Services

Want to know how we create your new patio, sidewalk, or concrete steps? Here is the process, from start to finish. Read on, or click on any of the stages to skip ahead to the particular subject you wish to acquire knowledge from.

1.Security

When we first arrive, the first step is to advise us of any problem areas, such as subterranean gas, electric, cable or telephone lines, or septic tank, water sprinklers, and so on... This permits us to minimize any possible damage to the later, during the excavation.

Prior to starting your concrete project, we must examine every little thing in order to eliminate any obstacles that could cause inconveniences, or disadvantage our work. We also look at the plans, at the access, and last but not least, at the security of all (employees and/or local residents).

We then discuss between employees, the work plans, and the security on the work site. Then, each employee receive their individual and specific tasks according to the plans of your contract.

2.Excavation

All excavation is done by hand and small machinery.

Crushed stone is dumped, usually in a laneway or in a barricaded site on the road depending on conditions, and accessibility.

We dig, as the plans indicate, up to 12" inches in depth and crushed stone is then placed and well compacted.

3.Framing

Once the excavation finished, we are ready to install the forms. These forms are either made of metal and/or wood.

We then place the crushed stone and compact it well.

Whenever we are working on projects like staircases, porches, or any other unstable sites, we use 'Sonotube' fibre forms. These are lightweight, one-time-use forms we utilize to make a cylindrical pier or base to stabilize the project.

Next, we lay down the steel mesh -- depending on the project, we may also use rebar.

The project is now ready to receive the concrete!

If it is at all possible, we back up the cement truck right to the project area, in order to save time. Otherwise, we bring in the concrete to the project area via wheelbarrows.

Then the concrete freshly poured, is level and trowel.

4.Concrete, Deforming and Finishing

Once the concrete has set and harden, we remove the forms and control joints are cut.

A diamond-bladed saw is used to cut the control joints.

If any, stained borders are also cut into the concrete in the same manner as the control joints are, but with a much smaller diamond saw.

Once the cutting finished, we pressure wash the dust off the concrete and its surroundings. It is sometimes necessary to acid wash the excess coloured powdered release.

N.B.: The colour may seem 'off' during the application; the true colour may not be seen until the freshly poured concrete, called 'green concrete', has completely cured. This takes a minimum of 28 days!

When we execute a natural, plain grey concrete project, it can be finished two different ways.

A broom finish will produce a rough surface. This finish also provides a slip-resistant texture to the concrete's surface.

If a smooth finish is desired, the concrete is then finished with a power trowel machine.

Exposed aggregate is an extremely durable concrete which provides beauty, texture, with durability and practicability. It can add quite an impact to your driveway, patio, etc., and will most surely strike your neighbour's interest.

To realize your stamped concrete project, a minimum of two colours must be chosen by you, the client. The first colour is the primary, base colour, which is mixed directly with the concrete inside the cement truck. This procedure is done on site at the concrete plant (Lafarge). This permits the colour to mix properly with the cement into a beautiful, homogenous mix.

Once the concrete poured and trowel, the second colour, which is a coloured 'release powder', is then dusted on the surface. This release powder is essential for the stamping phase. Not only does it provide a beautiful marbling and shading effect, but it also acts as a protector, preventing the rubber stamps to stick on the concrete during the stamping process.

The stamps are laid on the concrete while this one is still wet and workable, and then carefully tamped down with a specific tamping tool, with a series of light blows.

Rubber stamps, of many different patterns are available. These stamps are what bring the wanted texture and pattern to the concrete by embedding or engraving specific details into the concrete.

8.Staining and Sealing

Borders, usually chemically stained with a coloured stain chosen by the client, can also be applied depending on the desired project.

Staining can be applied on very old concrete and brand new concrete. You must not expect the stain to be uniform. Stained concrete surfaces are delicately shaded with many different tones, hues and nuances.

It is with the use of a brush, roller, or air sprayer, that we apply the chemical stain.

The stain reacts and embeds into the concrete (usually within 24 hours), and the residue is washed away.

Once the concrete dry, a sealer is then rolled unto the entire concrete project.

The sealer is applied in the same manner as the chemical stain. Usually, one coat is sufficient, and provides a nice, uniform sheen.

This sealer provides protection against the harsh weather conditions and against any foreign materials that could directly contact and damage the concrete.

9.Maintenance

Maintaining your concrete is important in order to keep its brightness and shine, and in order to keep it well protected.

The cleaning and sealing of your stamped concrete project must be done on a regular basis and the frequency depends on the amount of traffic, of water, and/or of any other chemical products, which the concrete is exposed to.

Concrete surfaces accumulate much dust, thus it is sometimes difficult to evaluate the true condition of the concrete. Nevertheless, you can notice a striking change in your concrete's appearance, once this one is properly cleaned. To prevent the progressive accumulation of dust and debris, you may schedule periodic cleanings.

We recommend that you seal your concrete project every year.

Top

2