Contractor's Advisory

        Custom crete has been creating beautiful floors from ordinary concrete flatwork for over 17 years. During this time we have encountered many conditions that have affected the outcome of our work in a negitive fashion. We can only work with the concrete we are given to produce the floor our clients desire. Listed below are some dos and don'ts that can enhance the quality of the project.

The concrete mix should be at least 3000 psi and power troweled to a smooth finish. Increased amounts of portand will enrich color production. The use of any other additives to the mix is discouraged. Calcium chloride can be particularly troublesome. Slabs containing excessive amounts of calcium chloride will produce a dark grainy surface and the slab may hold moisture for an extended period. Strong moisture vapor emissions will produce sealer delamination in a short period of time.

Anything that can block the chemical stain from penetrating the surface of the concrete and minimize or prevent it's reactive powers must be avoided. Some examples of these are cure and seal products, spray foam insulation, pvc glue, paint, varnish and any number of coatings used in the construction process.

A protective covering of heavy paper, cardboard or house wrap will go a long way to preserve the finish of the concrete. Plastic can also be used, however anything that holds the moisture can produce a change in shading of the stain color and may appear in the finished product. An example of this could be a line produced by a wrinkle in the plastic. Whatever you use for a cover please DO NOT TAPE to the concrete. Tape can produce a mark in the stain that sometimes cannot be repaired. Custom crete will cover the slab for minimal price.

All subs should be informed that the slab will be the finished floor and caution should be used to prevent any unnecessary stains or chips.

   Framers should not use red chaulk or nail floor plates across the door ways.                   

   Electricians or should not write on the slab with anything except pencil.

   Sheet rockers should not write on the floor with anything except pencil and mud buckets should not be mixed directly on the slab ... they can spin and cut a circles in the concrete.

   Painters and Insulators need to protect the slab and not tape to it.

   Plumbers should be cautious with pvc cleaner and glue.

Holes and chips can be patched. Since the patching material is a different composition than the slab it will usually stain a different shade than the surface around it.