Concrete Renovation

Whether it is a driveway, walkway, patio, steps, retaining wall, drainage, foundations & more the overall fundamental phases typically consist of the same process unless the customer only requires partial phases of the project which occasionally occurs. For example: Customer is in need to demo an existing patio but no longer requires concrete & would like that area landscaped or a customer had a previous contractor who could not complete the project. In this case we would start where the previous contractor left off & complete the project to the customers' expectations. Overall, most projects require the same process. So here is a better understanding on how we complete our step-by-step phases.

This being the first initial step of the project. We will begin demolishing existing concrete, asphalt, pavers or grass to the new concrete limits per design. Depending on the size of the project demolition can be done either by equipment, demolition tools or by hand. This phase will also consist of exporting waste generated from the scope to an offsite disposal facility

Once the existing area has been cleared of waste materials. The soil is observed to determine if any compaction or backfill is required if so, this is then brought to the customers attention followed by discussing solutions in more detail to better support the concrete area. In most cases such as walkways, driveways, patios & other non-structural elements the existing grade compaction is adequate enough to support the new concrete area & no backfill or re-compaction is required.

Grading will then be incorporated into this phase by creating the necessary slopes to redirect the water flow to either street level, garden area or drains. This phase is very crucial & must be executed correctly to avoid any major puddling or backflow to the home or structure causing damage. All cases do not permit to create a natural grade slope to the street level due to elevation conflict this is where redirection to another allowable area would be an option or if desired or required either a sump pit with a water pump will automatically pump the water to the street with an underground water line or an underground drain well, which both can be better explained by one of our team members.

As the grade has been sloped correctly &/or underground drains have been installed. 

The installation phase follows by installing the necessary formwork to support the new limits of the concrete design. The formwork is not removed until a later time at the end of the project. 

Next would be installation of the rebar. Rebar is installed per design or by approved plans. 

The final step for the installation process would be the concrete placement. Concrete is unlike most common trades where the final product can be painted over, tile replaced, pipe fitting adjusted & so forth. As if concrete is not difficult enough with having to get it right the first time. Let's throw in a time restraint into the equation, depending on the temperature of the weather, the type of mix design of the concrete once it begins to set & hardened adjustments or corrections are limited without affecting the finishing product. This is why it is important to hire the correct contractor with experience for your next project. Scenarios like this can easily be a problem for the unexperienced contractor but by having the proper preparation & staffing projects appear to be executed effortlessly by Apex Design Concrete.

This will be the closing phase of the project once the concrete has hardened followed by the upcoming days our team members will then begin the removal of the forms & a thorough site clean-up.

This would be the sequent of events of what to expect of a standard concrete renovation, unless a concrete color, stamping, sealing or top cast finish has been incorporated into the design. This can be better described under the concrete stamping or steppingstone category. 

Aside from the general-purpose concrete serves concrete can also be used for as a decorative finish adding a beautifully design magnifying the esthetic effects of your home or business.

By choosing a decorative finish for your project you can expect the same phases 1-2 but having some changes in steps 3 & 4 as well as additional steps to complete the overall project, here is what to expect.

Same as Concrete Renovation phases

Once deciding the color of choice by Davis colors chart. The information is conveyed to our concrete distributor where they would add the precise dosage of color additive to the required amount of concrete for your project at the time & day of the pour.

*Note, it is not recommended to have any color added to the concrete as it is being placed at the site (this would leave only the top layer colored not the base of the slab) or into the truck at the site by none other than the concrete provider as by adding color powder by a non-qualifying individual may result in not achieving the correct color contrast expected.

Next would be on deciding the type of stamp if desired by the customer. We offer a variety of selections of stamped finishes to replicate or create a custom design by your choice. The stamping impression are done the same day of the concrete placement towards the end of the pour once the concrete begins to set. A release agent is then applied to the stamp to act as a bond breaker from the concrete to the stamp. There are options of a liquid release agent or antique release agent. A liquid release agent will require less clean up vs. an antique release agent can be quite messy & sometimes stain the surrounding grass or soil. One of our trusted team members will advised on the selective option to gain the proper design achievement for your project. 

Same as Concrete Renovation phase

Adding a concrete sealer to your finish product serves as a great layer of protection against weathering, oil & other liquids allowing the color finish to maintain is original contrast. The types of sealer offered consist of a flat finish leaving a duller natural finish, a semi-gloss finish leaving a soft sheen look & a gloss finish leaving a wet look. 

This would be the final stage in the process of the project. This will consist of two days to complete, one day would be the preparation of the sealer pressure washing the finish product to remove any top layer of dirt or liquids in preparation of the sealer. Once dry on the next day the installation of the sealer will be installed by a sprayer leaving a 2-3 coat layer of protection. Depending on the temperature & drying of the sealer, it can be walked on hours later that same day.

*Note, all concrete sealers like most protective layers require a routine Maintenace to maintain the level of protection to your product. Every project consists of a different time period on when that Maintenace should be required depending on usage & weathering conditions.

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If customers can’t find it, it doesn’t exist. Clearly list and describe the services you offer. Also, be sure to showcase a premium service.

Having a big sale, on-site celebrity, or other event? Be sure to announce it so everybody knows and gets excited about it.

Are your customers raving about you on social media? Share their great stories to help turn potential customers into loyal ones.

Running a holiday sale or weekly special? Definitely promote it here to get customers excited about getting a sweet deal.

Have you opened a new location, redesigned your shop, or added a new product or service? Don't keep it to yourself, let folks know.

Customers have questions, you have answers. Display the most frequently asked questions, so everybody benefits.

If customers can’t find it, it doesn’t exist. Clearly list and describe the services you offer. Also, be sure to showcase a premium service.

Having a big sale, on-site celebrity, or other event? Be sure to announce it so everybody knows and gets excited about it.

Are your customers raving about you on social media? Share their great stories to help turn potential customers into loyal ones.

Running a holiday sale or weekly special? Definitely promote it here to get customers excited about getting a sweet deal.

Have you opened a new location, redesigned your shop, or added a new product or service? Don't keep it to yourself, let folks know.

Customers have questions, you have answers. Display the most frequently asked questions, so everybody benefits.