A more inexpensive way of improving the outdoor space area is by stamp overlays which involve covering an existing concrete.
Lying
near the humid subtropical climate zone, Orlando’s weather can turn hot
in summer, cool to cold nights in winter and comfortably warm in spring
and fall. Given this weather conditions, outdoor living areas e.g.
patios, porches, exterior kitchens and courtyards are common features in
most homes and business. Being the main entertainment area, owners
would, naturally, want to make their outdoor living space more
presentable.
One way of doing this is by stamped concrete.
Stamped concrete is the process of pouring about 4 inches thick of
concrete (combination of cement, sand, gravel and water) on a limestone
compacted base. The concrete is colored integrally or with color
hardener, coated with an antique release and then stamped with patterns
to create a stone, brick, tile and even wood effect. The combination of
durability that comes with using concrete plus the availability of
countless options of patterns and colors to choose from, stamped
concrete has become one of the current outdoor living trends in Central
Florida like Orlando. It seemed the logical choice for outdoor living
spaces given the constant exposure to the harsh Florida elements.
A
more inexpensive way of improving the outdoor space area is by stamp
overlays which involve covering an existing concrete. Destroying and
hauling concrete is hard and expensive work. If the existing concrete is
still structurally sound, this is the choice of finish if one wants to
maintain the standard flooring. Stamped concrete overlays can be
applied as thin as one fourth to three fourths inch and still maintain
its durability just like a normal concrete surface.
The stamped concrete topping systems include:
=> Primer System consisting of acrylics, latex, or epoxy which is installed before or during topping installation.
=>
Stamp overlay material composed of cement, aggregate and sometimes
additional chemicals or dry polymer for water add-mixtures which delay
the drying so it can be imprinted with a pattern before it sets up and
hardens.
=> Release agent which comes in wet or dry
formulations. This will make it easier to release the stamp mats without
sticking during the stamping process. Some come with color to add
realism to the finished floor.
=> Made of rubber, stamp mats
are used to imprint or transfer pattern to wet overlay material. These
are often shallower than the standard concrete mats for the thinner
material thickness for which it is intended.
=> Coloration Systems are used as integral color or for surface treatments and highlights.
=> Sealer System is added to the cured stamp overlay material to protect it from staining, wear and tear, and the elements.
=>
Specialty Tools include scribing tools, edgers, tampers and other
similar tools to place and put finishing touches on the stamped concrete
overlays.
The installation process would take about 3 to 7 days
depending on system and finish chosen and most can be walked on within
24 hours, a couple of days if expected traffic is heavy.
It is
recommended that surface be resealed every 3 to 5 years. However, in
places where there is only foot traffic resealing can be done every 5
years.
Depending on purpose or situation, either method will
still transform any outdoor space into a beautiful customized area ideal
for relaxation and entertainment.
Article Source: http://www.compensationsecrets.co.uk/.
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