FAQ
Facts about Concrete and Stamped Concrete.
Q: Why is Rock Important under concrete? A: Rock under a concrete pad or walkway is what allows your drainage. In the Midwest with Clay soils we get soil freezing and lifting. You can see it in your yard. If you have it lift under your concrete it puts pressure in that one area. Which can cause a break.
Q: Can you use Sand under concrete? A: Using Sand under concrete is a bad idea. It will trap moisture and during the winters freeze lifting the pad. Leading to cracking. You need drainage.
Q: Integral colors or Color Hardner? A: With Color Hardners you turn the top of your pad into a 5000psi surface. Which also happens to be waterproof or pretty close to it. Problem is when water is absorbed through the pad from the bottom it can't escape out the top of the pad. Since only the top is near waterproof, the bottom 3in is still porus and can absorb water. In winter when the water freezes in the concrete it can pop the surface. Which doesn't help the look.
Q: What about Painted surfaces? A: Some people paint the surface for details. Problem is the paint will wear off. If you use a Epoxy paint or a Polymerized colored concrete for paint. It's not a problem. But, most use acrylics or Color added to the sealer and painted on. Which isn't bad unless you're using it to paint. Since it's much darker not just used for shading.
Q: What type of concrete should you use? A: You need a 3/4in aggregate concrete mix. Some go for the pebble but it isn't nearly as strong. And the concrete needs air entrained and depending on size will also require retardants to be able to get a good stamping patter on the larger pad. Small rock means a weak concrete. Also, if the mix is very wet the rock will fall to the bottom leaving the sand cement on top. Easier to finish but not as strong.
Q: Is Fiberglass good in concrete? A: Fiberglass isn't all it was cracked up to be. Actually it's usually a nylon fiber and not fiberglass. It give very minimal strength upgrades. They do have new Carbon fiber additions but the cost is prohibitive.