32
What is it?
Acid staining concrete, also known as “acid washing,” is the process of coloring and sealing concrete to achieve a permanent color affect that penetrates into the pores of the concrete. The striking color that results is a reaction between hydrochloric acid and lime found in concrete. Acid stain is popular for its low cost and ease of use, while the degree of customization and detail that is possible makes it a favorite of contractors and designers all over the world. Common applications allow users to color large areas of concrete, counter tops, interior and exterior flooring, as well as to replicate natural stone and precious stone, like marble. Acid stain does not chip or fade, and owing to its durable seal, protects concrete for years to come.
Concrete Staining
Video courtesy of Bob Harris
Warranty
There is a three-year labor and three-year material warranty on our stained surfaces. General maintenance is needed on these surfaces. Ask your sales rep for maintenance advice and frequency.
Benefits
- Durability: As one might expect from a product used traditionally to make highways, bridges, and buildings, concrete is one of the strongest building materials. It resists scratching, gouging, swelling, fading, peeling, and chipping. When sealed with an epoxy or urethane coating, stained concrete has a beautiful shine and a nearly impenetrable surface. It can stand up to moisture and humidity and does not stain like other flooring materials might. It does not swell or warp, making it a steadfast investment that will last for years.
- Affordability: Unlike traditional luxury floors that can cost a great deal after constant sanding, refinishing, shampooing, patching, and installation, stained concrete is relatively affordable. It costs significantly less than natural stone, which it can mimic in some cases. Stained concrete also costs less than hardwood and carpet as it does not require as much maintenance. This makes it a fine choice for home or business owners who want a luxurious look without going over their budget.
Topic
- Low Maintenance: As we have already mentioned, stained concrete doesn't need the labor-intensive (and sometimes expensive!) treatment that other flooring calls for. Instead, it requires little more than occasional damp mopping or sweeping to keep the surface clean. This type of flooring is a good option for homes concerned about messes, as it is nonporous and will not stain or withhold odors. Stained concrete is also great for homes inhabited by people with allergies, as it does not retain pet dander, smoke, mold, or mildew. You can breathe easy and spend less time cleaning with this great product!
- Beauty: After all of the functional aspects, you are left with the appearance of your new floors. Stained concrete is one of the most beautiful options available on the market. Available in a variety of colors, patterns, and in matte or high gloss styles, there is no limit to its applications with your decor. You can choose to have a style that mimics much more expensive options like marble and natural stone, or you can find one that incorporates graphic designs of your choosing. With stained concrete, there is no limit to what you can do!
Gallery
Topic
What is it?
Polished concrete is a multi-step process where a concrete floor is mechanically ground, honed and polished with bonded abrasives in order to cut a concrete floor's surface. It is then refined with each cut in order to achieve a specified level of appearance.
This process also includes the use of a penetrant chemical known as a hardener. The concrete densifier/hardener penetrates into the concrete and creates a chemical reaction to help harden and dust-proof the surface. During concrete polishing, the surface is processed through a series of steps (in general a minimum of 4 grinding steps of processing is considered polished concrete) utilizing progressively finer grinding tools. The grinding tools are progressive grits of industrial diamonds in a bonded material such as metal/hybrid/resin often referred to as diamond polishing pads. Polished concrete is a "green" flooring system and LEED approved.[1] Concrete is not considered polished before 400 grit, and it is normally finished to either the 400, 800, 1500, or 3000 grit level. Dyes designed for concrete polishing are often applied to add color to polished concrete as well as other options such as scoring, creating radial lines, grids, bands, borders, and other designs
Concrete Polishing
Video courtesy of Bob Harris
Warranty
There is a three-year labor and three-year material warranty on our polished surfaces. General maintenance is needed on these surfaces. Acts of nature may shift concrete or substrate and this is not a warranty issue but it can be addressed.
Benefits
Topic
- Elimination of Dusting from Efflorescence In ordinary unpolished concrete, tiny particles of dust are pushed to the surface through an upward force called hydrostatic pressure, resulting in efflorescence. Efflorescence leads to dusting; which forces epoxies off of the surface of concrete floors and can make maintenance a costly priority.
- Stain-Resistant By densifying and sealing the surface, polished concrete transforms a porous concrete floor into a tightened floor that is dense enough to repel water, oil and other contaminants, preventing them from penetrating the surface.
- Improved Reflectivity and Ambient Lighting The reflective properties of a polished concrete floor increases the lighting in facilities. Increased ambient lighting will reduce the energy bill as well as look beautiful.
- Increased Slip Resistance Polished concrete, though quaite shiny, does not create a slippery floor. In fact, the benefits of mechanically grinding and flattening the floor will increase the coefficient of friction when compared to ordinary concrete. Polished concrete often exceeds OSHA standards for floors. (ASTM C 1028)
- Less Maintenance Most floor systems, including tile and linoleum, require aggressive scrubbing to maintain a clean environment and nice appearance. Polished concrete surfaces are tightly compacted, reducing stains and do not require any waxing or stripping to maintain the sheen.
- Cost-Effective Polished concrete will reduce energy and maintenance costs significantly through reflectivity and ambient lighting, reduction in upkeep (such as waxing) and reduced tire wear.
- LEED Friendly Polished concrete not only utilizes existing concrete surfaces, eliminating additional materials such as coverings/coatings and moving towards sustainable building, it typically contains no noticeable VOC’s, making it friendly for any USBG LEED project.
- Improved condition for old floors (Mechanical Polish Only) As concrete ages, surface stress, delamination, curled cold joints and other problems can arise. Mechanically grinding the floor will remove the top surface of the old concrete and polishing will then strengthen it, increasing its impact and abrasion resistance.
- Reduced Tire Wear (Mechanical Polish) The rough, uneven texture of natural concrete causes tires to abrade, adding to their wear. A polished concrete floor system will level the joints and make the entire surface smooth, preventing this abrasion.
- No Production/Plant Shutdowns (Mechanical Polish) Dry-Mechanically polished concrete can be put into service immediately after the process is complete. Due to the cleanliness of the process and the lack of toxic or hazardous chemicals, floors can often be serviced while the plant is in full production.
Gallery
Topic
What is it?
Concrete Leveling can mean different things to people. As for us, it means “Making a un-level surface, indoor or outdoor, commercial or residential and raising the pitch to be level once again. This is done with our liquid applied leveling agents. We can feather from 1/8’’ to multiple inches where needed. #NOT MUD-JACKING
Concrete Leveling
Video courtesy of UZIN
Warranty
There is a three-year labor and three-year material warranty on our leveling surfaces. General maintenance is needed on these surfaces. There is typically a second coat over the top of the leveling agents. Acts of nature may shift concrete or substrate and this is not a warranty issue but it can be addressed.
Benefits
- There is costly removal of existing substrate
- Materials will set fast for quick “Return to Service”
Topic
- Almost every decorative coating can be applied
to this surface with the correct prep work
Gallery
Topic
What is it?
Installing concrete is a challenging job and every concrete placement is different. Size, shape, color, finish and depth of a residential project all have to be considered when pouring concrete. Once these items are decided on, the steps to place concrete are relatively always the same in regard to layout, preparation, and concrete placement. Use this guide of nine steps in residential concrete installation to get a better understanding of what takes place before, during and after concrete is placed.
Step 4
Placement
Step 1
The Sale
Step 2
Site Work
Step 5
Early Finishing
Step 3
Forming
Step 6
Troweling
Step 9
Maintenance
Step 8
Curing
Step 7
Finish
Concrete Pour
Video courtesy of Bob Harris
Warranty
At D.C.S.LLC, all work will be completed in a substantial workmanlike manner according to standard practices. We work very closely with our concrete producer and material suppliers to provide you with the highest quality project. We take great pride in our work and will do everything we can to satisfy you as a customer. However, all of our concrete work is created by humans and even under the closest supervision possible, small imperfections can and will be expected. Despite the skills of our workmanship, the quality of our materials and the strength and durability of concrete, our product is not without its inherent flaws. The information that follows provides some of the common issues that you can expect when working with concrete and provides suggestions on customer care and usage. If we are presented with an issue that exceeds the regular industry standard, we may repair or replace, as determined at the sole discretion of D.C.S.LLC. Notice is given that all repairs are promised to return the subject to it's as built integrity - not to its as-built appearance. No warranty is expressed/implied regarding the cosmetics of the repair. The subject's appearance will be considered secondary to its long-term functionality and durability.
Concrete can be damaged by many factors beyond our control. Damage from wear and tear, de-icers, chemicals, equipment, vehicles and other things are out of our control and are not covered by this Limited Workmanship Warranty. D.C.S.LLC is not liable for repair conditions caused by misuse or abuse, ground settlement, winter conditions, accidents or acts of God.
This warranty does not apply to, and is waived by the homeowner as to, any construction work that has been subjected to an accident, misuse and/or abuse, nor does it apply to any construction work that has been modified, altered, defaced, and/or had repairs made/attempted by the homeowner or others.
This Limited Workmanship Warranty expires one year from the date of completion of the project.
Should you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us.
A full hard copy of our terms and conditions and our full warranty is always available upon request.
Benefits
- -
An In-Depth Look at Concrete Construction
Concrete is durable, low maintenance, and resistant to wind, water, and fire. Because of its ability to retain heat, it increases the energy efficiency of buildings and cuts heating/cooling bills. Here are some more advantages of using concrete as a building material.
Advantages of Concrete
Topic
• Very durable
• Low maintenance
• Does not rust, rot, or burn
• Absorbs & retains heat
• Wind & water resistant
• Non-combustible (fire safe)
• Effective soundproofing material
Gallery
Topic
What is it?
Stamped concrete is the process of imprinting a texture or pattern that is designed to resemble slate, brick, field stone, cobblestone, even wood. Stamping can be done on driveways, walkways, patios, pool decks, and interior floors etc. The non-porous surface is easy to maintain and resistant to mildew, staining, and most chemicals.
Concrete Staining
Video courtesy of Bob Harris
Warranty
There is a three-year labor and one-year material warranty on our stained surfaces. General maintenance is needed on these surfaces. Ask your sales rep for maintenance advice and frequency.
Benefits
Reduced long-term maintenance and care.
Over time, other surface materials such as pavers can become loose or settle, resulting in tripping hazards. Stamped concrete's advantage is that it never needs resetting or replacing. It eliminates tripping hazards for parks, resorts, etc.
Less labor intensive than other surface materials.
Some installers find it more economical to pour concrete and apply a pattern than to haul and place individual paving stones by hand.
Topic
Increased longevity.
Your initial investment in stamped concrete is only part of the total equation. Concrete lasts longer than other materials, is durable in nearly every type of environment, and holds up better to traffic and wear.
Requires less maintenance.
Stamped concrete requires minimal maintenance than most other paving materials which can add up to big savings over the surface's lifetime. Read more about stamped concrete maintenance.
Increases resale value of property
Stamped concrete adds instant curb appeal and aesthetic value to a property. You can maximize the return on your investment by choosing stamped concrete over plain concrete.
Gallery
Topic
What is it?
A metallic epoxy floor coating is quite simply a low yellowing epoxy, with a metallic pigment mixed within. In other words, tiny, almost glitter-like pigments are mixed into an epoxy resin and then poured onto the floor or substrate. When these pigments become agitated with a paintbrush or roller, they gather, separate, twist and turn to reflect light at different angles. Eventually, the epoxy hardens and the metallic pigments are locked into place and give a three-dimensional, swirly look. The installation technique is what determines the final look of the floor and is a critical part in attaining the desired look.
Concrete Metallic Epoxies
Video courtesy of Bob Harris
Warranty
There is a three-year labor and three-year material warranty on our metallic surfaces. General maintenance is needed on these surfaces. Ask your sales rep for maintenance advice and frequency.
Benefits
These coatings are not only aesthetically pleasing, but also have many other advantages. Metallic epoxy floor coatings can be customized to be extremely durable, low yellowing, seamless, antimicrobial, slip resistant, and chemical resistant. Not only will these floors look beautiful, but they will meet all of your performance needs. They are great for places like waiting rooms, basements, show rooms, restaurants, galleries and more.
Topic
Gallery
Topic
What is it?
There are many kinds of surfaces we seal and restore. If your concrete
is in a commercial or residential setting, colored concrete, plain concrete, stamped concrete or coated concrete, WE GOT YOU COVERED!!!
Superior abrasion resistance and a high-gloss sheen epoxy sealers
Ideal for high-traffic floors and concrete counter tops
Concrete Acrylic Sealers
For great performance at a low cost, acrylic sealers are a good choice
Penetrating Sealers for Concrete
Penetrating sealers provide excellent protection against outdoor conditions
Polyurethane Sealers for Concrete
Use these high-build sealers to produce a very durable, chemical-resistant finish
Concrete Sealing
Video courtesy of Bob Harris
Warranty
The Warranty will depend on the type of surface you have and the setting it is in. A commercial or residential setting can also have either vehicle traffic or just foot traffic which makes a difference too. The type of material you use also play a role as there are different levels of sealers and coatings we can use. Typically, there is one full year warranty but in heavy traffic areas, this can be different. There will also be basic maintenance in any of these environments as dirt, sand, grime etc can ultimately affect the surface.
Benefits
The benefits of a resurfaced or re-sealed concrete slab are numerous. First and foremost, it will add extended life to your investment. People often neglect this fact in their thought process and often spend more money by "waiting" or putting this necessity off. Second, resurfacing can often add a "safety" factor when slip-resistant additives are added to their surface and can often eliminate expensive slips or falls. Third but certainly not last, your concrete will look better adding AESTHETIC VALUE to your property
Topic
Gallery
Topic
What is it?
Broadcast Floor Systems are any flooring surface that have materials such as vinyl flakes, quartz, sand or mica "Hand Broadcast" or literally thrown onto the surface after properly prepping the surface. This can be done both indoors and outdoors. It can also be applied in commercial or residential settings. This type of floor is most often applied in garages, restaurants, commercial kitchens, pool decks and almost any commercial setting.
Broadcasting / Flake
Video courtesy of Bob Harris
Warranty
There is a three-year labor and three-year material warranty on our broadcast surfaces. General maintenance is needed on all of these surfaces. Ask your sales rep for maintenance advice and frequency. Acts of nature of abuse will void warranty.
Benefits
A Broadcast floor system has numerous values. It can be as simple as an aesthetic change to a room or a commercial grade U.S.D.A -F.D.A. regulated setting. Safety is also a HUGE factor in our broadcast systems. We have OSHA compliant slip resistant floors as well as vertical applications for health benefits.
Topic
Gallery
Topic
What is it?
Stamped concrete is the process of imprinting a texture or pattern that is designed to resemble slate, brick, field stone, cobblestone, even wood. Stamping can be done on driveways, walkways, patios, pool decks, and interior floors etc. The non-porous surface is easy to maintain and resistant to mildew, staining, and most chemicals.
Concrete Stamped
Video courtesy of Bob Harris
Warranty
There is a three-year labor and three-year material warranty on our polished surfaces. General maintenance is needed on these surfaces. Acts of nature may shift concrete or substrate and this is not a warranty issue but it can be addressed.
Benefits
- Reduced long-term maintenance and care.
Over time, other surface materials such as pavers can become loose or settle, resulting in tripping hazards. Stamped concrete's advantage is that it never needs resetting or replacing. It eliminates tripping hazards for parks, resorts, etc.
- Less labor intensive than other surface materials.
Some installers find it more economical to pour concrete and apply a pattern than to haul and place individual paving stones by hand.
Topic
- Increased longevity.
Your initial investment in stamped concrete is only part of the total equation. Concrete lasts longer than other materials, is durable in nearly every type of environment, and holds up better to traffic and wear.
- Requires less maintenance.
Stamped concrete requires minimal maintenance than most other paving materials which can add up to big savings over the surface's lifetime. Read more about stamped concrete maintenance.
- Increases resale value of property.
Stamped concrete adds instant curb appeal and aesthetic value to a property. You can maximize the return on your investment by choosing stamped concrete over plain concrete.
Gallery
Topic
What is it?
If you’re looking to update and refresh the look of your concrete, decorative overlays are a low-cost option. Rather than removal or replacement, overlays allow you to easily and effectively hide surface imperfections like stains and cracks or simply give a whole new look to your surface.
What is a concrete overlay?
Overlays are a type of resurfacing finish that you apply over existing concrete surfaces. They can revitalize the look of your concrete floor while also mimicking other types of stone, brick, wood, slate or a combination of them.
An “overlay” creates a layer over the concrete. This coating can update the look of your surface while keeping the sub-floor intact and strong.
If you’re pouring fresh concrete, you should instead consider a stamped concrete process.
When can you use a concrete overlay?
You can use a decorative concrete overlay on any type of concrete surface, as long as the concrete is sound and solid. The sub-base of the concrete can’t be heaved, (broken off), or on unstable soil.
You also want to ensure that the concrete doesn’t have a high level of moisture, as this can seep into the overlay to cause cracking and breakage.
However, you can use a concrete overlay over minor concrete imperfections like stains or cracks. Overlays are a great way to hide these imperfections for a fresh, revitalized look.
Overlays are also a great option to turn sub-floor concrete into the main flooring. For example, if you removed tile or carpet from a concrete base, you can then apply an overlay to update the look of concrete to use for the space.
What types of overlays can I choose from?
Microtoppings
Multipurpose overlays
Most overlays today are made from a blend of polymer resins. Polymer-modified overlays are highly versatile. They can be as thin as a credit card or up to several inches thick. They also come in a variety of colors, patterns, and textures. Polymer overlays are usually highly resistant to wear-and-tear, salt, chemicals, UV exposure, temperature changes, abrasion, and more.
There is a wide array of decorative finishes and touches with overlays. You want to choose the overlay based on texture, appearance, gloss, durability, and cost.
There are several types of decorative overlays: microtoppings, self-leveling overlays, and multipurpose overlays.
Self-leveling overlays
The Bottom Line
Concrete overlays are popular for anyone who wants to revitalize the look of their concrete without expensive removal or replacement processes. Overlays can create smooth or textured floors with a variety of patterns, consistencies, and appearances. It’s important to note that not all concrete works with overlays. You need a solid, secure, clean subfloor before an overlay will work. This starts with a strong maintenance, cleaning, and repair process for your concrete. You want a gorgeous concrete flooring with natural beauty, high resistance, and strong durability. A properly installed overlay is the best way to maintain the look and longevity of your floors for years to come.
Concrete Overlay
Warranty
There is a three-year labor and three-year material warranty on our polished surfaces. General maintenance is needed on these surfaces. Acts of nature may shift concrete or substrate and this is not a warranty issue but it can be addressed.
Benefits
- Goes Over your EXISTING Concrete (If Structurally Sound)
- Very LOW MAINTENANCE
- No Costly Removal and Landscaping to Follow after a Concrete Pour
- Mold and Mildew Resistant
- Anti-Slip Surface Available
- Impervious to Salt
- U.V. Stable with our Approved Sealers Applied
- Endless Color and Pattern Combinations Available
- Adds INSTANT VALUE to Your Property
- Can be Installed Indoor or Outdoor
- Can be Installed in Commercial or Residential Settings
- Easily Repaired Should a Problem Occur