Busy summer for the concrete crew

Every time summer comes around we get so busy that it's hard keeping up with the "paper work", well in our case it is actually the blogging, vlogging, social media.

 ... But do our best to take pictures of our work so when the opportunity's here get right back in the groove as you can see. So the days, weeks, months go by fast while we concrete contractors keeping busy placing, finishing a large variety of concrete works.
Sidewalks, patios, driveways, stairs, walls, house floors, foundations,crawl spaces, agilia super flat topping floors, so on. Each also can have different finish like:

The elegant stamped concrete which in itself has a large variety of surface finishes and colors.

Exposed aggregate once popular still looks great combined with the recent favorite smooth surface.

For sidewalks patios driveways the good old broom finish still loved in the residential neighborhood.

 Sure it's easy cleaning it up but gets slippery in the rain and especially in winter the impressive smoke color smooth troweled finish

For more information and to get a free quote call: (604) 377 3657
Stamped Concrete

5 Problems Everyone Has With STAMPED CONCRETE – How To Solve Them

1,  After a long cold winter you notice some deep peeled off areas
     with regular color concrete of the otherwise beautiful stamped
     concrete driveway :

Solutions:  Don't use Salt to melt ice or snow.
                  Using sand will give you enough traction to drive,
                  or walk on it.

2, There is no way that you gonna get off easy without getting
    cracks in your stamped decorative concrete. It just the way
    concrete is, and yes even despite the most careful preparations
    it does happen,
    don't panic. ...So what to do!?!

Solutions: get a chisel and a hammer widen and clean the crack
                 to 1/4 inch.
                 Than use matching color quikrete polyurethane concrete
                 crack sealant.

3, Fading stamped concrete: Is it fading? You perhaps forgot the 
    regular maintenance which includes periodic sealing to regain
    that shiny new look that you've fallen in love with.

Solutions: First clean it nicely, let it completely dry.
                 Get sufficient amount of concrete sealant, a paint roller,
                 perhaps a mask too and make it come back to its glory.

 4, Wrong Color: After the job is done you just don't like the color.

Solutions:  By applying different sains,dyes or tints, one can
                  accomplish the change For a minor change use diluted acid stain.
           
                 use full strength for medium color change, and for complete color                         change use solid color change or acrylic.

5, Let me see what you came up with? ...and send me an email, or call

    John  604 377 3657  Vancouver, BC

    for more information visit   Stamped Concrete
       

The Reasons Why We Love Stamped Concrete

Have a look and let me know your thoughts I'm curious of your opinion.
Can concrete really be loved? In other words, what is it about Decorative, Stamped Concrete that make it rise above the rest.

Main entrance smoke color stamped concrete sidewalk with saw cuts

From the beginning it is not an easy process getting it all in order, but with many years of experience, talents and a bit of hard work it'll all be done to your satisfaction. 

Stamped concrete sidewalk with three risers

One might say it is the related challenge that makes us love placing and finishing stamped concrete, others like the color, or texture, the over all nice finished

look. 

Back patio with sidewalk

Regardless of what in particular you love about the unique look of stamped concrete works, when its properly done it will for many years will enhance your quality of life.

for more information visit our webpage: Stamped Concrete

or Call Oliver, for a free estimate on your upcoming project

in the Greater Vancouver area B.C. (604) 377 3657

Stamped Concrete With Exposed Aggregate Borders

You probably have heard the expression re and re, this is one of those jobs.

We have taken out the cracked exposed aggregate driveway, formed up, leveled the ground, installed the rebar for extra strength, than poured the borders and exposed them. on the picture below the borders are covered by poly for protection before the next pour.

A week later poured the area for stamping

After letting it cure for a few days, came to cut it than sealed
 it. As you can see it below its all done 3 -4 weeks from now
it can be driven on.

for more information visit our webpage  Stamped Concrete

for an estimate on similar projects call; 

Oliver at OA Concrete LTD  604 377 3657

Stamped Concrete,Climate Change

After record setting temperatures in February, we are having record setting temperatures in March also.





 You might say so whats the big deal these sort of things happen right. ...yes sure but the freaky thing
about it that in February it was all about snow and below zero -5, in March the opposite warmer than average
like up to 21 celsius.













 How did the weekly snowfall affected the residential concrete works, simply put, it came to a complete halt.
only the scheduled highrise floors were poured with heaters underneath.

 We are back and happy to serve the greater Vancouver area since the nice weather hit the lower mainland in all March 




visit us at Stamped Concrete  Call John for an estimate at: (604)377 3657

Residential, and Commercial Stamped Concrete Finishes

2019 march 5 th This is the first week over freezing temperatures in Vancouver BC. Finally we can start working again without the worries of the frost. ...Yes Cement finishers in the greater Vancouver area, and we do residential concrete mostly, not shying away from commercial jobs eighter. Our specialty is beautifully placed and finished Stamped Concrete. We have been serving the lower mainland for decades bringing our best daily to the general public, and commercial interest to their full satisfaction. Working on driveways, patios, sidewalks, stairs, walls, house floors, garages, etc. are on our daily routine. Weather it be simple broom finished smooth surface exposed aggregate, fancy stamped concrete, finish or combination of these we do it well. for more information pictures, and videos visit our webpage at:Stamped Concrete and for an estimate call John at:(604) 377 3657

Concrete Wine Cellar

...Yes we've done it poured a concrete wine cellar, I mean what's the big deal? It's a concrete structure it eventually will hold Wine we do concrete works daily to us a job like this is is no different, some body says don't edge the top so we did not, today I find out it was suppose to be edged.

...So listen if you want it edged let me know ahead of time ok, cause it wont help if I find out next day right.

Other than that I gave it 3 nice hit, so now it's nicely done, I hope you like it.
by John Tar

for more information and a quote visit:  Stamped Concrete 

or call John at 604 377 3657

Broom Finished Sidewalks, Patios, Stairs, Driveways vs Smooth

Lets face it, you've been asking for nice smooth finished patios stairs, sidewalks and driveways for the last couple of years.... Now be honest and tell me how many close calls you've had last winter because subzero temperatures and extremely slippery conditions on the surface of your concrete you like so much. Now think of having the same concrete but with some traction for a rainy,or winter day, like these beautifully broom finished surfaces.

You can still clean it, wash it clean and will look fine, and most of all will be safe to use it. so be smart and get a grip. for all our concrete products, more information visit: Stamped Concrete

call for an estimate: (604) 377 3657

Stamped Concrete Design

There is a simple way to get a great looking concrete drive way, a patio,
a carefully designed walk way ending in a set of stairs leading up to the
main entrance of your house, to compliment the look of your home.




To start pick up the phone and call your local stamped concrete specialist.
Look under the keyword concrete contractors on your favorite search engine.

...You are gonna get the most competitive names of the concrete contractors
or companies you're looking for most likely on the first 3 pages.

By checking their website familiarize yourself with them to get a feeling of
who they are, call and get them to come and give you an estimate.

The deal can include much work like preparation, breaking and removal  of
old cracked concrete landscaping forming, than steel reinforcement before the
actual concrete pour... than sealing to get that great classy look of stamped
concrete.

Explain what type of design you like and hear out the concrete contractor and
see his input for the best outcome. His many years of experience and expertise
will work for you to get the best results.

In Vancouver BC  (the lower mainland)
call us for an estimate at (604) 377 3657 John

for more information visit our secure web page at :
Stamped Concrete

Awesome Cement Finishers Tools by Cadillac Concrete

               Innovative cement finishers tools

             For all sales inquiries, 
             contact Gord at 604-830-1812 or gord@cadillacconcrete.com

• Our Tivar 1000 UHMW Bullfloats are one are one of the biggest advancements in the concrete industry in decades. Self lubricating with a very very low coefficient of friction, these are a back saver and do a far better job than magnesium. Non warping with 10X the wear of Carbon steel, they are revolutionary. #worldsfinestconcretetools

• Our Tivar 1000 composite brackets are unbreakable, we guarantee it! They self lubricate, stay tight yet you can move them when you need to. Once you get them setup the way you like, you never have to fuck with them. Nothing worse than your brackets keep coming loose when the mudz gettin tight on a hot day. #worldsfinestconcretetools

• The hollow Airbeam composite construction on our Fresnos and Funny Trowels is revolutionary! Super strong, Ultralite , no more Popped rivets. #worldsfinestconcretetools
• 
  
• #worldsfinestconcretetools
• 6O4–83O-1812
• 
  
• 
  
• https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=1891273037571055&id=190864034278639

Posted by John Tar

for more information about Stamped Concrete Visit:
Stamped Concrete for an estimate call John at 604 377 3657

10 Quick Tips About stamped concrete

Even before start placing and stamping, calculating the cost of
stamped concrete or a concrete driveway, sidewalk, patio, there
are a number of factors to consider as a local concrete contractor.

Stamped Concrete

1, Using the right mix:
consider air temperature and weather conditions ,concrete color, strength,
rock size, (take it easy with accelerators)

2, Choose the right shade of release powder, or mix in the right amount of
color in the liquid release.


3, Consider Reinforcement:
steel, wire mesh, fiber, micro fiber

4, Cuts:
 cut your stamped concrete at preparation for stamping, or within 2-3 days

5,Details:
They can 'make or break' the look of your concrete works

6, Give enough time for stamping:
Perfect timing of the works makes your concrete look great and you can
finish up with ease

7, Sealing:
Pick a dry but not hot day for sealing. Leave no water after washing,
use a blow drier to dry it,and if you're using a blow torch don't come
close with the sealer to it. For long lasting and great look use a high
quality sealer, for more traction mix in shark grip.


8, Try not to guarantee cracks!
Ive seen industrial strength high rise building concrete cracks,
I'm talking about strong thick concrete. Even if being compelled by
the contractor, or house owner at taking on the job, don't fall for
guarantying your slab,but tell them about your way of minimizing
the damage by putting in sufficient number cuts to control the cracking!


9, Preparation:
An over all well prepared area for concrete pour can make a big difference
in the long run, so don't leave soft spots. Use proper road base etc. tamper well.
form it straight and solid.


10, Have fun doing it
 but pay attention to all details!


by John Tar


For more information and an estimate visit :

Stamped Concrete
(604) 377 3657 John


Labels: Stamped Concrete Report

To Stamp, or not to Stamp

What to do in the long winter season?
...If your specialty for example Stamped Concrete.

well you might be out of luck for a variety of different reasons:

1, Subzero temperatures
2, Rain
3, Snow

Too much risk is involved placing it, and never mind trying to seal
your stamped concrete in this weather. Your best choice would be
to wait the winter weather out and do it in mild weather.

In the mean time get other concrete related work you'll be glad you did.

by John Tar

Labels:Stamped Concrete Report

Call John for an estimate on concrete projects (604) 377 3657

Garage Floors a-z by Stamped Concrete

Once the foundation is done fill it with "road base" gravel to the desired level leaving enough space for concrete an average of 4 inches. Than start drilling the two inch deep holes in the foundation every 2 feet for the half inch rebar. (make sure its couple inches below the desired concrete height) (You also can go with wire mash which gives extra strength to the concrete floor) Insert the rebar in the wholes than tie them together to give extra strength to the garage floor.

Pour the concrete preferably use a concrete pump, than finish the surface smooth either by hand trowel, or for long lasting hard polished product, use a power trowel.  by John Tar

for more information on garage floors, and stamped concrete relater projects
Call John at (604) 377 3657 or visit Stamped Concrete
















by: Stamped Concrete Report

Stamped Concrete Pool Deck in Progress

Here is a nice stamped concrete project in the progress, a pool deck in Vancouver BC. After placing the dark grey colored concrete border, we were preparing it edging and trowelling waiting to put the color release on it, than stamped it with Italian slate pattern.

A couple of days later we came back to saw cut it nicely, and to parge the inside of it,

than at the end of the week we cleaned it off and sealed it.

...Now it's ready for the next phase.... To get a stamped concrete pool deck, or other stamped concrete project done by us, in Vancouver,BC the Lower Mainland area Call John at (604) 377 3657  for more information visit: Stamped Concrete




by: Stamped Concrete Report

Smooth Finished Concrete by Stamped Concrete

Smooth Finished Concrete

When its done it looks beautiful, ecstatically pleasing, and it's easy to clean. You are
asking for it to be done in your garage, on your patio, driveways sidewalks, and stairs.

We as your local concrete services provider are ecstatic to deliver the kind of finish
that you love,  like this year's (2015) most popular         "Smooth Finish".

...But we are concerned, and feel like saying:

"It looks great, but have you thought of what
happens on that smooth surface when
subzero temperatures arriving in the winter
when you, your children, your mom, your
friends, neighbors, the postman walking on it"?

Indoor parking stalls are no concern to us, they
rarely ever get wet or icy, but the outside
surfaces are.

Yes, you guessed it:  It is going to get slippery
on the outside smooth finished concrete surfaces,
so please take measures to make sure no one gets
hurt because the winter weather conditions.

For decorative smooth concrete finishes, stamped concrete
and other type of concrete works and an estimate don't hesitate
to call:  (604) 377 3657 John

For more information about us and of our services in the metro Vancouver, BC  Area visit:  Stamped Concrete


by John Tar


Stamped Concrete Report

Vlog or Video Blogs By Stamped Concrete

Vlogs  easy and fast way to put info out there
especially with all the social and business net
works available online, YouTube, Twitter, Facebook,
LinkedIn, etc.

So what do you do?  Numero uno:  grab your camera
or phone. and document your target.

Yes Target.... witch could be anything you're interested
to bring attention to and start shooting, making short
informative video clips, capish?

Select your Title, in my case it is Stamped Concrete than
your Keywords or labels carefully look at most of mine:
concrete, stamped concrete, stamped concrete cost,
stamped concrete repair, decorative concrete, John Tar,
Vancouver concrete, local concrete services, concrete contractors,
...cause they will get you where you want to be or get to.
and spice your description wit them also like I'm doing it right now
righting this short Blog about Vlog for a better ranking of my
(webpage https://stampedconcrete.solutions 2018 -19 on first, second page) ...and guess what
if you do this let say once a week or so in two years you gonna
have a powerful blog like this one helping your webpage rise to the top
on the search engines.

As long as you keep writing, your website will stay there too.
so keep so Let me once more mention my main gig Stamped
Concrete  and the keyword vlog so the search engine spiders can
feed on them.

by John Tar, Concrete Works

...than don't forget to mention your webpage address:
Stamped Concrete

adios amigos

PS drop some Vlog links:
https://youtu.be/d5mZM6U_98s   
https://youtu.be/rgjUhD2areo   
https://youtu.be/C_aIBWZF7bQ   
https://youtu.be/EqB6uCYAfGo   
https://youtu.be/LBVHEOU_6sE   
https://youtu.be/QWLMHAwu6GI   
https://youtu.be/ysfXSxqtsho   
https://youtu.be/k4tosiPkRJQ   
https://youtu.be/Xosy-KTEl1M   
https://youtu.be/lMj_nQiy52w   
https://youtu.be/dAezqTx8hOE   
https://youtu.be/KqLsQVZ8BXk   
https://youtu.be/CFop4UAcCaI
https://youtu.be/-4lsjehfSU4
https://youtu.be/KavQRYx1wv8
https://youtu.be/bBg9MulgPZE

(all though this might cause some chaos,
but its all good) Ciao
call me for an estimate 604 377 3657 John

by: Stamped Concrete Report

Crawl Space, by Stamped Concrete

Crawl space an area under or in your house that just about useless
space.
...But if you cover the let say dirt under your house with a thin layer of  concrete than trowel finish it it can become useful space like a storage.










 
This particular crawl space was done by Vancouver concrete
contractors. 3-4 inches thick concrete on a slight slope placed
than 2 hours later hand troweled.

If you have a similar type of crawl space ready to be covered
with concrete, let us know. For decorative, and Stamped concrete
works call us for an estimate at (604) 377 3657 John

For more information visit our webpage at:
Stamped Concrete.

Stamped Concrete Report


by John Tar