How long will my job take?
Different types of decorative concrete involve different processes so timing will vary. However you should normally allow between 8 to 20 days for us to undertake and complete your job. As you will be aware, weather and its effects can cause delays to occur that are often unforeseen. Your patience will be rewarded if you allow us to complete the job in the time it requires.

What happens if it rains on the day my concrete is due to be poured?
Rain can affect the finish of the concrete.. We consult several weather forecasts and always keep a very close eye on weather conditions. We operate on a fair basis so although your scheduled day may be fine, we may have to make up for previous wet days. We will do our utmost to keep you informed of the scheduling if your job has to be delayed due to weather.

When will I be able to walk and drive on my new concrete?
You will need to stay off the concrete until it has dried. Drying times will vary depending on weather and temperatures. We will put up barrier tape and signs but unfortunately we can not be responsible for pets, children, leaves and other debris once we leave the site. You will be able to drive on the concrete after 7 days of placement but we recommend trucks and heavier vehicles stay off for 3 weeks.

Can you match new coloured concrete with existing coloured concrete on my property?
We can try, but there may be several reasons that we may not be successful. Different colouring systems and pigments may have been used in the original concrete, which may have faded or been affected by weather or wear. New concrete does change colour as it dries over time so initially your old concrete may look lighter.

 
Why is there some variation in my coloured concrete?
As concrete is a natural product, it can be common to get variations in the colour. We do everything we can to gain consistency in colour, offering two different types of colour systems in order to get the best result for individual preferences.

Colour Hardener - this colours comes in a powder form that is cast onto the surface of the concrete this will give you a consistent colour over the entire job. This type of colour system needs to be sealed.

Oxide - this colour is mixed into the concrete, giving you colour through the entire thickness of the slab. Oxides give you a natural looking concrete; you can get darker or blotchy areas caused by the drying conditions. This type of colour does not need to be sealed but for best results we recommend sealing all coloured concrete.

What is exposed aggregate?
Exposed Concrete is a standard exposed concrete mix with the surface retarded then washed off exposing the aggregate and sands. Exposed Aggregate is an upgrade of the standard mix which will involve extra stones/pebbles cast on to the surface. This will give you a consistent and even density of aggregate.

NB: As exposed aggregate is a natural product, different cements, sands and aggregates per truck load can vary the appearance in your job, as well as mixing and job site conditions (ie weather).  Concrete is produced from natural materials so variations in surface appearance ie sandy spots and inconsistent lay out of stones may appear.

 

How does the aggregate become exposed?
The concrete is poured and the sprayed with a surface retarder. This chemical ensures that the top 3-5mm layer of the concrete does not harden so that it can be exposed. Either that afternoon or the next day the placer will wash off the top layer to show the stones. Around 3-4 days later the aggregate is washed using acid to removing any remaining fines on the surface that can cause the concrete to look white.

As the concrete comes out of the truck is that the colour of the finished product?
No.  When the concrete come out of the truck it is full of water and as the water dries out the colour will change and once the concrete is sealed it will change again.

 

How long does an exposed aggregate driveway take from start to finish?
There are a number of stages in an exposed aggregate concrete and some of these are weather dependent. The whole process can take up to two weeks.

Stage One: Excavation and Formwork.

Stage Two: Pouring and washing;
Day 1: Pouring the aggregate.
Day 2: Exposing the aggregate
Day 5-7: Washing and making expansion cuts
Day 8-9 Sealing the aggregate

 

Can you match up some new exposed aggregate with existing exposed concrete?
We can try but over time the aggregate mixes available do change so the stones size may vary. Also concrete changes colour as it dries so your old concrete may look different from your new concrete for some time.

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