Serving Durham, Chapel Hill, Cary, Wakeforest And Raleigh Area, NC 27565 | info@gocgm.com | Tel: 919.824.9372
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Stamped Concrete
CGM concrete is a top hardscape artisan in North Carolina. We take a custom approach to designing your driveway, walkway, patio, or pool deck in elegant stamp concrete or a stunning broom finish.
CGM concrete Outdoor Impression’s will turn your hardscape fantasies into a reality.
STAMPED CONCRETE BENEFITS
Wondering if stamped concrete is right for you? Check out this list of common questions about stamped concrete.
Why should you choose stamped concrete?
Your decorative stamped concrete is appealing for many reasons. First, it’s an economical alternative to pavers and natural stone, especially for applications such as patios, driveways, walkways, and pool decks. It also requires less maintenance than those materials because it has no joints where weed growth can occur. Adding to the value of stamped concrete is the material’s longevity. When properly installed and maintained, stamped concrete will last for decades.
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From an aesthetic standpoint, stamped concrete is hard to beat when it comes to pattern and color options, which are virtually unlimited.
Does it look fake?
Stamped concrete looks very realistic because most stamping mats are molded from the actual materials they are designed to replicate. To achieve natural-looking color variations, such as you would see in real stone, stamped concrete contractors often use integral or dry-shake color in conjunction with surface-applied coloring mediums.
If anything, stamped concrete looks better than the real thing, because you won’t get weed or moss growth in between the joints, and it won’t rot or splinter (if you are mimicking wood planking).
Will it crack, and can it be repaired?
Stamped concrete is one of the most durable and long lasting paving materials available and is highly resistant to cracking when installed correctly. There are some basic steps you can take to minimize cracking and ensure good performance
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Even if stamped concrete experiences minor cracking, the cracks are often hard to detect because they will often blend in with the pattern and joint lines. If the cracks become an eyesore, there are methods you can use to disguise them
Will the color fade?
Efflorescence, weathering, dirt and traffic can take their toll on the color of stamped concrete. You can minimize any color change by periodically cleaning and resealing the concrete. Even if the color has faded due to years of neglect or lack of maintenance, it can often be restored to its original state by cleaning and resealing.
Can stamped concrete go over my existing concrete?
Existing concrete that’s in good condition can be covered with a stamped overlay, which will give you the same look as conventional stamped concrete. Stamped overlays can be used to upgrade the appearance of plain concrete driveways, patios, walkways, pool decks and even interior floors.
Is it slippery?
Because stamped concrete is a textured surface, it is often more slip resistant than conventional concrete. However, just like natural stone, it can become slippery when wet or if a film-forming sealer has been applied. If stamped concrete will be installed in a high-traffic area, such as an entryway or pool deck, there are a number of things you can do to increase its slip resistance.
What factors should I consider when selecting a color and pattern?
Many people get inspiration from their surrounding landscape and home's architectural style when choosing a color and pattern. For example, if your house has a brick exterior, consider echoing that theme in the stamped concrete, whether in a simple brick-patterned border or the entire driveway.
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Another option is to choose a pattern and color scheme that blends in well with your surrounding landscape.
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What factors should I consider when selecting a color and pattern?
Like conventional concrete, stamped concrete will last for decades when properly installed and maintained, even when exposed to harsh winter weather conditions. In some cases, stamped concrete can be even more durable than standard concrete, especially if a color hardener has been applied to the surface. Most contractors also apply a sealer to stamped concrete to protect it from wear and abrasion and make it easier to maintain.