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Vertical Overlays: To spray or trowel?
If you're one of the growing number of contractors making the move from horizontal to vertical, this may be one of your first questions.
by Amy Johnson
It seems there is only one direction for the decorative concrete industry to go — up. Contractors and designers are finding new opportunities in vertical overlays. “Walls are the next frontier,” explains David Landrey, technical director of manufacturer Raeco Specialty Cements. “There is a better chance of a decorative system lasting on a wall. A wall doesn’t get traffic, so your artistry doesn’t get damaged.”
Wayne Sellon, national trainer for Flex-C-Ment, thinks vertical overlays present a growth opportunity. “Construction is feast or famine, but this is different,” he says. “We’re right at the cutting edge, educating people who don’t know it’s an option. We’re always finding something new to do. Interest in vertical decorative concrete keeps growing and growing and growing and growing.”
Why is the market for vertical overlays strong these days? Nathan Giffin, founder of Chicago contracting firm Creative Rock Forming, believes demand is tied to a growing interest in themed environments. “Listening to homeowners and other contractors, they are moving in the direction of artificial environments, competing against cultured stone and rock veneer,” he says.
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