The world's foremost resource on decorative concrete
Instead of pouring concrete, concrete installers place concrete where they want it to go. And there are right ways and wrong ways to do this.
If you want to impress gullible friends with the glamour and excitement of concrete contracting, tell them you work on a hands-on basis with “release agents.” Only you will know the truth. Release agents are NOT highly trained government operatives who negotiate the exchange of political prisoners. They’re just powders […]
Don’t let moisture problems put a wet blanket on your concrete work. Here are some solutions.
Three easy test that can help monitor the amount of moisture remaining in a slab of concrete.
Radiant heat delivers warmth without ducts and registers; heats evenly, in an energy-efficient manner; and is silent. There are hydronic (hot water) and electric systems.
Ready mix executives from coast to coast agree that the color dispensing machines on the market today are a godsend.
In its standard form, Bayferrox iron oxide pigment is a very fine, particle-sized powder. With Bayferrox C, the standard powder is compacted into an irregularly shaped granule. This is a cost-effective, low-dusting and free-flowing pigment that can be metered easily and accurately.
From trench drains to catch basins and grates, here’s what you need to keep standing water off your outside projects.
Top Cast is a water-based, film-forming surface retarder that saves time by eliminating the need for covering the surface even when it rains. The product, available in thirteen depths of etch, is designed for poured-in-place flatwork and the top surface of precast panels.
Liquid and powder aren’t a contractor’s only choices when considering release agents, and Richard Smith’s contracting company seems to have explored many of the alternatives.
To decorative concrete contractors, surface retarders are valuable tools for both pragmatic and aesthetic reasons. They’re easy to work with, relatively inexpensive — especially considering the costly alternatives of sandblasting or acid washing — and can be used to create endless textures and designs.
