Many people are of the opinion that regular concrete and stamped concrete are entirely different. It is somewhat true. However, their basics are very much the same and generally specified to be the same if used in similar application. Regular concrete or stamped concreted, for instance, may be used for the driveway. They are likely to have similar design strength and thickness. You can get proper guidance from the Concrete Dandenong professionals.
Regular concrete
It is considered to be the everyday concrete that is used in roads, patios, regular pavement, driveways and sidewalks. Generally, it is placed on some kind of compacted, native soil base or on gravel. Manufactured or lumber forms are used to create the area. Usually, reinforcement is installed within the base, generally a wire mesh or rebar. Concrete is specified to the desired thickness level that gets designed to meet specific application. The driveway, for example, handling light trucks and cars, usually is poured about 4” thick.
Concrete mix is specified that is generally 4000 psi mix especially in regions that experiences severe winters. Concrete’s strength reaches in just 28 days. The Concrete Dandenong professionals place concrete, strike off and bull float to derive non-slip finish just like the broom. Once done, burlap or water is used to cure the concrete or membrane-forming curing compound is used.
Stamp concrete
The Concrete Dandenong company places stamped concrete quite similarly to that of regular concrete. All steps are performed in similar fashion except finishing steps. Moreover, color is included into the concrete mix. Color hardener may also be used. However, most contractors prefer to use integral color. It is after bull floating that the process starts to change.
A few Concrete Dandenong contractors might trowel the concrete to derive smooth results. Places that experiences harsh winters make use of air-entrained concrete that is not troweled. Using magnesium bull float, it becomes smooth. Once concrete gets set to preferred hardness, it gets imprinted with rubber-like stamps. Then, the professionals use liquid release agent to ensure that the stamps do not stick to the concrete. Curing papers may be placed upon the concrete, allowing it to cure until the following day. The concrete gets washed and sealed using high gloss sealer, considered to be membrane forming cure.
Conclusion
Not much difference is found between regular and stamped concrete except their appearance on the surface. Besides this, stamped concrete is quite durable like regular concrete. However the stamped version’s texture might cause it to be less durable.
