|
Q: What are some good concepts, or ideas, for choosing a color?
A: When choosing a color, it is recommended to not try to match the color to another material such as siding or trim. Concrete is a different material in many ways. It will never look like vinyl, steel, or wood—even if the color seems to match exactly on the color chart. Choose a color(s) that compliments or enhances the appearance of your building and surrounding area.
Q: Will the color I pick match the color on the color chart?
A: The final color may differ slightly from the color on the color chart. The amount of variables involved in the production and placement of concrete has an effect on the final look. The color of the raw materials used in the concrete mix will have an affect on the shade and intensity of the color. The final finish and texture applied to the surface will also have an effect on how light is reflected off the surface. The method of curing and what is used as the final sealer will also alter the final appearance. When possible, a mock-up, or sample, should be made to evaluate color and acceptability.
Q: How uniform will the color be?
A: Concrete is made up of a mix of natural materials. Along with the finishing practices used on each individual area, the shade of color will vary within the concrete slab. This typically creates a natural variation in the final color. The porosity, variations in texture, and the direction of the finish will also have an effect on the look due to how the light naturally reflects off of the surface. Nature is beautiful in its variations, and decorative concrete resembles a natural product.
Q: Is it possible to avoid surface imperfections?
A: Concrete is made from natural materials. Each pour is custom handcrafted on site. As a result, variations in texture and color are normal. Therefore, there may be some character marks that may not seem to be the same as the surrounding surfaces.
Q: I just had a colored slab poured. The color is much darker than the color chart. Why?
A: When concrete is fresh, it has a lot of water in the mix. This is necessary for its chemistry as well as ease of placement. This water makes the concrete mix darker while it is present—just like any material that gets darker when wet. The color of the concrete will change dramatically during the curing stage, which is the initial 28 days. During this time some areas may get lighter quicker than others due to conditions such as sun vs. shade in those particular areas.
Q: What is the maintenance required? How often do I need to re-seal the concrete?
A: The answer here varies depending on which L.M. Scofield Company sealer system has been used. Topically applied sealers on exterior concrete generally require reapplication every 1 – 3 years depending upon traffic usages and the number of initial sealer coats. Interior slabs with topical sealers usually have a sacrificial floor finish (wax) applied over them so that only the wax is maintained.
Q: Does the color fade over time?
A: The colors in the L.M. Scofield systems are UV stable. If the color appears to be faded, it generally just needs to be cleaned and then resealed. The sealer not only protects the concrete from contaminates, but it is also designed to enhance the color. In stain products like LITHOCHROME ® Chemstain™ Classic and LITHOCHROME ® Tintura™, if the color appears to be fading it means that the sealer is wearing off and may be removing some of the stained cement particles resulting in the creation of wear paths. Proper and consistent maintenance will keep the slab looking beautiful for years to come!
Q: How does decorative concrete hold up in a northern, freeze-thaw, environment?
A: decorative concrete that will be exposed to the elements requires no more, but no less, consideration than plain gray concrete. decorative concrete is concrete, thus the durability is the same. When the Scofield sealers are properly maintained, the damage from the freeze-thaw cycles that the water and salt create is greatly reduced or even eliminated in some cases. Snow brushes are a very effective means of removing snow on larger areas, such as driveways, without causing damage.
Q: If I want to add on to an existing colored concrete slab with the same color, will the two areas match?
A: The manufactured Scofield color will be the same, but the raw materials that make up the concrete mix may have changed over time—as the color of sand and cement are forever changing. This can cause a variation in the color. Different finishing techniques and/or weather conditions during the time of concrete placement may also affect the color. If this is a concern, see if there is a way to artistically make the two areas work together by using a different color or texture to create a new look.
Q: I have a concrete slab that is in good structural condition. Is there anything I can do to enhance its appearance other than tearing it out and replacing it?
A: Absolutely! SCOFIELD ® Texturetop ®, SCOFIELD ® Overlay™, LITHOCHROME ® Chemstain™ Classic, or LITHOCHROME ® Tintura™ are great systems to enhance existing concrete.
Q: How do I find a qualified local installer?
A: Contact your local distributor or ready mix concrete producer (Cemstone). Ask others for referrals, and then ask the contractor for references (past customers) and check them. Inquire about previous projects that you can visit to see their work.
|
