Professional Concrete Contractor Services in...Overdrive
Decorative: Textures, Patterns & Staining
Staining concrete is one of the most popular applications for transforming the unattractive standard gray surface of concrete. Designers, homeowners, and builders are increasingly drawn to stained concrete because of the unique outcome that can be achieved through the combination of color, techniques, and general creativity.
Because of the porous qualities and neutral tone of concrete, it is the perfect building material surface to provide structural reliability without sacrificing style. using acid-based chemical stains, most concrete surfaces can be transformed into rich, earth-toned color schemes resembling natural stone, marble, wood, or even leather, providing a custom look that compliments your driveway, patio, walkways, pool deck, or concrete walls.
Acid stains are a mixture of water, hydrochloric acid, and acid-soluble metallic salts. Due to the chemical reaction that results on application, it becomes a permanent part of the concrete and won't fade, chip off, or peel away. Like wood stains, concrete stains are translucent and the resulting color may vary slightly depending on the color and condition of the concrete on which they are applied. Acid stains don't offer a broad color selection. Colors most commonly available are subtle earth tones such as tans, browns, terra cottas, and soft blue-greens. Newer stains are being developed that are quickly expanding upon this limited palette.
If you are pouring new concrete and wish to stain or have it colored, there is a process of coloring that can be performed after the concrete has just been poured. This method can saturate your color of choice to a depth of 1/8 inch or more. This method offers an unlimited palette of colors from which to choose.
Beware of do it yourself products available at the home improvement store that claim to be stains but are actually a film application. These products will not last as long or look as good as a legitimate concrete stain.
While there are some products available to DIY experts that are helpful for smaller jobs, we strongly recommend contracting a professional for larger ones. Remember, it's concrete, and most application mistakes are permanant.
The process of concrete stamping may be used in concrete applications to produce a surface that resembles brick, slate, flagstone, cobblestone and other materials. Because concrete is such a commonly used building material for driveways, courtyards, patios, and walkways, stamped concrete is a popular application for creating a feasible yet unique design. There is also significant cost savings that is realized using stamped concrete as opposed to natural building products. In addition, the stability, longevity, and the visual appeal of these methods of concrete design have lead to an overwhelming increase in the demand for stamped concrete projects.
Overdrive Concrete will gladly discuss with you the process we use to achieve a uniform surface via concrete stamping, but most importantly, this process gives the property owner the ability to creatively compliment the surface and surroundings by utilizing a combination of texture and color. The side bar displays a few examples of concrete stamping projects we have worked on in Georgia.
Driveways, Patios, & Walkways
Concrete can make a dramatic difference in home landscaping plans, as well as enhancing your property values. Overdrive builds driveways, walkways, and patios, and carports that are known to provide trouble-free service to homeowners. Due to the durability of concrete, most of our applications last for 30 years or more without major maintenance.
Staining and stamping methods can also be used to transform the common gray appearance into a color or texture that perfectly compliments its surroundings.
Structural: Walls, Retaining Walls, Footings & Floors
Well constructed footings, walls, and floors in a basement is the first step in building and investing in your home. A solid approach and proper planning are required to construct a foundation worth building upon. Overdrive strictly adheres to or exceeds industry accepted standards and practices throughout the construction process. From site preparation to completion and clean up, the entire process is designed with integrity in mind. The end result is always a well constructed foundation you can depend on to be free from leaks and cracking for years to come.
Poured concrete retaining walls create a strong, stable, and lasting solution for all landscaping solutions. Concrete walls are typically less succeptable to damage caused by weather, erosion, and age than popular walling materials such as block, timbers, or railroad ties. In addition, pattern and texture stamping are now available for concrete applications that result in a highly attractive addition to your existing landscape. The stamping process is inexpensive and results in a wall much more attractive than the standard gray surface.
Our process, materials, and workmanship combined with over 17 years of experience, help you create solid landscape solutions for your property. Each retaining wall constructed by Overdrive Concrete is carefully planned and inspected and we will review each of the following before construction begins to assure that you are satisfied with the final product.
- Standard Design Considerations for Concrete Retaining Walls
- Building codes for retaining walls
- Lateral earth pressure considerations
- Determining concrete retaining wall proportions
- Provisions for joints in concrete walls
- Backfill drainage of retaining walls
- The importance of groundwork and compaction
- Decorative Face Options for Retaining Walls
Concrete Repair
Poorly compacted soil, erosion and ground settling can create a void under existing concrete, causing cracks and unlevel concrete and should be repaired. Professionally repaired concrete can have a life expectancy of approximately 20-30 years. In order to ensure the integrity of the repair, the proper measures must be made to create a strong bond between the new material and the old material.
The concrete used in your steps, driveway, sidewalk, etc. consists of four basic elements: water, sand, gravel, and cement. These elements are held together by the cement acting as a "gluing" agent. As soon as water is added to a cement mixture, a reaction occurs resulting in the formulation of tiny crystals. The more crystals that form, the stronger the bond will be.
Creating a uniform application of a strong bonding concrete mixture to an existing concrete surface or structure is key for a reliable concrete repair job. Typically, specially formulated gluing compounds are used to assist with the creation of this uniform application. Simply applying a new concrete mixture to old or existing concrete is not conducive to a "permanent" repair.
For larger concrete repairs, insertion of proper pinning may be necessary before the repair or patch is applied to increase the longevity and stability of the repair.
Remember, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. If your concrete surfaces or structures are in need of repair, the sooner the better. Left unattended, smaller repair jobs could develop into larger ones.