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The Most Popular Concrete Color: Brown

2012-05-19T17:33:06Z

One of the biggest decisions our customer faces is color selection. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by all those colors on the color chart.

Narrowing your selection to three colors that are present in your home's exterior is the best place to start. For example, look at the colors in your brick or stones, trim, shingles, etc.

Of all the colors that most of our customer choose, brown seems to be the favorite. If you take a look at our photo gallery you find that brown is most common. It may be different shades, but it is usually in that brown family.

Brown is a popular color because:

Natural: Brown is an earth-tone. It is organic and feels more natural. Concrete feels more like stone or rock, which gives it an earthy, more natural texture. You can enhance that natural feeling by giving concrete a layered texture by adding multiply colors.
Warmth: Brown is a neutral color that creates a warm-tone. Being neutral color, brown can be very versatile. It can make a room feel very rich and elegant. It complements colorful furniture, artwork or accents. Designers like to use brown because it visually adds depth to a floor.
Hides Dirt: Brown hides dirt, dust, etc. very well. Concrete floors are easy to maintain and clean. Using brown will camouflage dirt so you do not see it right away.

For more information on color selection, check out “color selection” under the blogs categories.

Stamp Concrete Restoration

2012-04-18T00:40:48Z

Damaged stamp concrete can be repaired with a polymer overlay. Although the original stamped colors will not look the same, a multi-color hand applied technique can be used to give the look of stone, brick or slate. The photos below are example of damaged stamp slate pattern that was repaired with a polymer overlay. It has a solid color stain in Rich Brown with hand rubbed application of semi-transparent in Loden.

We Believe In Main Street Too

2011-12-16T20:04:02Z

We are sure you have seen the “We believe in Main Street” billboards around Chattanooga. CRS is proud to be apart of the revitalization of Chattanooga especially for the Main Street area. Since CRS conception 10 years ago, we have been located on the East side of Chattanooga. It was always been a vision of ours to renovate one of Chattanooga’s older building and make it CRS’ office. In 2007, we purchased the little vacant brick building on the corner of East Main Street and Kelly and started renovating it and soon after it became CRS’ home.

CRS has also had the opportunity to work with business and homeowners doing renovations to their own Southside projects. It has been very exciting to be apart of the revitalization of this area. CRS hopes to continue to help others realize their dreams.

A Good Source for Color Palettes

2011-11-23T12:39:00Z

We have found a great site to help with color inspiration called COLOURlovers.com. You can explore over a million color palettes that have been created by users of COLOURlovers.com.

COLOURlovers is a creative community where people from around the world create
and share colors, palettes and patterns, discuss the latest trends and explore colorful articles.

Aspects of Color Selection

2011-11-21T16:29:06Z

You have decided to stain your concrete surface and you pick up the color chart only to stare at a huge selection of colors. The choice isn’t just between a semi-transparent or solid stain, but also on which color. The difference between semi-transparent and solid is just that. The semi-transparent stain is translucent and allows for the concrete surface to show through the tinted-stain. The semi-transparent stains can be sprayed in a pattern of random droplets and as multiple applications build, each is a little darker giving the surface a variegated look, more like the appearance of a natural stone product. This surface treatment is what we call “distressed”. The solid stains have a monochromatic look, in either flat or gloss, they look like paint. Acrylic, epoxy or urethane systems, all in solid colors look like paint.

What’s the Difference?

There are paints specially designed to protect wood and metal surfaces. There are even specialty paints for concrete surfaces like patios and basement floors, but even a basic system designed for the protection of concrete in either acrylic, epoxy or urethane will have performance far exceeding even the best quality paint.

Semi-transparent vs Solids Stains

You want to use a solid color to hide damage that has been repaired. This gives you a clean canvas that you can embellish with highlight colors in another solid color or semi-transparent. If your surface is uniform in color then you can use a semi-transparent to create the layered distressed look. Either way you go the protection is the same.

Light vs Dark

Whether you are doing driveways or interior flooring, generally speaking light colors show dirt. It’s like having a white doormat. For surfaces with the heaviest traffic, go as dark as you can stand. When you speak of pool decking, patios and walkways, generally speaking light colors produce more glare and darkest colors are hot under foot. As in most cases a gentle medium is best.

Gloss vs Flat

Surfaces needing high light reflectivity obviously would choose gloss, whereas surfaces with a natural texture and color might look best in flat. Gloss surfaces show more dimensional detail giving them a more 3-D look while flat surfaces will not show the details as much.

Rough vs Smooth Surfaces

Concrete surfaces affect color perception. If your concrete surface is smooth, it will reflect color and light as a single facet back to your eye, whereas a rough surface is multi-faceted and will reflect light from many points and appear a half-shade lighter than expected.

If a surface has both rough and smooth surface, a solid color will bring out the discrepancies and make it look worse. The variegated look of a Distressed finish will hide those discrepancies.

Creating Ambiance

You get a totally different feeling from a gray cooler color compared to a warm gold or brown. A dark charcoal stain on a pool deck makes it very dramatic and sophisticated. If you want something more natural, use brown, gold or tan color. Consider what kind mood you would like to create.

Characteristics of Color

Red = Excitement: Red is bold, powerful and very appealing color. It is often related to fire, fire fighters, and fire trucks. Use red in a room to create energy or vibrant mood.

Yellow = Optimistic: Yellow is the color of light or sun. It is very bright and vibrant as well. It can also create a feeling of warmth and energy.

Orange = Energetic: Many associate orange with gold. It can suggest wealth, prosperity and happiness. It is a brilliant color that also gives you energy and warmth. (Brown = Stability) Brown is a form of orange that is very practical and can be used in any manner.

Green = Refreshing: Green is the color of nature. It gives the feeling of natural, genuine and suggests sincerity. It represents health and wealth.

Violet = Royalty: Violet symbolizes splendor, royalty and pomp. It is the color of night and darkness. It has a calming and soothing effect. The tints of violet known as lavender have a feminine appeal to it.

Blue = Calm: Blue symbolizes sky and water. It represents patience, hope and quietness. It is the color of preference to many people. Therefore is a very popular color. It is considered to be a very safe color to use. It is another color that is cooling, calming and soothing. (Gray = Practical) Gray is another very safe color that is a natural looking color such as granite, stone or rock.

Combining Colors

Combining colors creates different types of harmony. This can totally change the atmosphere in an area.

A monochromatic color scheme uses two or more tones of one color. That means a combination of tints and shades of the same color.

Complementary colors are the use of two or more colors that complement each other. Complementary harmony forms contrast that attracts attention.

Analogous color harmony is the use of colors that are related. Red and orange for example harmonize because orange is a combination of red and yellow. Just like yellow and orange can be combined.

Few Tips on How to Get Color Inspiration for Concrete Surfaces

For color inspiration look around the area and note what surrounds the concrete surface. Other places to look for color inspiration:

Make note your favorite color(s).
A piece of art, furniture or focal point
Nature: flowers, river, ocean, leaves, etc.
Other building materials: granite, marble, wood, etc.

The great thing about color and color combinations is that it is endless. You can be very creative with it. You can be conservative and use colors that are common together or be daring and adventurous by using unusual color combinations.

If you are in a commercial environment, then an unexpected, exciting color can be used or use the company colors. For residential environments, consider resale value of your home. If you are thinking about using an extreme or unusual color, it may turn off potential buyers.

Use colors already in your décor. Have a look at your curb appeal by going out to the sidewalk and take a look at your home. Note the most dominant color in your home and then look at the trim colors; a shingle, brick, shutter or door. Selecting colors that you like and that are already in the décor you can’t go wrong.

Copyright 2011 | All rights reserved. | Concrete Repair Specialist, LLC | Chattanooga, TN

Waterproofing Systems Add Protection to all Hardscapes

2011-10-14T12:05:00Z

Preventive maintenance is the key to making any hardscape surface last longer.
The best system for the job depends on the material to be protected and the appearance desired by the customer.

A "No-Show" waterproofing system can be used for dense surfaces like stone, brick, rock or tile for permanent waterproofing that does not have that "candy apple glaze" look.

Its unique small molecules allow for deep penetration on dense surfaces to form a permanent waterproofing system. Ideal for surfaces where an invisible barrier of water protection is needed. It doesn't show... until you get it wet!

Other surfaces are more vulnerable when they have more open, porous textures. Regular concrete should be cleaned and sealed after 30 days of cure time after the date of pour. High levels of air entrainment, poor finishing techniques or weathering over the years can result in a highly porous concrete that is easily saturated and suspetible to particles or layers of concrete being broken away as it water freezes.

One of the most vulnerable hardscape surfaces of all is the river pebble exposed aggregate. Water get into the nooks and crannies and freezes to pop out rocks and break up the surface.
A good glossy coat of protection really brings out the color of the river pebbles. A flat or satin finish is a good choice for the typical concrete installation.
A high solids content, solvent based Acrylic, or Siliconized Acrylic surface sealer does the best job for your dollar.

River-Pebble Driveway with translucent brown tinted waterproofing system.

Crab Orchard Stone pool deck with "no-show" waterproofing.

Polished Concrete Floors Have Unlimited Possibilities

2011-10-03T12:00:00Z

A polished concrete floor can be a great flooring solution for residential and commercial uses. An old gray concrete floor can be turned into a work of art by just polishing the surface. If there is old adhesive residue, other stains or discoloration, it will be removed during the grinding process. Sometimes the aggregates or stones in the concrete will be exposed leaving a very nicely textured look. There are lots of great advantages to having polished concrete floors such as saving money on maintenance, increasing light reflectivity and long lasting durability. It is also considered “green” and qualifies for LEED points. It can be used in kitchens, basements, restaurants, bars, retail stores, etc.

Polishing a concrete floor is the process of grinding off the old stained surface, then adding a chemical that seals and hardens the surface. This make the concrete more resistant to stains and spills. Each time the grinder makes a complete pass over the floor a finer grit diamond is used. Like sanding when you refinish a wood surface. This makes the surface smoother and shinier with each passing set of stones. The floor is completely ground at least 6 times and sometimes 8 to finish with a show room shine.

Colored stain can be added to the concrete surface to change the color of the concrete during the polishing process. If it is a new pour, objects can be added to the concrete surface such as colored glass, metal objects, machine shop turnings, etc to give even more creative interest. The objects get ground down even with the surrounding concrete when the grinder makes a pass.
There is a difference between polished concrete and concrete grinding. Polished concrete is much smoother and has a higher shine...think of polished Marble. Grinding is designed to leave various tool mark patterns in the surface making it more slip resistant.

One of the best things about having a polished concrete floor is that it is easy to clean. No stripping or waxing. Just vacuum, damp mop, “Swiffer” type mop, or steam mop. Other benefits are that it will not stain if something is spilled on it, and no grout lines to keep clean. It does no have to be pulled up and replaced.

If you are looking for something different and easy to keep clean, give CRS a call and we will refinish your old concrete floor.

Master Certified

2011-09-15T13:00:00Z

Master Certified in the following areas:
• Basic Material Categories and Properties
• Cementitous Materials: Concrete and Modified Concrete Mixtures
• Categories and Properties of Coatings and Sealants
• Coatings Selection for Specific Applications
• Surface Prep and Product Application
• Epoxies, Novolacs, Polymers and Other Technical Surface Coatings
• Crack Injection: Epoxy, Resins and Polyurethanes
• Polished Concrete, Terrazzo and Decorative Concrete

What is Masters Certification?

Well for me it was the combination of a lifetimes experiences working around construction since 3rd grade when I first started helping my Dad building roads, installing water lines and septic systems for his rental properties and later I built houses. Take that and the classroom instruction on the chemical properties, handling characteristics and idiosyncracies of the different epoxies, sealants systems and coatings used in conjunction with concrete and it's unique chemical reactions that you have to pay for and pass in preparation for these tests.
You learn how to do product searches for individual work environments and customer needs.
You learn which surface prep works best for which application method.
You have to learn about related industries and how to work around other professionals.

There's a lot riding on these tests and it's stressful.
Tests are not cheap and neither is the travel or the time away from work.

I started my Certifications in 2002 in New Orleans and the following year in Las Vegas.
Then in 2004 I was Certified for Polished Concrete, Terrazzo and Decorative Concrete.
I use my training on a daily basis to keep my customers happy and my company in business...
and I wouldn't be here to celebrate this 10 year anniversary if I didn't.

Copyright 2011 | All rights reserved. | Concrete Repair Specialist, LLC | Chattanooga, TN

Tips on GREEN Building with Decorative Concrete

2011-09-08T15:06:00Z

As people have become more concerned about the environment, the demand for environmentally safe products and services has increased. You can find green products for every kind of industry including decorative concrete.

Chattanooga has joined the push to be eco-friendly and over the past few years it has become a leader in “Green” building requirements for buildings to qualify for LEED certification.

What is LEED? It is building certification system that is recognized internationally. It provides third-party verification that a building or community is trying to use environmentally friendly methods and procedures. This rating system was developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) to provide a measurable way for all types of buildings, including commercial and residential to be “green”.

Concrete has been qualifying as a sustainable building material for years when following the USGBC LEED green building qualifications, but many people don't think of decorative concrete as being "green". As the demand for green building products increased, the decorative concrete industry has stepped up and developed eco-friendly products to meet these needs.

The way the LEED system works is a project is divided into stages. Each stage is given points. The more points you get gives you credit for meeting different levels of certification. Decorative concrete projects can earn LEED points in the following areas:

According to UGBCs LEED 2009 for New Construction and Major Renovations Rating System, these categories are worth 1 LEED point. (Note: This is just a brief general description of the guidelines. For full guidelines, see UGBC's LEED 2009 for New Construction and Major Renovations Rating System.)

Category: Sustainable Sites

• Sustainable Sites – Exterior: (Credit 7.1: Heat Island Effect - Nonroof)

This is intended to reduce the impact of construction on the surrounding exterior environments, communities and eco-system. This can be done by using any combination of the following strategies for 50% of the site hardscape (including roads, sidewalks, courtyards and parking lots): Provide shade from the existing tree canopy or within 5 years of landscape installation. Landscaping (trees) must be in place at the time of occupancy. Provide shade from structures covered by solar panels that produce energy used to offset some nonrenewable resource use. Provide shade from architectural devices or structures that have a solar reflectance index2 (SRI) of at least 29. Use hardscape materials with an SRI of at least 29. Use an open-grid pavement system (at least 50% previous).
Decorative concrete can qualify for this credit by using light shades or light-colored microtoppings or overlays to meet the SRI of 29 or greater to reduce heat islands to minimize impact on the surrounding microclimates and habitats. You can also use combination of trees or manmade shade, previous surfaces or reflective hardscape surfaces for at least 50% of the hardscape surfaces on the project.

• Sustainable Sites- Exteriors: (Credit 6.1: Storm Water Design – Quality Control)

The intent is to limit disruption of natural hydrology by reducing impervious cover, increasing on-site infiltration, reducing or eliminating pollution from storm water runoff and eliminating contaminants.
Storm water can be directed by previous concrete to reduce the impact on the environment without the use of large artificial collection areas. The use of color to beautify the concrete helps reduce the artificial look of the concrete surface.

Category: Indoor Environmental Quality

• Indoor Environmental Quality – Interior: (Credit 4.1: Low-Emitting Materials – Adhesives and Sealants & Credit 4.2: Low-Emitting Materials – Paints & Coatings)

The intent is to reduce the quantity of indoor air contaminants that are odorous, irritating and/or harmful to the comfort and well-being of installers and occupants. All adhesives and sealants used on the interior of the building (i.e., inside of the weatherproofing system and applied on-site) must comply with the following requirements as applicable to the project scope.
The decorative concrete industry has developed eco-friendly products that meet VOC’s requirements. To receive LEED points, use products with low or zero VOC’s that are either solvent- or water-based LEED-compliant products. Example: Sealants must not exceed 250 g/l of VOC.

• Indoor Environmental Quality – Interior: (Credit 4.3: Low-Emitting Materials – Flooring Systems)

The intent is to reduce the quantity of indoor air contaminants that are odorous, irritating and/or harmful to the comfort and well-being of installers and occupants. This specifically refers to flooring such as carpet, VCT, etc and concrete stains. It requires that concrete stain and sealer systems meet low-VOC requirements.
Since decorative concrete floors do not require additional floor covering, it functions as the floor surface therefore greatly reduces material consumption, transportation costs and flooring installation time and surface. Use environmentally friendly dyes, tints and sealers including acid stains, concrete dyes, water-based tints, acrylic stains, tinted sealer systems that are zero-VOC or VOC compliant that meet LEED requirements to earn LEED points in this category.

Category: Materials & Resources

• Materials & Resources: (Credit 1.1 Building Reuse – Maintain 75% of Existing Wall, Floors & Roof and Credit 1.2: Building Reuse – Maintain 95% of Existing Walls, Floors and Roof)

The intent is to reuse building materials and products to reduce demand for virgin materials and reduce waste, thereby lessening the impact associated with the extraction and processing of virgin resources. It requires a certain percent of materials used to be salvaged, refurbished or reused materials.
Renovating existing concrete floors or walls can greatly reduce costs. Decorative concrete finishes such as stains and sealer systems, micortoppings and overlays to refurbish existing damaged concrete floors, stampable overlays, and vertical stampable wall overlays qualify for this credit.

• Material & Resources: (Credit 4:1 Recycled Content 10% and Credit 4.2: Recycled Content 20% Post-consumer and pre-consumer)

The intent is to increase demand for building products that incorporate recycled content materials, thereby reducing impacts resulting from extraction and processing of virgin materials. Products that are considered pre-consumer use recycled content such as fly ash, silica fume and slag cement as supplementary cementitious materials. Post-consumer qualifications are the use of recycled concrete or slag instead of extracted aggregates.

This is credit is based on the percent of recycled materials used either/or post-consumer or pre-consumer. The Concrete Network explains it this way, "Tip: When using integral color with concrete containing supplementary cementitious materials, such as fly ash, silica fume and slag, dose the color based on the weight of the portland cement plus the weight of the supplementary cementitious materials."

• Material & Resources: (Credit 5.1: Regional Materials – 10% and Credit 5.2 Regional Materials – 20% Extracted, Processed and Manufactured Locally)

The intent is to increase demand for building products that are manufactured locally, thereby reducing the environmental impacts resulting from their transportation and supporting the local economy.* Purchasing materials locally (with in a 50 mile radius) such as densifiers, concrete mix, etc can also add credit points for green building.

Don’t overlook the environmental impact of using decorative concrete for your next project. It can make both a direct or indirect impact on LEED certification. This allows you to gain even more points by adding decorative elements to a concrete surface as well as making it look artistic and environmentally pleasing.

* U.S. Green Building Council's LEED Rating System guide from www.usgbc.org website.

Assessing the Damage... Is it worth fixing?

2011-09-02T11:50:16Z

The effects of storms and destructive forces of nature can be overwhelming to the average homeowner,
but for the concrete professional, it's pretty cut and dried.

When the assessment leans towards replacement... you simply fire up the equipment and excavate to begin new.
To build the proper base and add what you learned from the removal.
Every failed thing has a lesson for the future.

Example of concrete that needed replacing:

Example of concrete that was repaired with polymer overlay and sealed with a semi-transparent sealant:

Repairs can be costly, but when compared to the costs of replacement, well...
the comparisons shift in favor of repair almost immediately, with average costs for repairs running between one-half and two-thirds the cost of replacement.

For cracks, dropped sections and other large scale repairs this is particularly true.
Once repaired the hardscape should be waterproofed after the initial 30 day cure.
This is the structural repair level. This is the basics and that's it.

There is a whole other aspect to the work we do...
the truest test is to repair and restore without leaving the scar.
When your child has a bicycle wreck and the Doctor sutures the wound with the finest stitch...
you will always see that scar because you saw the wound.
Concrete can be restored to it's original appearance or changed completely.
Resurfacing work, polymer overlays and surface sealants can make a dramatic difference in curb appeal while we give your hardscape a new wear surface, waterproofing protection and a whole new look!
Repair work to incorporate the look of real Cobblestone walkways or decorative borders on an existing sidewalk or driveway are possibilities, not problems when you partner your design with a professional.

Call for your assessment today.
Concrete Repair Specialist (423)593-7413

Copyright 2011 | All rights reserved. | Concrete Repair Specialist, LLC | Chattanooga, TN

Technical Consultations

2011-08-23T15:01:00Z

After ten years as the owner of Concrete Repair Specialist, L.L.C. and passing Masters Certification Testing in 8 areas of concrete specialization, I can offer potential customers Technical Consulting ranging from Industrial/Commercial applications to Residential projects.

From Industrial floor coating systems in harsh chemical environments to Commercial Test Kitchens, Airplane Hangers and Computer Clean Rooms down to the Decorative Coatings, Inlaid Flooring, Terrazzo and Polished Concrete for Showrooms, Lobbies and Entryways.

In the field experience and classroom instruction and rigorous testing in the Masters Certification Program gives me the expertise to assist you in planning for a successful addition to your largest investment and most valuable asset...your Manufacturing Facility, Showroom, or your Home!

Call today to schedule a Technical Consultation with me before beginning your next project and avoid the costly expense of a failed project.

Copyright 2011 | All rights reserved. | Concrete Repair Specialist, LLC | Chattanooga, TN

Moisture Emissions Testing

2011-08-17T13:00:00Z

A caller asked me to come look at her new hardwood flooring in the basement family room of her home. The flooring strips of expensive Cherry that she had gotten at a discount building materials outlet were buckled 4-6 inches off the concrete in several places and were starting to warp. She was not aware of the problems caused by Moisture Vapor Emissions and the handyman she used for the installation wasn't either.

Interior floor coverings and coatings of all types are vulnerable to moisture emissions coming up through the concrete slab. It's an invisible, odorless cause of catastrophic failure for wood, tile, sheet vinyl and VCT flooring and causes carpeting to mold and mildew.

What can be done?

In a word...prevention. Once you know that you are at risk and how much moisture is coming up through the slab, remedial steps can be taken to block the moisture from contacting the flooring material. This vapor barrier can be a sheet of plastic or a surface applied coating chosen to stop the amount of transmission for each case.
How do you know you are at risk?

Moisture emissions testing is available from CRS at a nominal cost that can save you the replacement costs of your flooring. We use Vaprecision testing equipment to accurately determine the exact amount of moisture coming through the slab. This allows the remedial measure to be selected to stop the problem in the most efficient way possible. First a hockey puck sized sample of Calcium Chloride material with a known weight is placed under a sealed plastic shell and left for a measured amount of time. It is then digitally weighed.

The weight gained is the water vapor coming through the slab and that number is used to determine the best way to counteract the effects of that amount of moisture emissions.

CRS can offer you precision Moisture Emissions Testing and make the correct recommendation for the protection of your flooring installations. Call today to set up an appointment.

Copyright 2011 | All rights reserved. | Concrete Repair Specialist, LLC | Chattanooga, TN

Freeze-Thaw Cycle Damage

2011-08-15T12:30:00Z

This time of year I get a lot of calls saying "my driveway looks like it's been shot with a shotgun!" or "my driveway is only a year old and it's crumbling into dust!"
The problem is usually freeze-thaw cycle damage, ice damage, etc.

The American Concrete Institute recommends that all exterior concrete surfaces be protected by a waterproofing surface sealant.

Here's why...
When water soaks into an unprotected concrete surface and the temperatures falls below freezing you can look for damage to occur down to the depth of the water penetration. The surface will appear to crumble in layers. This reflects the freezing water expanding as it freezes, first at the surface and then deeper and deeper as the temperatures remain below 32 degrees.

It is not bad concrete, or a bad concrete installation, or weather conditions at the time of installation. The problem is that the concrete is porous and without a waterproofing surface sealant, water soaks into the concrete. Water is one of the most destructive forces on earth and is the chief instrument of rust, rot and ruin.Concrete is worn into tiny particles that are carried away in the thawing runoff, allowing more water to enter the surface and thus destroy the installation. De-icing salts increase the freeze-thaw cycle damage by at least a factor of ten. Chloride ion penetration is the culprit and just like rock salt makes your home made ice cream freeze faster, it makes your concrete wear out faster too.

What's the solution?

Prevention of water penetration is the key to concrete longevity. By stopping the water at the surface you eliminate the cycle of freezing and thawing that is weathering your driveway into dust. If the damage has already occurred then a repair made with polymer concrete is the only solution to the shallow damage caused by these freeze-thaw cycles. Regular concrete or mortars will not work at these thin application thicknesses and will de-laminate almost immediately. Once proper repairs are made a surface sealant must be applied. Colored waterproofing systems are designed to give a uniform color and protection from future damage. Maintaining the sealant is all that need be done to ensure the integrity of your driveway and sidewalks permanently. There are many waterproofing systems available on the market for installation by professionals based on the customers' individual needs.

Call Concrete Repair Specialist today to determine which sealant system is right for you. (423) 593-7413

Copyright 2011 | All rights reserved. | Concrete Repair Specialist, LLC | Chattanooga, TN

Garage Floor Coatings

2011-08-11T12:30:00Z

Many people want to add a coating to their garage floor. What is the best one to use?
Well that depends on your garage and what you do in it.

Epoxies are a two part system that is applied to a heavily prepped surface to provide a chemical and impact resistant coating that is very durable and can be applied with decorative touches such as colored quarts or flakes of paint to create a highly distinctive look. This is the preferred coating for those who do automotive maintenance or have chemical exposures in their garage. The keys to success are proper prep of the floor before application and closely following the directions for mixing and application.

Siliconized Acrylics are a great alternative if you don't have impact or chemical exposure. These are available in hundreds of color variations and can be combined with various application techniques to provide a really sharp custom coating system that is highly abrasion resistant and will add lots of pizzaz to the garage floor.
You still need a good prep but it doesn't have to be as aggressive as for the Epoxies or Alkyd Enamels.

Alkyd Enamels can be applied to a heavily prepped surface to provide a uniform color that will stand up to automotive traffic without costing you a fortune. They don't offer the chemical or impact resistance of Epoxies or the abrasion resistance and multitude of color and application options of the Siliconized Acrylics, but they are a viable alternative for some people.

So if you want to have a garage floor coating… Call us today for a complete analysis of your needs for a garage floor coatings system that you can show off with pride.

Water Features Add Interest!!!

2011-08-08T13:00:00Z

As we approach spring, the first tentative steps are taken into the vast and empty wasteland of your backyard!
Want to add some interest and fun that can be enjoyed spring, summer, fall and winter?

How about a Water feature?
Water features can bring in birds, frogs, butterflies and other wildlife for you to enjoy. You can add fish from the Koi family or even simple Goldfish. So what should you do to maximize the draw for this backyard show stopper?

First get an idea of what you want from this type of installation. Do you want a peaceful fountain of gurgling water with a few beautiful lilies? Or a riotous celebration of aquatic plants, singing frogs and gracefully gliding Koi?
Well, you could do both at once...

Construct a shelf along the perimeter of the pool for aquatic container plants to have easy and stable footing; water lilies and other blooming plants and reeds are zoned for your region and can be obtained from greenhouses or from other local "water gardeners". Do some research concerning depth of water needed for your favorites and then start planning.

Fish and frogs need a deep pool to escape the coldest of freezes and they will survive quite nicely in a 3-4 foot deep central section with the above mentioned shelf of plants to provide them cover from predatory birds such as the dreaded Great Blue Heron. Without some precautions these long legged devils will clean out your collection of prize Koi in no time. Fine mesh netting is also a good idea if they've already started to zero in on your pool.

So with the deep pool in the center and the shelf built into the perimeter, you can provide a varied environment and will need only the addition of a recirculating pump to provide the movement of water to oxygenate the pool. As a bonus you get the delightful sounds of falling water. The pump size should be selected to meet the needs of oxygenation, based on size of the pool, for plants and fish to form their symbiotic relationship and can also be the means to filter the floating debris into a container for collection and disposal. The pool liner must also be carefully selected to avoid chemicals that might harm the plants and fish leeching into the water.

Water features are a truly low maintenance way to bring both attention and life into your empty wasteland...

Contact us today for help in the planning and installation of your own personal oasis!

The Benefits of Stamped Concrete vs Pavers

2011-08-03T19:16:20Z

Decorative stamped concrete is a solid full surface system that offers solutions that other paving materials lack. Stamped concrete also offers an unlimited array of patterns and colors. The biggest advantage of a stamped concrete installation is that it can be done in areas that may create problems for pavers such as slopes, uneven ground or hilly areas.

What is Stamped Concrete? It is color, pattern and texture embossed onto the surface of concrete before it fully dries. It can be used for driveways, sidewalks, patios, pool decks, and flooring. The patterns, textures and colors can make it look like pebble, stone, cobblestone, brick, pavers, flagstone, wood plank with grain, sea floor and shells, etc. (See a few examples of patterns below or check out other Stamp Selections and Stamp Color Chart)

Decorative stamped concrete offers a number of advantages over other paving materials:

Stamped concrete has excellent longevity and performance. A properly sealed stamped concrete pattern will extend the life of concrete and it will make it very easy to maintain.
Stamped concrete has an unlimited number of patterns and colors. Asphalt and natural stone pavers do not. Precast pavers are available in a variety of colors offered by the manufacturer.
The installation of stamped concrete can be faster than installing natural stone or precast pavers.
Stamped concrete offers the ability to customize colors, patterns, and imprint logos or any other custom design.
All paving materials including concrete, will require removal of dirt or stains at times. Pavers will require removal of weeds and moss that grow in the joints. The sand will need to be refilled as needed. Stamped concrete with a sealant will only need resealing every few years depending on the type of sealer used. A good quality U.V. stable sealer will make the surface waterproof and colorfast for years.

A well planned stamped concrete surface can make a beautiful decorative finish that adds value to your home. Email CRS at info@contactrepairspecialist.com to contact us.

This is an example of a stamped concrete with custom color.

More examples of stamped concrete.

Extreme Concrete Makeover with Polymer Concrete Overlays

2011-08-01T12:00:00Z

The history of Polymer Concrete begins in the 60’s with several unsuccessful formulas. Over the last 50 years they have been modified and these reformulated blends of polymer resins with cement, sand and other additives have greatly improved bonding performance, wear resistance and aesthetic qualities.

Polymer Concrete Overlays are used to restore concrete surfaces such as driveways, sidewalks, patios, pool decks, etc. They are used to level uneven concrete surfaces to correct water drainage problems, hide crack repairs and discolored concrete. Once cracks are repaired, a thin layer of overlay is applied in a decorative way to enhance the concrete surface. Overlays give old concrete a completely new look.

Polymer Concrete Overlays distinct advantage is that it can be applied at thin application thicknesses…right over existing concrete! Polymer Concrete Overlays create a new canvas that can be stamped, sprayed, troweled on, or applied as a smooth broom finish. Best of all it saves the owner money because it doesn’t cost as much as tearing out and pouring new concrete.

Click on this link to see more photos of a Pool Renovation using polymer concrete overlays.

Give CRS a call and we can arrange an estimate for resurfacing and restoring your unsightly concrete.

This pool deck was totally transformed from river pebble surface that
was rough on the feet. CRS used polymer overlay to resurface the deck.

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2011-07-28T18:45:39Z

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Patios and Outdoor Livingspaces

2011-07-20T12:00:00Z

When enjoying the out of doors in the warmer months ahead, what do you need?

Well of course you need an occasion, a theme perhaps, and you need food and your favorite method of cooking.
Wok, Waffle Iron or Blow Torch...
Cooking and entertaining; whether its a oil drum grill or a Big Green Egg,
you want to have some accessories...

Fan, lights, music and running water.
A small prep area for those final cuts, tools and knife storage trays.
Maybe a small fridge for the marinades and BBQ Sauces and a frosty cold beverage or two.
Bug spray.
In short you want a real deal kitchen out in the back yard or by the pool so you can entertain your friends, family and who knows maybe each other.

The fan is a dependable source of cool comfort in an outdoor environment. Keeps smoke out of your eyes and maybe blows the gnats off too. I like the occilating model wall mounted to a post above head high and blowing down and out over the grilling area to keep smoke swept out from under the roofing material.

Lights are great when its dark. Can't stress that enough...
nice indirect lighting that enhances your hardscape
and makes seeing at night easy without shining in your eyes.
Also a clear and bright lightfixture that illuminates the grill area completely gets big marks with me...and having a switch in easy reach to check the meat and then turn off the bright lights is priceless.

Music is a great mood setting tool. Designing a surround system of speakers is easy with wireless components, but hey, you can always go ghetto and rock out a boom box on your shoulder. Musical selections are also important for your evenings' festivities. Nothing too "speed-metal-thrash" unless it's the theme for that evening.

Running water is so nice.
Chop some lemons and onions and then a clove or two of garlic. Rosemary leaves about 2 handfulls of the fresh herb. Add together with a cup of olive oil and some coarse ground sea salt. After making this marinade you will want to wash your knife, cutting boards and then your hands. After the chicken is washed and cut up the boards go back to wash as well as the knives. A steel double sink, a cast concrete sink built into a concrete countertop, and any of a thousand variations on this theme are possible. Add a firepit to this setting and increase your usage later into the fall and earlier in the spring. Next think about comfortable seating and a place to eat this feast.

Think of your outdoor living areas as just another room in your house.
It's a special place really though. A place to share food and reconnect with the ones you love.
Stare into a dancing fire and lose yourself in the warmth of it.
Show a youngster how to properly "char-roast" a marshmallow.
Or admire the eternal optimism of the Fireflies.

Copyright 2011 | All rights reserved. | Concrete Repair Specialist, LLC | Chattanooga, TN

Can You DO Anything to Make Concrete Last Longer?

2011-07-14T12:00:00Z

Concrete has a flaw as a building material in that it is porous and absorbs water.
This would be fine if we all lived at the equator and the temperature never dropped below freezing, but that unfortunately is not the case for most of us. When the temperature drops and the water in the concrete freezes, it expands and breaks small particles of the concrete off and opens crevices and cracks ever wider with each successive freeze. This allows more water to enter and accelerates the damage.

This is called a freeze-thaw cycle.
When enough freeze thaw cycles have occurred to expose the rock layers just under the surface the damage accelerates even more and as the slab is penetrated deeper and deeper it becomes unable to support the loads it is under and failure occurs. The base can then be undermined and misalignment can result.

What can be done to stop this slow-motion destruction?
The American Concrete Institute recommend that all exterior concrete given protected by an application of a weatherproofing system to stop the water penetration into the slab.

Which system is best for your particular situation?
This can vary and must be assessed by a professional to obtain the best results.
Call today to set up an appointment to determine which system best suits your particular needs and stop the destruction of one of your largest investments.

Copyright 2011 | All rights reserved. | Concrete Repair Specialist, LLC | Chattanooga, TN