FAQ's Q: How long does the resurfacing process take? The average time for resurfacing a standard size double driveway & adjoining paths is approximately 3-5 days Time determining factors are:
Q: How long does the colour sealing/clean and seal process take? The average time for cleaning and sealing is 2 days. Once again, this is dependent on the size of the area being treated. The average time for colour sealing is 3 days. Day 1- cleaning the surface and allowing it to dry completely. Day 2 - the 1st coat of coloured sealer is applied. Day 3 - the 2nd and final coat of coloured sealer is applied. Q: Is there anything the customer can do to prepare? Yes. Ensure the area to be restored is completely cleared. Remove everything! i.e. pot plants, BBQ's, mats, garden furniture etc. Trim the edges/push back any pebbles or river rocks so edges of concrete are clear. Q: How long until I can walk / drive on newly restored surface? In most cases, both resurfaced and colour/clear sealed concrete surfaces are safe to walk on the next day. Regardless of the type of restoration, it is best to leave the newly restored concrete surface for a minimum of 4-5 days prior to driving on &/or parking vehicles. Q: How much per square meter does resurfacing and/or colour sealing cost? Offering a per square meter cost without first assessing the area is difficult and often inaccurate. Costs are determined by the amount of labour and materials required including potential repairs. Colourseal Concrete Services offer free on site quotes so we give you the right advice from the start. Read on for a more detailed break down of concrete restoration The Concrete Restoration Process Every job is different. In most cases however, the following information covers the basic steps involved in concrete restoration work. Preparation Preparation is critical in order to achieve a quality, lasting result for every job, regardless of application. Commonly, the first steps in concrete restoration is scraping, filling, grinding away uneven surface areas, completing any required repair work and/or completing any required chemical treatments. This is followed by a high pressure cleaning at 3000 psi prior to any application of surface treatment. This step is mandatory and eliminates sand, grit, mould and deleterious concrete residue/dust from the surface. Do Not use water based or internal grade epoxy on external concrete areas. Also, avoid using silicon sprays such as "tyre shine" products on concrete. These products cannot be economically removed or detected should resealing or restoration be required. Avoid "DIY" as this usually leads to further problems/costs with rectification. Spray On Paving/ Concrete Resurfacing This process is achieved by using a cementitious based product which when combined with a chosen colour oxide and a PVA based modifier, produces a coloured cement slurry mix. This is chemically bonded to the existing concrete after the above preparation of the surface has been completed. The coloured cement mix can be applied by means of a trowel, squeegee or spray hopper gun depending on the unique requirements of the existing concrete surface. When dry and correctly cured the new surface is rated in excess of 50 mPa (mega Pascals), i.e. 2 to 3 times harder than standard 20mPa concrete. Thickness of the applied coloured cement product can vary between 1- 3mm. It is best suited to external areas such as driveways, roads, patios, swimming pool surrounds or pathways. Spray-on decorative concrete can be applied using a stencil pattern, decorative multi-coloured fleck effect, custom logo/feature or simply to provide a non-slip plain custom finish. Our photo gallery has examples of all of these. When complete, the new surface is sealed with a high grade, industrial strength concrete sealer. The sealer protects the new resurfaced area from oil spills and other contaminants. In addition, it provides a low sheen lustre & UV protection. Warning: Concrete "paint" is effectively a myth. Concrete or "paving" paint is basically ordinary paint. It has no real longevity in an outdoor area and needs reapplication frequently. How frequently will depend on amount of tyre and foot traffic, environmental conditions the painted surface is exposed to and quality of the paint. It is far cheaper then a concrete sealer but when the many necessary reapplications or expense of paint removal are factored in, its far more expensive. Concrete sealer cannot be applied over concrete paint. The paint needs to be removed prior to sealer application (usually via paint stripper - an expensive, very messy and rather pungent process). Applying concrete sealer on top of the paint will mean when the paint falls off (and it will) it takes the sealer with it. Bottom line : Avoid applying any paint like product to any external outdoor concrete surface. Use Concrete sealers only. Read on to find out why Coloured Sealing Coloured sealing is a XYLENE based non-peel off, permanent paint product. It is made permanent by penetrating the pores of the concrete. Coloured sealer is suited to indoor/outdoor locations such as garage floors, undercover entertainment areas etc. It can also be used as a low cost option for restoration of non-decorative external areas such as driveways, paths etc. Both coloured and clear concrete sealers have a matte-satin finish. A high gloss finish is available however, Colourseal Concrete Services really prefer NOT to use it. It is significantly more expensive. The gloss finish wears away or becomes quickly dull wherever there is frequent tire and foot traffic, leaving an uneven finish. Most importantly shiny = slippery. That needs no further explaining. |
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