FAQ's

FAQ's

Stamped Concrete Sealing Customer Frequently Asked Questions

Before moving on to the frequently asked questions below, here are a few things we find helpful when customers know beforehand about stamped concrete, exposed aggregate and conventional concrete in general. This information will help the customer better understand the reasons for a variation in surface appearance in all three concrete scenarios previously mentioned above.


How often should I seal my Stamped or Exposed Aggregate Concrete Patio Pool Deck, Driveway Patio or Walkway?

Answer: Do Not Seal every year as it will create serious aesthetic issues.

Right Answer: Every two the three years. Depending on the following factors, the cleaning and sealing frequency can be different for stamped and exposed aggregate concrete. Contact us for a free quote and further information regarding your scenario. Email us: your name, address and phone number along with permission for us to access the project location and we'll provide a quote within 48 hours after our initial visit.


What type of sealer should I use for my Regular Concrete Patio Pool Deck, Driveway Patio or Walkway?

Answer: Not the same as recently installed Stamped Concrete or Exposed Concrete. Due to no color being in conventional concrete, a stamped concrete sealer is not necessarily the best sealer to use and can create a substandard appearance. for a great look, visit our Photo Gallery page.

*Majority of sealers available to home owners are substandard sealers, which are problematic. most turn yellow because of the plastic fillers in the sealers. The plastics in the sealer turns yellow from the sun's uv rays cooking the sealer. Even when the can or container says "non-yellowing." Visit our Resealing Issues page.

*Too many customers or contractors mention the sealers they use are not a cheap sealer, because they paid $200 for a 5 gallon pail. Means nothing! Price does not determine if a sealer is good or bad. Beware and do your homework. Email us: your name, address and phone number along with permission for us to access the project location and we'll provide a quote within 48 hours after our initial visit.


Should I clean my concrete before sealing it or let the contractor clean it before sealing it?

Answer: Ensuring your stamped, exposed aggregate or conventional concrete project must be cleaned properly before sealing. proper cleaning is as important, if not, more important than the sealing application itself. Email us: your name, address and phone number along with permission for us to access the project location and we'll provide a quote within 48 hours after our initial visit.



What is Concrete made OF?

Concrete is made of four main ingredients. They are Portland cement, sand, stones, usually referred to as aggregate, which comes in different shape, sizes and color. Of course water needs to be added to become concrete. Too much water and not enough water can and most likely will be a problem. Hot or cold day? The amount of air (aeration) is also a challenge for many contractors who never specify of a company who may be laxed in the process. Sometimes fillers (fly ash) are used in the mixture so less of another component/ingredient can be used, reducing cost. There is also chemical additives to slow or accelerate the setting up process.

Stamped concrete surfaces are made of the same components as conventional concrete as exposed aggregate concrete. The aggregate changes, color is either added to the mix, inside the concrete truck, or the color is added to the surface of the concrete after the concrete is in it designated place.

Both methods of coloring concrete have have pros and cons. Surface colors Color Hardeners tend to be less expensive and its easier to achieve uniformity across the whole project area, which can be a challenge if you have more than one concrete truck delivery. However, please note that and flaw in the installation process can result in surface chipping, spalling and scaling. this results in the regular concrete under the color to be visible and becomes a significant eye sore and will continue to happen overtime. The surface color method for installation tends to net the concrete contractor more money. Integral color is usually more costly. In stamped concrete. " you usually get what you pay for."

Integral Color on the other hand is when integral color is added into the concrete in the truck and mixed throughout the mixture, resulting in a solid coloring of the Portland cement, provided the proper mix design is used, such as a 4000 PSI, mix. this is the mix that we see used often, due to the desired ratio determined by the color manufacturer to achieve a certain color in the chart.

Exposed aggregate concrete surfaces can be non-decorative or decorative in nature and is often installed using a colored small stone aggregate.

Conventional Concrete is Portland cement, sand, stones, usually referred to as aggregate, which comes in different shape, sizes and color. Of course water needs to be added to become concrete. Upon installation, concrete actually heats up (cooks)

What does all this information mean?

Your concrete resembles a sponge. Yes, it is a living organism. it breaths, it sweats. it gets hot and cold? It gets stronger over time!

This means you need to minimize and in some cases prevent water penetration. The main reason is color and surface color erosion and compromise. The directly impacts the appearance and longevity of your project. Remember, one sealer does not fix all. There are multiple factors such as age and type of concrete, color, and the project and its use is also a factor on the sealer required and the frequency of cleaning and sealing. Protect your concrete investment! Call of email the pros for a free quote.

Let us beautify, seal and protect your investment!


How do I ensure I'm Dealing with a competent Concrete Installer?

The Golden Rules are:

1. To ask for two or three references on work they did, that is similar to your potential project! If they do good business and that's their (SOP) Standard Operating Procedures, they will be fine and provide what is requested or pave the way for communication with prior customers. 2. Check for reviews under the company name after you've verified they are registered as a company. 3. Always get a certificate of Insurance. 4. Make sure they have Liability and Workmen's Compensation Insurance. If an injury takes place your lifestyle can be fundamentally changed. Work with a clear and concise written agreement, so their isn't a major issue where you need to spend more money. We hear too many stories where this has been the case! Check out our reviews below.

Real Customer Testimonials * More Real Customer Testimonials * BBB Reviews * More Google reviews.... * Merchant Circle Reviews

800 Hingham Street, Suite - 200N, Rockland, MA 02370

Toll Free: (888) 783-7192 (24/7)

Info@bristolcountysealingcompany.com

800 Hingham Street, Suite - 200N, Rockland, MA 02370

Toll Free: (888) 783-7192 (24/7)

Info@bristolcountysealingcompany.com

Stamped Concrete Pool Deck Surface Erosion

Compromised surface color loss due to lack of proper sealing frequency.

Cheap Stamped Concrete Sealer

Cheap stamped concrete sealer with surface and color erosion

Unsealed conventional concrete pool patio

Conventional concrete that was never sealed, is dirty and will eventually have the surface further compromised