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Repairing concrete is no easy task – it takes a great deal of planning to ensure that the proper specifications are met and the right materials are used. Before you try to make concrete repairs yourself, give the professionals at SurfaceScapes a call – you may be surprised at how affordable professional concrete repairs can be.

Why Do Most Concrete Repairs Fail?

Replacing your whole driveway or even a large section of sidewalk can be incredibly expensive. As an alternative, you may want to look into concrete repair. Unfortunately, many concrete repair jobs fail, especially when inexperienced homeowners try to do it themselves. Concrete repairs can be very tricky, and one of the most common reasons they fail is because the right materials were not used or the job was done to incorrect specifications.

Premature deterioration can also be caused by a number of factors, including the freeze/thaw cycle, chemical exposure, mechanical abrasion, and corrosion of embedded materials. Another challenge with concrete repairs is that you do not have a fresh slate to start with – you may not have access to the original specifications, and surprises always pop up once you begin work. Unless you really know what you are doing, concrete repairs are often best left to the professionals.

Tips for Concrete Repair

Many do-it-yourselfers underestimate the amount of work it takes to make long-lasting concrete repairs, or they do not use the right product or tools to make the repair. As a result, they end up having to make the same repairs again sooner rather than later. Memphis residents have been turning to SurfaceScapes for years to provide fast and reliable concrete repair services. Our talented and experienced professionals will evaluate your concrete surface to determine the extent of the damage and the best means required to repair it. Before you know it, your concrete surfaces will be looking just like new.

For all of your concrete repair needs in Memphis or the surrounding area, trust the professionals at SurfaceScapes to provide fast and reliable service.

No matter the type of property you own in Memphis or the surrounding area, colored concrete can make it more eye-catching and enhance its beauty. The colors created don’t necessarily need to be bright or bold. Often, people choose subtle colors, such as those with a hint of peach or yellow. Before opting for colored concrete, it is essential to understand a few basic facts about it.

The Basics of Concrete Color

Colored concrete in Memphis is done with a pigment, typically either manufactured in a chemical plant (such as those by Sundek) or mined. These pigments can be found as granules, liquid, or powder, and because the pigment particles are smaller than those of the cement are, they coat it completely, changing the shade.

There are more color options today than ever. Our team is well versed in acid stains that produce a mottled effect by using water, acid, and metallic salts. We also have solvent- and water-based dyes available in addition to UV stable acrylic coatings, dry-shake color hardener, integral color, and water-based stain.

The Effects of Water and Gray Cement

The ratio of water to cement is the most important for determining the exact color of the concrete. The amount of water that is added to the mix of concrete will permanently change the shade. Larger quantities of water produce lighter-colored concrete. This is why it is important to always use the same proportions during the mixing process.

The other major influence on the final color is the shade of gray the cement is. Your concrete’s color will depend on the way the pigment mixes with the gray of the cement, typically resulting in an earthy, dark tone. Because the final color can vary based on the exact shade of gray you start with, consistency in mixing is crucial and best left to the experts, such as those at Surface Scapes.

Concrete patios in Memphis and the surrounding areas do not have to be boring and made of uniform off-white concrete. Whether you are looking to upgrade the patio at your home or business, the professionals at Surface Scapes can provide innovative methods of re-imagining the concrete surface. Attract attention with a stained concrete patio in a pretty shade or with surface designing.

Stained Concrete

Perhaps the simplest way to re-imagine concrete patios in Memphis is by changing the surface color. When most people think of concrete or cement, they picture the same white to gray color. We can add shades, hues, and colors to your existing concrete surface without replacing it. If you are planning on replacing or adding to the surface, then it is easier to add color, and our experts can tell you how a particular shade will look.

We have water-based stains offering many bright colors and little odor, and if you choose a UV stable version, they can be used outdoors. Acrylic coatings offer more durability and custom colorings. Surface Scapes also has concrete dyes that use small color particles to give concrete translucent colors. Acid stains are tricky, but the marble effect is worth it. In some cases, integral color is added to the mix to give a powerful color throughout. One of the most durable for outdoor use is a dry shake hardener, but it can only be used in wet concrete.

Decorative Overlays

Another way to re-imagine your patio is by adding a decorative overlay. This can be stained or colored concrete or more complex, such as an intricate pattern or design. A popular decorative overlay includes stamps to mimic brickwork. We are able to create a decorative overlay matching any pattern you want, given enough time to create the stamp or stamps necessary.

Resurfacing

Even if you do not necessarily want to re-imagine or upgrade your Memphis concrete patio, our team can help it look new. This can be as simple as resurfacing in many cases, and the process will even out the current patio, giving it a fresh appearance.