Broom Finish Concrete Driveway? The 84 Detailed Answer

Ready-to-trowel concrete floors are seamless surfaces that replicate the concrete effect. They can be applied to any type of surface, indoors or outdoors, horizontally or vertically. The decorative effects that can be achieved with a leveled concrete surface are varied and always adaptable. In addition, due to its high adhesion, the trowel concrete is suitable for any existing surface, avoiding any demolition and offering a series of advantages in terms of cost and time.

Thanks to some specific treatments, trowel concrete guarantees high resistance to abrasion, wear, chemicals, atmospheric agents and water penetration. It is also easy and quick to clean.

Its name derives from the trowel used for application; After preparing the substrate, the authorized installer applies the product with a trowel.

Can it be applied to tiles?

Putty concrete can be applied to any type of surface without the need to remove it, whether it is covered with wood, brick or ceramic tile. So it is possible to get a new modern surface in a very short time. The high level of adhesion allows the application of putty concrete not only on horizontal but also on vertical surfaces: it is therefore possible to coat walls and various other elements of the house such as chimneys, columns, etc.

Quick to install and easy to maintain, the trowel allows you to transform the look of a room in a few simple steps. It is also customizable with many different colors and textures.

Coating an old floor with putty concrete

For a smooth cement floor, it is important to go to a highly skilled installer. After an initial inspection to assess the surface to be covered, he will determine the application in a suitable manner. In general, ready-to-trowel cement floors can be applied to almost any existing floor, be it wood, ceramic or concrete, without removing it.

Ready-to-fill concrete floors are non-slip

The particularly rough structure and the high level of adhesion of the leveled concrete floor make it a non-slip surface. Because of this, trowel concrete flooring is ideal for outdoor applications such as pool decks and walkways.

Trowel-ready concrete colors

The available colors for spatula concrete are endless. It is indeed a highly customizable interface. Here are some examples:

– Gray trowel concrete is ideal for industrial style rooms. But it also fits in other contexts, such as B. rural or shabby rooms, where it can be combined with wooden or metal accessories.

– Brick red trowel concrete pairs with stone for a quintessentially Italian look.

– Blue trowel concrete is ideal to coat walls, possibly combined with bright colors and jungle style details for a more eccentric look.

The customization possibilities are endless and not only for floors and walls, but also for tables, fireplaces, bathrooms. Each room is designed according to your own taste and desire.

The difference between trowel concrete and resin

There are many differences between putty concrete and resin: the resin floor is epoxy-based, i.e. built on thermoset polymers, it has a glossy effect and yellows over time. Putty concrete is cement-based and guarantees a high feel and a more natural effect; it is not subject to indentation and yellowing. While the resin can only be applied to the floor, concrete can also be applied to walls and vertical surfaces in general.

Ready made concrete pool decks

Among Ideal Work® finishes, Rasico® is ideal for obtaining an effective, durable finish. In this project it was used to cover a pool deck and give the hardscape a sleek, contemporary look. Some special protective treatments make Rasico® resistant to abrasion, oil, water, UV rays and atmospheric agents.

One of the biggest debates pool buyers have during the construction process of their swimming pool is what type of concrete to use for their patio.

There are many, many types of decking that can run around a swimming pool: brushed concrete, stamped concrete, pavers, stone, brick, pads, etc.

This article focuses solely on helping you understand the pros and cons of brushed (aka brushed) versus stamped. So you can make the best choice for you and your family.

Should I use brushed concrete or stamped concrete for my pool deck?

Broomed/brushed concrete requires little maintenance and is not slippery. Stamped concrete needs to be resealed every 2-3 years and can be slippery if it does not contain an anti-slip additive in the seal. Stamped concrete can suit any aesthetic and is usually much prettier, but brushed concrete costs 40-70% less than stamped concrete.

Maintenance of brushed concrete vs. stamped concrete

Brushed concrete is definitely less maintenance than stamped concrete. This is mainly due to the fact that stamped concrete has to be sealed every 2-3 years.

Sealing is relatively easy and done with a roller, but the sealant is a little expensive, likely costing the homeowner a few hundred dollars each time.

However, remember that sealing is vital for the stamped concrete, otherwise its appearance will become dull and not have nearly the same aesthetic impact that it normally should.

Brushed concrete vs stamped concrete aesthetics

Without question, stamped concrete, especially when done right, is absolutely beautiful. With so many colors and patterns now available, stamped concrete can match almost any appearance the homeowner is looking for and completely transform the look of a backyard.

For all its functional advantages, brushed concrete simply does not stand up aesthetically to stamped concrete. That doesn’t mean it’s ugly; it’s just not quite as pleasing to the eye as stamped.

When it comes down to it, I personally think both options can look very nice when designed with some character and surrounded by a nice landscape.

Brushed concrete vs. cost of stamped concrete

Of all the types of decking that can be built around a pool, plain brushed concrete is certainly the cheapest.

In most cases it costs 40-70% less than rammed concrete. (This is typically a $2,000 to $6,000 difference on most pools.)

Since no serious maintenance work (e.g. sealing) is required later, the remaining costs are also very low.

Safety between brushed concrete and stamped concrete

Since regular concrete does not require any sealing, its rougher surface lends itself well to wet bare feet.

I’ve heard from customers who were concerned that brushed/brushed concrete might be too rough, but this is rarely the case. In fact, I’ve never heard a pool owner complain about it once they’ve owned their pool.

On the other hand, stamped concrete is known for its slip resistance. Since the product is sealed, this problem can undoubtedly occur.

Because of this, it’s a must for pool installers and homeowners to add some type of substance to counteract the slippery nature of the sealer.

For example, when our company seals a patio, we add a polymeric substance called Sharkgrip, which gives the seal a fine texture and reduces the potential for slip hazards.

Which one should I choose?

That’s a good question and honestly I can’t answer it for you. I know many customers who have loved both products. My suggestion is that you look at the list above and base your decision on that.

If aesthetics is your number one concern and goal, then you should probably consider getting stamped. If you are looking for the absolute lowest maintenance possible, then brooms could be your answer.

Anyway, I understand it can be difficult at times and I wish you the best of luck in your decision.

Questions about concrete? If you already own a pool, what do you think of this debate? As always, we value your comments and promise to answer any questions left in the comments section below.

Next:

What are the best materials for a pool deck?

Should you get a concrete pool cover?

Concrete pool deck pros and cons

Editor’s Note: This blog article was originally published in April 2010 and has been updated and revised for accuracy and appearance.

How to make my driveway look more appealing

Tired of your driveway looking unfinished? We’ve got you covered! Find out how to make your driveway more attractive with just a few tips and tricks from the pros at Home View Landscapes.

Wash your driveway with high pressure

The cheapest way to give your driveway a facelift is to pressure wash it. Old driveways can look like new after a hose down as it will remove stains, mildew, mildew, moss, dirt and wash away weeds too! Pressure washing takes a lot less time than scrubbing your driveway and will give you great results fast.

Repair broken pavers or bricks and fill in cracks

It is natural for a driveway’s surface to collapse over time, but missing, broken or cracked pavers/bricks can exacerbate the problem. To keep your front yard from looking neglected, replace missing or broken pavers or bricks and fill cracks with cement or sealant to protect your driveway.

Clean up borders or create driveway borders

If you have existing borders, wash, repair and cut back overgrown grass and pull out weeds. If you don’t have borders and want to add them to enhance the aesthetic of your driveway, think about what type of borders you would like and how you would divide your space.

Paint concrete driveways

Staining your concrete driveway is an inexpensive and quick way to improve the appearance of your home. Staining concrete driveways provides long-lasting color that won’t chip or peel. It’s also very versatile, with tons of designs to choose from, and it’s a super affordable choice that can save you money. Before staining a concrete driveway, you must clean it to be free of oils and coatings, and fill cracks to ensure optimal application.

Install a new driveway

If you have a driveway that has lost all hope of bouncing back, it’s probably easier to upgrade your existing driveway with a brand new one. There are many options to choose from, including:

Plant flower beds or create a lawn

Adding multi-colored plant beds or a small green lawn is a beautiful way to dress up an industrial-looking driveway. Flowers and lawns soften the edges and can really make a world of difference by making your driveway both practical and pretty – helping to dress up the front of your home and drawing attention.

For those who don’t want to spend a lot of time maintaining their front yards, consider artificial grass! Much easier to maintain than a real lawn, it remains stain-free, weed-free and trouble-free. With artificial grass, your driveway always looks perfect because you don’t have to mow, seed or fertilize – it looks lush all year round.

When choosing flowers, choose perennials as they bloom for more than a few years at a time—saving you time and effort. However, if you already have a green thumb, annuals allow you to change colors every year since their life cycle is shorter. Think biennials, these types of flowers take two years to grow and bloom, meaning your beautiful new borders will look bare for a long time to come.

install lighting

Lighting is not only practical, it can also be very beautiful! Lights will illuminate your driveway, which is ideal in the darker months when you’re coming home, and can also be a nice touch for visitors to let them stay on your way to you (and keep their shoes clean) when they come home go front door.

There are many lighting options to choose from, such as:

built-in street lighting

fairy lights

lamp posts

Pagoda style lights in the grass

pillar lights

solar lamps

Beautify your driveway

Whether you’re on a budget or not, there are plenty of options to ensure your driveway has the wow factor!

If you would like assistance in beautifying your driveway, contact Home View Landscapes for a professional touch. We use the highest quality materials, world class tools and have years of experience in the industry to ensure you get your dream driveway.

It’s not done until it’s done. Here are 7 types of concrete finishes you see in the construction industry.

Pouring the concrete into molds is only the first step to a good job. To complete the project properly, you should make sure you pick the perfect finish. When it comes to concrete surfaces, there are a few options that look and work well.

Concrete surfaces make your work look good, but they also have a purpose. Some are durable, some are eye-catching, and some promote safety.

To learn more about different types of concrete finishing for your concrete projects, check out this great list.

Concrete basics

To understand surfaces, it helps to brush up on the basics of concrete.

Concrete comes in many variations. However, all concrete contains three main components. These are:

Portland cement, a fine powder made from a mixture of calcined, ground limestone and clay that chemically reacts with water and hardens

An aggregate (usually sand and rock)

water

Mixing water with the Portland cement creates a paste that encapsulates the aggregate. When this paste hardens, concrete forms.

Several factors can affect concrete strength and ease of finishing. relationship is important. Concrete is typically made up of about ten to fifteen percent Portland cement, sixty to seventy five percent aggregate, and fifteen to twenty percent water.

A higher water content can make finishing easier, but affects the strength of the concrete. A higher percentage of aggregate strengthens the concrete but can make finishing a little more difficult.

Once you’ve chosen your aggregate and worked out your ratio, you can decide which finish is best for your job.

1. Filled finish

After the poured concrete has been smoothed with a screed, it can then be finished with a trowel to obtain a smooth, fine concrete surface. This can be done by hand or by machine.

Hand trowels have a flat blade with a handle. They are used in tension and compression over the concrete surface. The worker repeats this movement until the surface is smooth.

Larger jobs, especially industrial and commercial projects, require power trowels. These are like a fan of blades sitting on the concrete. They come in riding and walk-behind models.

2. Broom end

Broom plaster concrete is trowel concrete that has gone one step further. With this type of surface treatment, the concrete surface is first leveled and then “closed” by smoothing or a similar smoothing process. After that, workers pull a special broom over the surface.

Pulling creates a rougher texture than smoothing alone. Not only does this look good, but it also offers more traction in places that could get slippery when wet. Both spatula finish and broom finish require a sand and rock aggregate.

3. Visible aggregate finish

Visible aggregate shows the aggregate being mixed into the concrete. The aggregates used for this finish are usually chosen for their appearance, unlike other finishes where they are not really visible.

The surface of the exposed aggregate is achieved by washing off the top layer of cement to allow the aggregate to show through. Aggregates can be attractive stones, shells, colored glass, granite and other sturdy materials.

Concrete is poured, leveled and leveled to achieve this interesting finish. It is then treated overnight with a chemical that slows the hardening of the surface cement. The surface is then washed with water to remove the top layer, exposing the aggregate that was beneath the surface.

Exposed concrete finish provides a safe, non-slip surface. That makes it both functional and attractive. It’s great for sidewalks, porches, and windways between buildings.

4. Salt finish

Salt finish on concrete is commonly used around swimming pools or other wet areas. Applying rock salt to the surface of wet (uncured) concrete creates this finish.

After forming tiny indentations all over the concrete surface, the rock salt is washed away, leaving a finely textured, non-slip surface.

5. Stamped concrete finish

Some concrete surfaces give the concrete surface a special, decorative texture. Stamping concrete is a popular way to add texture and visual interest.

An embossed finish is created by placing slabs with patterns onto the uncured cement. This carries over the design of the slab and gives the concrete a textured look.

Concrete stamps are available in many different designs. These include stone, brick, tile, or other patterns. The goal of many stamping techniques is to make the concrete look like another building material. This look is especially impressive when you add a pop of color.

6. Stained concrete

Stained concrete is concrete to which color is added after it has been leveled and cured. Most concrete stains are subtle or earthy colors, but many colors are available. Stains take ordinary concrete and add depth and attractiveness to it.

These stains can be applied to older concrete, but the colors tend to be richer and last longer when applied to new concrete. Color retention is even improved by applying a protective quality sealer after the dyeing process.

7. Polished Concrete

For added protection, easy cleaning and an attractive appearance, you can give cured concrete a nice polished finish. Professionals use floor grinders to polish concrete surfaces.

These floor grinders have high performance diamond abrasives embedded in their grinding wheel. Different discs have different grits of abrasive, from fine to coarse. Coarse abrasives result in a rougher finish, while fine abrasives result in a smooth, fine finish.

In some cases, chemical hardeners are applied to the concrete to protect it from water. An internal or external seal applied to the product after sanding provides additional protection from chemicals, oil and stains.

Note: When grinding concrete, a very fine dust is produced. Be aware of your safety and take precautions to ensure you don’t inhale it. Connect grinding machines to industrial vacuum cleaners and wear personal protective equipment. Here you will find safety goggles and a selection of protective masks.

Concrete surfaces for every project

No two projects are the same, so it helps to know what types of concrete surfaces work best for each one. Each surface offers its own unique look and a range of benefits.

Are you looking for the highest quality concreting products that you can count on to get the job done well? We have everything you need for your projects, from start to finish. Explore our wide range of tools and consumables or feel free to contact us with any questions.

Concrete floors are an extremely hard-wearing, long-lasting, environmentally friendly and low-maintenance material. In most buildings, a concrete slab is part of the structure’s foundation, and the surface of this material can often be found beneath other floor coverings. In its natural state, concrete is greyish in color, slightly mottled, the exact hue being determined by the chemical composition of the mix, the environmental factors present and the speed at which it sets.

If you don’t like plain gray, you might be looking for the cheapest way to finish a concrete floor without having to cover it. Fortunately, there are a number of concrete floor finishes and treatments that can be used to improve the appearance of the material, such as: B. Staining, polishing and painting of floors. Many of these methods provide additional protection for the concrete, sealing it against water ingress and providing an easy-to-clean layer. Depending on the nature of the concrete and the treatment used, a wide variety of interesting effects can often be achieved. Some of these treatments are generally done by contractors, but others are well within the reach of the do-it-yourselfer.

Concrete surfaces are a popular decorative detail for many homes and commercial properties. Professional concrete workers can create interesting architectural and decorative details for a number of areas of a residential or commercial property.

Consider using concrete for:

• Terraces

• Sidewalks

• Driveways and garage floors

• Steps and risers

• Countertops

• Floors

degrees

Concrete can be colored, stained, mixed with other products or stamped. In addition to stamping, patterns can be added with a trowel before the concrete has dried.

Color can be added to wet concrete during the mixing phase. Shades of brown, tan, and auburn are common choices. Adding a different color as a border provides additional design details to add individual flair to any specific project.

After the concrete has dried, stains can be applied to unsealed concrete. Coffee and salts of copper, iron and manganese are natural mordants that can be used to add unusual designs. In addition, commercially available acid stains are also available and are applied to dry concrete. Stained concrete should be sealed to preserve the color unless a worn and faded appearance is desired. Note that unsealed concrete can become soiled from spills, scrapes, and scratches.

Adding smooth pebbles to the mix for an exposed aggregate design is also a popular choice for residential and commercial applications. Exposed aggregate is commonly used around pools and spas due to its uneven surface. Smooth concrete can be slippery when wet. In contrast, exposed concrete offers better traction, even when wet.

Concrete finishes involve stamping designs into the wet material. The designs are only limited by the owner’s imagination as custom designs can easily be turned into a template. Popular designs include stone, tile, and masonry stamps. By combining different colors and stamp designs, a large project, such as a B. a driveway, an attractive design element.

Concrete is also used for countertops due to its durability and beauty. Custom colors can be mixed and poured to create a distinctive kitchen or bathroom countertop. Some specialized concrete craftsmen add beads, pieces of recycled smooth glass, or other items for custom projects.

Costs

Because the work is labor and material intensive, expect to pay between $2.50 and $5 per square foot for a four inch thick concrete deck with a broom sweep finish. Allow for around $6 per square foot for stamping in most regions. An 80-pound bag of concrete mix costs about $5 and yields about 0.6 cubic feet.

Exposed aggregate can start at around $4 per square foot in many areas of the country. Concrete countertops are generally considered for the high-end user and are priced similarly to granite. For a 1.5 inch thick custom countertop, expect to pay $70 to $140 per square foot plus $50 per hour for installation. Be sure to add the shipping cost to your estimate.

Specific projects are generally reported on a linear or square foot basis. Of course, pricing depends on geographic location, concrete thickness, resource availability, and the number of professional concrete pavers in the area. Get at least three quotes for each project to ensure your project is priced fairly. By hiring a professional concrete paver, owners add a unique and value-added element to their property.

Sealing a broom finish

A broom plaster will withstand the elements even without sealing.

However, if not cared for with sealer, over many years exposure to rain will lose its broom finish and look more like exposed aggregate (due to the slightly acidic nature of rainfall). For this reason, we recommend that you seal swept concrete to keep it looking as intended.

Ask us about spicing up your broom concrete with borders, incorporated patterns, or even acid or dye stains. We have many different ways to make this basic finish look very decorative!

installation instructions

Making broom-ready concrete is a fairly simple task. Once the concrete is ready we attach a long broom to a pole and drag it across the concrete from outside the forms. Then we edge everything cleanly from the outside and are pretty much done.

But like any other finish, the devil is in the details. The more details we have to consider – cut lines, built-in borders, accessibility issues, etc. – the more difficult it becomes to manage the timing.

Imagine you want the broom end to go in alternating directions to give it a “checkered” look. This alone can double the work compared to some other finishes! In other words, even with a simple finish, it can become very time consuming and difficult. It all depends on what you want the end product to look like.

Where to use broom finish

This concrete finishing method/technique is excellent for the following applications:

Concrete Finishing – Slab Tips How to finish a concrete slab, from spreading to smoothing Updated October 15, 2020

Concrete finishing is easier with a crew that can work as a team. Institute for Decorative Concrete in Temple, GA

Concrete finishing is a process aimed at creating a smooth, durable surface. When finishing concrete, timing is critical and you need to pay close attention to the condition of the concrete. Improper finishing techniques can result in a weak, damaged, or unattractive panel.

CONCRETE WORKING TOOLS

Once you’ve shaped and poured the concrete, you can begin the finishing work.

Here are the tools you will need for this job:

Need help completing it? Find concrete contractors near me.

Place concrete and finish

Time: 06:03

Watch the process of laying, leveling, floating and finishing a concrete slab.

HOW TO FINISH CONCRETE

Once you have your tools, you’re good to go. Here are the steps to finish a concrete slab:

Spreading the Concrete Use a square shovel or utility tool to push and pull the wet concrete into place. Screed the Concrete During this step, remove excess concrete and level the concrete surface. Use a straight board or a special tool called a screed. Smoothing the Surface Use a Darby or Bull smoother to even out burrs, fill voids and lightly bed the aggregate. Then let the tap water disappear. Edge of Slab When all runoff water is gone, use an edge cutter to create clean rounded edges around the perimeter of the slab. Groove in joints Prevent unwanted cracks by joining the panel with a grooving tool. Smooth the Surface If you are looking for a smooth, hard, dense surface, use a steel trowel or Fresno for this step. Skip smoothing if you plan on brooming your concrete or adding a decorative finish.

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CURING AND COMPACTING THE CONCRETE

When you are finished with the finishing, allow the concrete to dry and reach its full strength, this is called curing. You can use your concrete for light foot traffic 3 to 4 days after placement and you can drive and park on your concrete after 5 to 7 days, but curing is not complete until the 28 day mark. Once the concrete has fully cured, apply a protective sealer to prevent staining and prolong the life of your slab.

TIPS AND TRICKS FOR CONCRETE PROCESSING

Come-a-long tool demonstration

Time: 01:56

Learn how to properly use a come-a-long tool.

A good finisher comes from training and years of experience. Books have been written on the subject and only experience provides the opportunity to expertly “tune” the finishing operations.

To give you a head start, here are finishing tips from the pros:

Place the concrete as close to its final destination as possible (concrete weighs approximately 150 pounds per cubic foot).

Excessive handling can cause gradient segregation and fine aggregates.

It is not acceptable to wet the concrete so that it can be raked or pushed to a location far from where it will be unloaded.

Do not use a rounded edge shovel to spread concrete as it will not spread the concrete evenly.

“Strikeoff” or screed the concrete as close to its final level as possible.

Do not tamp concrete with high slump.

Bull floating should be completed before excess moisture or blood water appears. When swimming, slightly lift the leading edge off the concrete surface.

Do not machine the slab immediately after screed – blood water and air trapped beneath the sealed surface will create bubbles that will later rupture, or a weakened plane that will cause the slab to delaminate.

Do not finish the concrete while there is blood water on the surface. Using a finishing tool while there is water on the surface will increase the water to cement ratio by working the water back into the concrete instead of allowing it to evaporate. This can cause dust, deposits and hairline cracks.

Read more tips on creating a quality slab on the level.

brooms and brushes

Brooms and brushes for concrete work and general cleaning

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Sealing a broom finish

A broom plaster will withstand the elements even without sealing.

However, if not cared for with sealer, over many years exposure to rain will lose its broom finish and look more like exposed aggregate (due to the slightly acidic nature of rainfall). For this reason, we recommend that you seal swept concrete to keep it looking as intended.

Ask us about spicing up your broom concrete with borders, incorporated patterns, or even acid or dye stains. We have many different ways to make this basic finish look very decorative!

installation instructions

Making broom-ready concrete is a fairly simple task. Once the concrete is ready we attach a long broom to a pole and drag it across the concrete from outside the forms. Then we edge everything cleanly from the outside and are pretty much done.

But like any other finish, the devil is in the details. The more details we have to consider – cut lines, built-in borders, accessibility issues, etc. – the more difficult it becomes to manage the timing.

Imagine you want the broom end to go in alternating directions to give it a “checkered” look. This alone can double the work compared to some other finishes! In other words, even with a simple finish, it can become very time consuming and difficult. It all depends on what you want the end product to look like.

Where to use broom finish

This concrete finishing method/technique is excellent for the following applications:

Broom plaster concrete What is broom plaster and how is it done? Updated May 14, 2020

Concrete can be processed in many ways. The simplest option is a smooth, troweled surface, but it can be slippery when wet. Broom-ready concrete solves this problem.

Find concrete contractors in your area to support you with your project.

WHAT IS BROOM FINISH CONCRETE?

Broom-ready concrete is popular for patios, driveways, and more. Sometimes referred to as brushed concrete, a broom is used to create a non-slip texture on the surface of the concrete. Concrete pavers have been swept clean for as long as concrete has existed.

Broom tops have been used for many years and provide a durable surface with high traction. Concrete Solutions in San Diego, California Broom-made thin pads increase slip resistance and improve a deteriorating concrete surface. Concrete Solutions in San Diego, CA.

If you are considering a broom plaster for your concrete, here are the pros and cons:

Advantages:

Non-slip

Attractively priced

Easy to do

Continuous

Disadvantages:

Can be too rough barefoot

Not as decorative as other finishes

May trap dirt and debris

Can lead to color deviations

HOW LONG DO YOU HAVE TO WAIT TO FINISH THE CUTTING OF THE CONCRETE?

When it comes to brushing, timing is key – brush too early and the finish will be weak, brush too late and there won’t be enough texture. This must be done while the plate is still soft, but after the tap water has evaporated. Depending on the weather, this can take anywhere from 20 minutes to 4 hours.

Every contractor has a trick to determining when concrete needs brushing. Some wait until their finger doesn’t leave a mark, others simply tell by how the broom feels as it’s dragged across the surface.

HOW TO SHOE CONCRETE

The typical process for a broom finish is:

Pour the plate

Finish off with a screed

bull swimmer

Wait for the blood water to evaporate

Although with exterior concrete that has a low water-cement ratio and the right amount of air, there may not be much bleeding water. Blood water is a result of the wet concrete settling and with trapped air it doesn’t settle much and therefore little water comes to the surface. The right amount of air is always critical in any outdoor concrete exposed to free thaw. Order concrete with ¾ or 1 inch aggregate with 6% trapped air (plus or minus 1%) – and make sure you get it or the surface will chip. For smaller units you will need more air – 7% for ½ inch and 7.5% for 3/8 inch.

Although with exterior concrete that has a low water-cement ratio and the right amount of air, there may not be much bleeding water. Blood water is a result of the wet concrete settling and with trapped air it doesn’t settle much and therefore little water comes to the surface. The right amount of air is always critical in any outdoor concrete exposed to free thaw. Order concrete with ¾ or 1 inch aggregate with 6% trapped air (plus or minus 1%) – and make sure you get it or the surface will chip. For smaller units you will need more air – 7% for ½ inch and 7.5% for 3/8 inch. trowel

There is some disagreement here. In many cases, today’s finishers will not smooth a slab to a swept-ready surface with a trowel, only with a bull float and broom. However, one veteran finisher told me, “I like to use a Fresno to get those bull float lines out.” Structural Services Inc.’s Bob Simonelli says some smoothing is fine, “but be careful not to overwork the surface and carve out some of the air.” Advice in a 1999 issue of Concrete Construction’s Problem Clinic However, 1996 states that you can smooth twice before brooming, but be sure to keep the trowel flat during the second smoothing and start the broom “immediately after the second smoothing”. If you smooth the surface hard, it will be difficult to get much texture. PCA’s Cement Mason’s Guide says to use a damp broom after smoothing.

There is some disagreement here. In many cases, today’s finishers will not smooth a slab to a swept-ready surface with a trowel, only with a bull float and broom. However, one veteran finisher told me, “I like to use a Fresno to get those bull float lines out.” Structural Services Inc.’s Bob Simonelli says some smoothing is fine, “but be careful not to overwork the surface and carve out some of the air.” Advice in a 1999 issue of Concrete Construction’s Problem Clinic However, 1996 states that you can smooth twice before brooming, but be sure to keep the trowel flat during the second smoothing and start the broom “immediately after the second smoothing”. If you smooth the surface hard, it will be difficult to get much texture. PCA’s Cement Mason’s Guide says to use a damp broom after smoothing. Broom the surface

Run a concrete broom perpendicular to the slope, if you have one. However, on concrete intended for drainage, broom marks should run in the direction of drainage. It should be noted that a brushed outer surface is just as durable as a smooth surface.

Run a concrete broom perpendicular to the slope, if you have one. However, on concrete intended for drainage, broom marks should run in the direction of drainage. It should be noted that a brushed outer surface is just as durable as a smooth surface. curing concrete

You can (and must) cure swept concrete with polythene pads or by spraying on curing agent. For plain gray concrete, a hardener with some color (usually white) in it will help you see where it has been applied. The color fades after a few weeks. For decorative concrete use a Cure & Seal. Don’t forget to harden!

A good broom cleaning is something of an art. Dyeing and staining can be applied very well to brushed surfaces. You can even create decorative effects by running the broom texture in different directions. Typically, the broom should be passed from side to side of the concrete without a break. With a standard broom, you should pull the broom toward you, then pick it up and set it down on the other side to pull it back over.

WHAT TYPE OF BROOM IS THE BEST?

Brooms are available from a variety of sources. They come in a variety of widths and the block that holds the bristles can be made of wood, aluminum or plastic. Brooms tend to get wet a lot and the plastic blocks (high density polyethylene) don’t rot or warp. Bristle materials can be horsehair, polypropylene or nylon and come in a variety of stiffnesses and sizes to create different textures. For extreme textures, wire combs are available to create tinted finishes.

Marion Brush makes a brush (the Auto Glide) where the head automatically tilts to the right angle, giving you a good broom finish whether you’re pushing or pulling the broom.

Concrete brooms come in a variety of configurations, some containing brushes that offer varying levels of texture. Handleless brushes work well for very wide installations. Marion Brush Mfg Co.

Marion Brush Co. specializes in concrete brooms. Their president, Gary Bolden, says that “there are many variables to get a good broom finish: concrete sagging, weather (sun, wind) and timing. Each contractor tends to install a panel in their own way. Some may brush earlier than others. Some water and broom and use a softer brush so they hit the slab sooner.” With Marion’s Chameleon Concrete Broom, you can swap out a liner for different textures or to adapt to conditions. The colour-coded inserts are available in five textures from super soft to rough.

Marion’s concrete brushes are made of 612 nylon, which Bolden says is one of the most expensive materials for brooms, but says it’s three or four times superior to other materials. The other advantages of this nylon are that it stays cleaner during use and has a memory. No, it can’t remember your phone number, but if the bristles are bent, you can pour boiling water over them and they’ll snap back to their original shape.

A few other interesting types of brooms are handleless brooms and brooms attached to bull wagons or fresnos. The handleless brooms are pulled back and forth across the surface with ropes – Marion Brush and Cleform make them. This invention is particularly useful on very wide pavings where it would be difficult to push a broom all the way through and where the float handle becomes so heavy that it pushes the broom too deep into the concrete. Also available from Marion are brooms attached to cop wagons or Fresnos. This allows the float to support the weight of the handle rather than the broom. Bolden says this positions the broom to finish on the sides of the bristles rather than the tips, giving a more even finish.

NON-SLIP BROOMED COVERS

Another way to provide slip resistance is to coat and brush the concrete or texture the coat. There are several products specifically designed for this application. For example, Concrete Solutions’ Ultra Surface is a polymer concrete that can be as thin as 1/16 inch on a properly prepared surface (usually pressure washed or sandblasted since the sealers have to be removed). Mapei also makes Concrete Renew which is similar. These products contain polymers for strength and bonding and should be applied with a squeegee and finished with a broom immediately after application.

How to repair a rough, swept concrete sidewalk

by Mike

(Bardstown Ky)

Q. I recently had new concrete walkways and a patio poured with colored concrete. They swept the concrete too deep and didn’t finish it properly, now it looks and feels rough and the color is not consistent. Can the finish be repaired?

A. There are two things you can do to fix the rough finish. For one, you could grind or polish the surface, which would remove the rough broom finish and smooth the surface of the concrete. Some of the aggregate would be exposed, giving your sidewalk and patio a nice, smooth, decorative look. A concrete sealer could be applied with some sand additive so it doesn’t get too slippery when wet.

Second, a concrete overlay could be applied over the rough surface, color added and lightly brushed to give you more of the look you were originally looking for. An experienced installer could do both of these fairly easily.

Concrete surfaces are a popular decorative detail for many homes and commercial properties. Professional concrete workers can create interesting architectural and decorative details for a number of areas of a residential or commercial property.

Consider using concrete for:

• Terraces

• Sidewalks

• Driveways and garage floors

• Steps and risers

• Countertops

• Floors

degrees

Concrete can be colored, stained, mixed with other products or stamped. In addition to stamping, patterns can be added with a trowel before the concrete has dried.

Color can be added to wet concrete during the mixing phase. Shades of brown, tan, and auburn are common choices. Adding a different color as a border provides additional design details to add individual flair to any specific project.

After the concrete has dried, stains can be applied to unsealed concrete. Coffee and salts of copper, iron and manganese are natural mordants that can be used to add unusual designs. In addition, commercially available acid stains are also available and are applied to dry concrete. Stained concrete should be sealed to preserve the color unless a worn and faded appearance is desired. Note that unsealed concrete can become soiled from spills, scrapes, and scratches.

Adding smooth pebbles to the mix for an exposed aggregate design is also a popular choice for residential and commercial applications. Exposed aggregate is commonly used around pools and spas due to its uneven surface. Smooth concrete can be slippery when wet. In contrast, exposed concrete offers better traction, even when wet.

Concrete finishes involve stamping designs into the wet material. The designs are only limited by the owner’s imagination as custom designs can easily be turned into a template. Popular designs include stone, tile, and masonry stamps. By combining different colors and stamp designs, a large project, such as a B. a driveway, an attractive design element.

Concrete is also used for countertops due to its durability and beauty. Custom colors can be mixed and poured to create a distinctive kitchen or bathroom countertop. Some specialized concrete craftsmen add beads, pieces of recycled smooth glass, or other items for custom projects.

Costs

Because the work is labor and material intensive, expect to pay between $2.50 and $5 per square foot for a four inch thick concrete deck with a broom sweep finish. Allow for around $6 per square foot for stamping in most regions. An 80-pound bag of concrete mix costs about $5 and yields about 0.6 cubic feet.

Exposed aggregate can start at around $4 per square foot in many areas of the country. Concrete countertops are generally considered for the high-end user and are priced similarly to granite. For a 1.5 inch thick custom countertop, expect to pay $70 to $140 per square foot plus $50 per hour for installation. Be sure to add the shipping cost to your estimate.

Specific projects are generally reported on a linear or square foot basis. Of course, pricing depends on geographic location, concrete thickness, resource availability, and the number of professional concrete pavers in the area. Get at least three quotes for each project to ensure your project is priced fairly. By hiring a professional concrete paver, owners add a unique and value-added element to their property.