem to be professional, be sure to take a look at everything they have to offer. Most of the times, the list of concrete tools is diverse, including any of the following: asphalt tools, bump cutters, concrete chutes, curb tools, edgers, fresnos, groovers, rebar tools, rub bricks and so on. Each of these concrete tools is split into different categories, allowing you to take the perfect buying decision.
For each of the concrete tools, you will find a short description, presenting all the information that one needs to know on that specific product. For example, if you are looking to purchase bump cutters, you will be informed about the materials from which they are made, their usage instructions, manufacturer, product code and price. So, you see, these are all the details that you need in order to purchase a certain product. Go online right now and take a look at the products that were mentioned here, choosing the ones that fit your concrete project the most.

Concrete saws, concrete tools, concrete stamps.

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Carbon Cast Concrete

Posted on: December 4th, 2017 by
0

Carbon Cast concrete is an innovative technology that uses conventional steel for primary reinforcing and C-GRID epoxy-coated carbon fiber composite grid for secondary reinforcing and shear transfer. This allows the material to be very lightweight compared to normal reinforced concrete.

It has greater long-term durability, increased insulating properties and greater sustainability on top of the benefits of other concretes. This technology is the first advancement in precast concrete in over 50 years. These precast panels can weigh up to 66% less than the normal precast.

Advantages of using Carbon Cast Concrete panels

· Energy efficient
· They are light weight as a lot of the concrete mass in traditional precast panels is not needed
· The panels are dry and mould free
· Superior compared to ordinary precast concrete panels at load bearing
· Non-combustible
· The panels are quickly erected as they are light
· The heating costs in the finished structure are reduced due to the insulation used in the panels
· Carbon fibre will not corrode

The development Habitat for Humanity in New York City was constructed using Carbon Cast concrete panels. The houses could be erected very quickly as the panels are very light and much smaller machinery could be used to manoeuvre them into place. This meant that the project could be completed in a short space of time and families had homes a lot earlier than they would have had otherwise. Carbon Cast panels will last longer than the usual framed structures that are used. Carbon fibre reinforcement is used in the face of the panels instead of welded wire mess.

This allowed 50% of the concrete content to be removed as it is usually used to protect the steel mess from corroding and this will not occur with carbon fibre. As a lot of the mass has been removed EPS insulation could be incorporated in the panels. This will reduce the energy costs for the occupant significantly. As there is still concrete in the panels noise levels in the houses will be reduced. Concrete helps to keep internal noise inside and street noise on the outside. This improves the living conditions in the houses compared to conventional frame construction or brick dwellings.

These panels are resistant to insects, pests, mould and fire. This gives the occupier piece of mind that their home is safe. The external surface of the Carbon Cast panels can be made to look like most materials. This gives the designer the freedom to make their building attractive without compromising the structural properties.

 

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Concrete Tools

Posted on: November 29th, 2017 by
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Apart from presenting a complete list of concrete tools, online specialized resources take great care in presenting useful information on how to actually use them. So, whether you are looking for concrete bull floats or other decorative concrete tools, you can trust the web and its online stores to provide you with both the products in question and also the recommendation on how to use them. The same goes for Ashlar concrete stamps and other similar products.

For those of you who are interested in acquiring concrete bull floats, you should know that there are a lot of great choices available over the Internet. You just have to search for concrete tools and proceed from there, in order to find concrete bull floats, with or without brackets. The great thing about concrete bull floats is that they come in different types, allowing you to choose something that fits your needs perfectly. So, when it comes to these particular concrete tools, you can look at any of the following: square end magnesium, round end magnesium, aluminum, blue steel, Cali mahogany, cast magnesium, channel floats and dual edge channel floats. You can also find laminated canvas resin, laminated wood and 2 hole style magnesium.

If you are not necessarily interested in bull floats and you would like to look at other decorative concrete tools, then you should know that there are plenty of categories available. Lets take Ashlar concrete stamps for example. In this category, you can find some of the finest decorative concrete tools, whether you prefer squares or rectangles. Ashlar concrete stamps come in different sizes, so you can certainly find something that fits to your personal preferences and needs. Plus, they are available in different colors, so you will not run out of options. So, you see, when it comes to finding concrete tools, you are lucky to have the Internet to your disposal and not have to go to various stores in search of the best products.

Shopping online is nowadays a pleasure, even when it comes to buying decorative concrete tools. Online virtual stores are stocked with a wide range of products, their list ranging from concrete bull floats to Ashlar concrete stamps. Customers have the opportunity to browse through different products until they find what they need, taking advantage of the discounted prices and the door delivery.

It does not matter if you need to purchase Ashlar concrete stamp for a sidewalk or a driveway. Just like that, it is not important why you need concrete bull floats. The important thing is that you are able to purchase such decorative concrete tools with just a few clicks on the mouse. Plus, new concrete tools are added on a regular basis, so you may want to pay them a visit from time to time and decide what else you need for your business or why not for your home.

Concrete tools, concrete bull floats, decorative concrete tools

Concrete Cleaning

Posted on: November 27th, 2017 by
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When one thinks of the beauty of the home, one is inclined to think about the beauty of the floor. Concrete cleaners help protect and beautify concrete work. But choosing the right one from a plethora of cleaners is not always easy. Making the best selection of concrete cleaners rests on several factors: the application, desired aesthetics and maintenance requirements. Knowing the basics can help you make the right choice for each project.

You can’t scrub oil and grease stains away. Cleaning concrete and other sticky materials can be very challenging and in some cases, can’t be cleaned due to the type of stain, age of the stain and how far down the stains have gone.

Getting Rid of Oil and Grease Stains

The trick to draw oil and grease stains out of the concrete is to mix trisodium phosphate (or a TSP substitute) with water and an absorbent material to make a smooth paste. It will slowly be absorbed into the concrete and pull out the old oil and grease that were accumulated deep down in the concrete. Once the applied paste dries up, you can scrape it and sweep it away. Use a nylon brush for cleaning it is because a wire brush may cause rust stains leaving behind steel particles. And, if the oil is freshly spilled, the trick is to cover the stain with a dry powdered material such as hydrated lime or cornmeal. Wait approximately 24 hours, and then sweep it up. Scrub the remaining stain with scouring powder or a strong soap solution.

Getting Rid of Rust Stains

Rust is really tough to clean. To remove dusts from concrete use a mild muriatic acid solution. However, working with an acid solution demands certain safety precautions. Before applying maintain good ventilation, open doors and windows for proper air movement. Wear safety boots, safety goggles, and rubber gloves, safety glasses. It is good to cover nearby areas and wear a respirator with a cartridge rated for acid vapor. Also, it would be beneficial if you read the manufacturer’s dilution guidelines on the label thoroughly. Be prepared to move slowly and give the cleaners’ time to work and as indicated in the concrete cleaning instructions.

If this work seems too strenuous for you, then the best bet is to buy concrete cleaners that are easy and effective to apply. However, there is no better way other than cleaning concrete periodically that will extend its service life and enhance its beauty. It feels gratifying to see your house when coming home from a hard day at work. That is why cleaning concrete is an important part of every property cleanup that should never be overlooked again. You get the benefit of presenting your home to family and guest as a well kept dwelling along with the bonus of being greeted by a place you will be proud to call your own.

Xtreme Polishing provides high-quality Polished Concrete Floors services for residential and commercial properties and specializes in Concrete Flooring, Concrete Grinding Tools, Concrete Polishing Tools and other commercial concrete solutions.

Concrete Grinder

Posted on: November 25th, 2017 by
0

Concrete grinders are tools that make use of circular discs, to even out a concrete surface and for giving it a smooth texture. These serve the purpose best, when you need to clean and area between 1/8 inches and 1/16 inches.

In addition to smoothening of a surface, concrete grinders also help in removing paints, rusts, graffiti and for preparing the surface for coating. While concrete grinders are used for clearing a larger surface, hand held concrete grinders are used to clean smaller areas such as corners and areas that are beyond the reach of a large grinder.

Based on the requirements, the grinder may be equipped with varied discs such as brushes and segments of diamond material.

Generally, these grinders either use gases such as propane for fuel. A few models do run on electricity, but these are suitable only for a small project. For bigger projects, grinders using gases are used.

Points to be remembered before buying a concrete grinder:

· The weight of the grinder: The weight of the grinders would be around 100lbs to 300lbs. More weight could result in better finish and would require more fuel. Hand held grinders are light weight and may weigh as little as 5lbs to provide easy handling to the user.

·  The horse power in the grinders may vary from 2hp to 15 hp. If you are going to cover a larger area such as airport, you would need a grinder with greater horse power. For house hold projects, you will need a smaller horse power.

· For larger projects, you will require dual grinders, so that you can minimize the time required to complete the project and thereby, save cost.

· Some grinders are equipped with better features for dust collection. This is a useful feature for the operator, as it will protect the operator from inhaling dust and debris.

· Wet grinders include a tank, which can store up to 2 gallons of water.

· You should be able to alter the brushes with minimum hassle.

Once you have settled on the type of grinder you need, you can decide on whether you want to purchase the grinder out rightly. Instead of purchasing a grinder, you can opt for getting the grinder on lease or you can even buy a used grinder.

You will definitely save on cost with used or leased grinders, but it would be better to buy a grinder in case you are going to need the grinder for a long term project.

Benice writes about concrete grinders and makita grinders.

Concrete Stamping

Posted on: November 23rd, 2017 by
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Concrete stamping or stamped concrete can be used to describe the patterning that is associated with concrete so as to be able to resemble different textures or designs like those of the brick, flag stone etc. this method has been proved to be less expensive as it is made to resemble other building materials meaning that not will not be necessary to buy such materials. Instead one can us the stamping method to create likeliness to these kinds of materials.

Concrete stamping began in the year 1970. This is when most new designs and innovations in different areas of our lives began. The installation process entails a few processes. You can start by doing something interesting at the door steps that lead you to your house. This can be done by use various welcoming notes. First before you start any stamping guide, be sure to come up with a plan that will be beneficial and practical to everyone involved. If you want to do the stamping yourself, your plan should be considerate of the people who live around you. Also you should be able to work at times that will not inconvenience the members of your family if you happen to have any.

There are different ways one can go about when wanting to do concrete stamping. However, the two separate ways can be by either do it yourself plans and by hiring professionals to do it. Since most of us have never known how to go about concrete stamping, we are more likely to choose professionals to go about it. You should do a research of the construction companies that exist in your area so as to be able to decide which company that you will choose. Before you jump and choose the cheapest company available to you, be sure to do an in depth research on it. Feel free to inquire what experience they have in regards to years. How many such jobs have they done and if they have done such a job before do they have photos that can back up the credibility they are talking of?

Concrete stamping is a concept that some construction companies have yet to adapt into their system. Therefore, you will find that those that are hearing of the concept for the first time are ready and willing to adapt it into their system. At the same time, there are those who you will find that they will not have understood the concept but at the same time will jump at any chance of doing the job. This is why it is always advisable to have a thorough research of a company before you choose it for any provision of goods and services. Once you have made the necessary inquiries on the different companies, you will be able to choose one that will not be a disappointment to you. You can have them do the stamping in a way that will be very close to the total out look of your house. If you have no ideas on fashion and design, consult them as they will be able to show you how to go about this venture in a way that will be satisfactory to you.

Ken Hermanto is the publisher of Concrete Stamping website. This website offers knowledge on DIY Concrete Stamping.

Stamp-a-ma-jig – Use This Tool To Correctly Position Your Stamped Images

Posted on: November 14th, 2017 by
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A common frustration I hear from rubber stampers at a class is “I messed up – my stamped image is crooked.” An easy fix for this problem is to use the Stamp-a-Ma-Jig, a tool for stamping an image in the exact position you want.

The Stamp-A-Ma-Jig has 2 pieces – the T-shaped positioning tool and a clear, plastic, square sheet. The T-shaped tool has a non-skid bottom. The vertical line is longer that the horizontal one.

The procedure is straightforward. First you stamp the image on the plastic sheet. Then you place the sheet over your project, say a card or scrapbook page, so that the image is seen where you want the final stamp to be. Then stamp the image on that exact spot. Here are the details.

Place the clear, plastic square on your work surface. Slide over the positioning tool, so that one of the corners made by the T is butted up against one of the top corners of the plastic sheet. I’m right-handed, so I place the tool at the top left corner of the plastic sheet. A left-handed stamper would place it at the top right corner. Ink the stamp and hold it above the sheet, right in the corner of the T. Carefully slide the stamp straight down, and stamp the image on the sheet. It doesn’t matter how dark the image is, as long as you can see it.

Lay the plastic sheet on the project you’re making. Move it so that the image is exactly over where you want the final position of the stamped image stamped. As before, slide over the positioning tool, so that it is butted up against the corner of the clear sheet. If the sheet moves, then start this step over again. It’s important to place the positioning tool, without disturbing the plastic sheet. Now, carefully remove the sheet, without moving the positioning tool. The tool should be over part of the surface to be stamped, holding it in place. Just as you did before on the clear sheet, stamp the image, by sliding the stamp down along the corner of the positioning tool. The result will be the image stamped in the exact position you want!

There are some additional tricks that may help you.

If your stamp is short and wide, as often greetings are, then you may prefer to lay the positioning tool horizontally in a corner of the plastic sheet. This gives more contact between the stamp base – either wood or acrylic – and the positioning tool while you’re stamping.

If you’re trying to stamp on a very small piece of paper or card stock, you may run into a problem. Once you move the plastic sheet away, the positioning tool may be too far to hold the paper in place. If this happens, then glue the paper to your work surface with a temporary adhesive. Get the T-shaped positioning tool in place, as always. When you removed the plastic sheet, the tool won’t be holding down the paper or card stock. However, the temporary adhesive will hold it long enough for you to finish the procedure. Your final stamped image will be perfectly positioned! Just pick it up and glue to your project, as needed.

By the way, the plastic sheet is easily cleaned with running water. Sometimes, dark ink with leave a little color behind. Just use your regular stamp cleaner and the plastic sheet will be as good as new. I’ve had mine for almost 6 years. It looks the same as it did on the day I bought it – and I use mine several times every week!

The Stamp-A-Ma-Jig is truly one of my most often-used stamping tools.

Sandi Phelan is a teacher and designer of paper craft projects. Her favorite projects are hand-stamped cards and scrapbooks – both paper-based and digital. She’s been an independent Stampin’ Up! demonstrator since 2005, using their products on her projects and in her classes. For more information on techniques for creative design of hand-stamped cards, please visit http://stampedimpression.typepad.com/.

Carbon Cast Concrete

Posted on: November 12th, 2017 by
0

Carbon Cast concrete is an innovative technology that uses conventional steel for primary reinforcing and C-GRID epoxy-coated carbon fiber composite grid for secondary reinforcing and shear transfer. This allows the material to be very lightweight compared to normal reinforced concrete.

It has greater long-term durability, increased insulating properties and greater sustainability on top of the benefits of other concretes. This technology is the first advancement in precast concrete in over 50 years. These precast panels can weigh up to 66% less than the normal precast.

Advantages of using Carbon Cast Concrete panels

· Energy efficient
· They are light weight as a lot of the concrete mass in traditional precast panels is not needed
· The panels are dry and mould free
· Superior compared to ordinary precast concrete panels at load bearing
· Non-combustible
· The panels are quickly erected as they are light
· The heating costs in the finished structure are reduced due to the insulation used in the panels
· Carbon fibre will not corrode

The development Habitat for Humanity in New York City was constructed using Carbon Cast concrete panels. The houses could be erected very quickly as the panels are very light and much smaller machinery could be used to manoeuvre them into place. This meant that the project could be completed in a short space of time and families had homes a lot earlier than they would have had otherwise. Carbon Cast panels will last longer than the usual framed structures that are used. Carbon fibre reinforcement is used in the face of the panels instead of welded wire mess.

This allowed 50% of the concrete content to be removed as it is usually used to protect the steel mess from corroding and this will not occur with carbon fibre. As a lot of the mass has been removed EPS insulation could be incorporated in the panels. This will reduce the energy costs for the occupant significantly. As there is still concrete in the panels noise levels in the houses will be reduced. Concrete helps to keep internal noise inside and street noise on the outside. This improves the living conditions in the houses compared to conventional frame construction or brick dwellings.

These panels are resistant to insects, pests, mould and fire. This gives the occupier piece of mind that their home is safe. The external surface of the Carbon Cast panels can be made to look like most materials. This gives the designer the freedom to make their building attractive without compromising the structural properties.

Fiona is an Architect and has written and published numerous articles. She is engaged and lives with her partner Ryan. http://www.articlewritingtoday.info
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Choices Galore – Outdoor Decorative Concrete

Posted on: November 10th, 2017 by
0

When you make up your mind to go beyond a simple stained floor or stamped driveway, you will see that the creative contractors join hands to make it happen. Here, we have covered some of the hottest decorative trends that will help to use concrete in creative ways in many forms and for various reasons.

Outdoor Enhancements

Outdoor enhancements are a great way to add value to a home. With the trend in outdoor places fuelling the fire, concrete fireplaces plans offer endless decorative possibilities for creative expression. Amazingly, the cost of the outdoor embellishment is often more in budget than most people think. Many decorative flooring contractors will help you find outdoor concrete fireplace plans that fit almost any budget, lifestyle and requirement.

Touch up your home with Nature

The augmenting concerns about our environment have called upon attention to preserve our natural resources; more people are using concrete because concrete is proven as an eco-friendly material. Additionally, it has an organic look and feel that can mimic the surrounding environment.

Custom Concrete Furniture

Your concrete prized possessions can offer smart, luxurious concepts and technological convenience. More artisans and contractors are using concrete to bring a unique sense of style that you want to possess. See the endless one-of-a-kind pieces, superior concrete furniture honed with the best creative and engineering skills bringing a unique sense of style to homes and businesses, indoors and out.

Loop the Knobs

Turn your kitchen into a fun-to-be in area. Simple add some exciting concrete ideas by contacting expert designers and creators.

Personalize your spaces

Many are using concrete for endless design possibilities to create mini theme parks, concrete garden bridges, firepits, drainboards, trivets, cutting boards, and built-in displays and concrete pool with water slides. All these can add character and functionality to a concrete countertop or vanity.

New-age way lighting

Fiber-optic cables being used to speed up telephone lines, cable TV and the Internet are a wonderful age way to light up your great possession- concrete. These fine strands of telephone lines, cable TV and the Internet can be cast directly into concrete to create fascinating visual effects.

Custom Concrete Countertops

One hottest trend that is sure to gain momentum is the move toward customization, as more people become familiar with the endless design possibilities with concrete. Lots of people dream. It is important to have a better coordination between our dreams and actions. To make any dream come true, it is important to discuss some of the unique ways with concrete experts about the customized options available.

In this highly demanding world, concrete has something extra to create a niche for itself. And that extra is not extraordinary looks, but the extraordinary ability to lead.

Xtreme Polishing provides high-quality Polished Concrete Floors services for residential and commercial properties and specializes in Concrete Floor Epoxy Coatings, Decorative Concrete Finishing and other Commercial Flooring Solutions.