Should I Reseal My Stamped Concrete Patio Myself?

After a few years, your stamped concrete patio can begin to show signs of sealant deterioration. As concrete sealer wears off, it can cause stamped concrete to appear faded, blemished, or discolored. Since your decorative concrete patio is a valuable investment, it is important to reseal it every few years to ensure long-lasting appeal and protection.

New sealant will instantly restore the look and luster of your concrete patio, delivering immediate results and satisfaction. But should you reseal your patio on your own? When you imagine the process, it seems like an easy task; but the truth is, if resealing is not implemented properly, it can actually make your worn concrete patio look worse.

Continue reading to learn about some common sealant mistakes, and why you should reconsider taking on the job by yourself.

Indianapolis Stamped Concrete Service
Indianapolis Stamped Concrete Service 317-454-3612

Common Concrete Sealing Mistakes

When a resealing job is not done properly, it can make a stamped concrete patio look worse than it was before. Sealers for concrete are specially manufactured to be applied in thin layers. Although the amounts vary depending on the type of sealer, all concrete sealers come with manufacturer specification labels that tells you how many square feet per gallon of coverage to use.

For example, if the manufacturer label says 400 square feet per gallon, then that is exactly the amount that should be used. Do not use 300 square feet per gallon to achieve a thicker layer. Many people make the mistake of thinking that a thicker layer is better than the manufacturer’s suggestion. But this is wrong. Thicker is not better when it comes to sealer; it just doesn’t work that way.

Using Solvent or Water-Based Acrylic Sealers

Exterior decorative concrete should be sealed with solvent or water-based acrylic products. These sealers are specially designed for outdoor concrete protection because they allow moisture vapor to penetrate through them. Too much sealer would restrict this ability, thus causing too much moisture to get trapped in the surface. This scenario is a common cause for concrete discoloration like blushing, blurring, or whiting.

What You Should Do Instead

If your stamped concrete patio has had too much sealer applied to it, applying more on top will not make it better. Whether you have already made a sealer mistake or you still need to reseal your patio, using a professional stamped concrete contractor is your best option for success. They have the proper knowledge, skills, tools, and equipment to properly reseal your stamped concrete patio in no time at all.

Your Indianapolis Stamped Concrete Contractors

Call Restoration By L&B LLC at 317-454-3612 to learn more about our stamped concrete service and installation services we offer in Indianapolis, IN and its surrounding counties. We offer a multitude of selections for concrete stamping, engraving, imprinting, carving, designing, and more. Our stamped concrete comes in a wide variety of textures and designs, colors and hues, and can even mimic brick, wood, or natural stone. Not only are we seasoned professionals with extensive training and experience, we guarantee the most competitive prices for all concrete services in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Home Remodeling Contractors 317-454-3612
Home Remodeling Contractors 317-454-3612

Choose Stamped Concrete Over Natural Stone for Your Patio

Now that fall is right around the corner, it is time to put those thoughts you’ve had for a new patio into action so that you and your family can finally enjoy the cool weather, and perhaps even a toasty fire pit, this season. There are various options for patios, and from those options, most homeowners tend to lean toward higher-end looks and materials, such as natural stone. But there are hidden setbacks with these kinds of materials, especially natural stone, and homeowners are often stuck with the consequences in as early as the first year.

If you love the look of natural stone, and you are considering it for your new patio, you may want to take some more time to learn all of your options before making such an important investment. Stamped concrete is a cost-effective, low-maintenance alternative to natural stone, and offers a wide range of benefits that are unparalleled in the patio market.

Continue reading to learn why you should choose stamped concrete over natural stone and other high-end materials, and who to trust for professional service and installation.

Stamped/Stained Concrete Contractors
Stamped/Stained Concrete Contractors 317-454-3612

☑ Versatility

Stamped concrete is a wonderful alternative to any higher-end material because it can be artistically designed to mimic anything, from granite, sand, and stone, to pavers, bricks, marble, and more! You can have the same look and feel of natural stone and more, all for a lower price, easier installation, and less maintenance!

☑ Cost

Stamped concrete is much cheaper than natural stone. It is also cheaper to install and maintain. But this does not mean it looks cheaper. Remember, stamped concrete can indistinguishably mimic any other material, flawlessly.

☑ Installation and Maintenance

The installation process for stamped concrete is much less invasive. It requires less labor and less demolition. Not only is stamped concrete easier to install, it is also low maintenance. It is a highly-durable material that lasts for many years. This is why it is less expensive to maintain compared to natural stone and other high end materials.

☑ Long-Lasting Performance and Beauty

Stamped concrete is highly-durable. With proper installation and routine maintenance, it can last for up to 15 years or more. Natural stone and other similar materials can develop structural problems and damages as early as the first year; and these damages are often costly to repair.

Indianapolis Stamped Concrete Contractors

Call Restoration By L&B, LLC at 317-454-3612 if you are looking for a team of licensed Indianapolis decorative concrete professionals you can trust. We offer a wide range of residential and commercial concrete services, ranging from concrete stamping and staining, to repair, overlays, pressure washing, and much more. Best of all, we retain the proper resources, skills, knowledge, and equipment to accurately implement a flawless concrete staining project in a time-frame that’s convenient for you. Get started today by requesting an on-site estimate.

Residential and Commercial Remodeling

Affordable and Fast Home Remodeling Ideas for Summer

Sometimes, it’s just time for a change. And there is no better time to make big changes in your life than when the weather is nice. This summer, enjoy your home in a brand new way by implementing some fun and affordable remodeling ideas that won’t take up all of your time. Continue below to learn some recommended summer remodeling upgrades that could potentially be perfect for your home!

Home Remodeling Contractors 317-454-3612
Home Remodeling Contractors 317-454-3612

? Outdoor Living Space Remodels

If you are a lover of the outdoors, and spend much of your time in the family’s’ outside living areas, then you most certainly want to look into upgrading your existing deck, patio, or porch. There are several quick and affordable enhancements you can make to these areas, including stamped and stained outdoor concrete terraces. You can choose to extend the deck or patio to make it larger, perhaps adding a functional gazebo or awning, or even some built-in benches or posts, tables, bridges, or pathways. You can also want to consider replacing and remodeling your patio or deck altogether. Not only will this increase your home’s value, it will add more square footage the available living space.

? Rubber Roof Installation

A new and popular option for residential roofing is called rubber roofing. And now is the time to have your roof replaced if it is old or in poor condition. Not only is rubber roofing easy and quick to install, it lasts much longer than traditional asphalt shingles. It is also easy to manage since it doesn’t require extensive on-going maintenance. Rubber roofing is virtually customizable too since it comes in a countless variety of colors and styles. It protects against inclement weather, rain, water leaks, and drafts, making it a cost-effective option for homeowners.

? Door Replacement

Most modern houses have more than one door that exits to the outside. For this reason, doors play a major role in the curb appeal of a home. Of course they also play a large role in energy efficiency, draft protection, and more. This time of year is a perfect opportunity to have your exterior doors and storm doors replaced. You can choose from modern designs, colors, and styles that better match the look and feel of your home. It may sound like an insignificant change, but a front door or side door upgrade makes a huge different aesthetically. You’ll be glad you did!

? Exterior Painting

When it comes to upgrading the look and feel of your home, nothing works more instantaneously than a fresh coat of paint. Re-painting the exterior of your home can instantly give your property a new and improved look. Quality exterior paint contains high-value pigments, additives, and resins. When looking, simply choose a 100% Acrylic Latex paint, and you are sure to choose wisely. The all-acrylic formulations are most popular and high quality. They stick to anything, including wood, vinyl, masonry, and metal. Steer clear of acrylic blends and vinyl resins.

Indianapolis Remodeling Professionals

Call Restoration By L & B, LLC at 317-454-3612 for affordable property remodeling services in Central Indiana and its surrounding areas. Our Indianapolis general contractors provide a wide range of services for both commercial and residential properties, from general handyman services and home remodels, to full-on renovations, additions, conversions, and more. Request an estimate, today!

Residential and Commercial Remodeling

FAQS Regarding Concrete Resurfacing

Are you a homeowner who is convinced that a cost-effective solution for repairing old, cracked, concrete surfaces does not exist? If so, you are in the right place! Because we are here to tell you that there ARE options, many of them, for restoring old concrete floors, driveways, sidewalks, patios, pool decks, and more. And best of all, they do not require a complete demolition, removal, and replacement of your existing concrete surface! This makes the price more affordable since the need for labor is reduced.

Continue reading to learn answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about concrete work and more!

Indianapolis Concrete Contractors 317-454-3612
Indianapolis Concrete Contractors 317-454-3612

What are the Different Concrete Resurfacing Options Available?

The most common methods for concrete resurfacing include concrete overlays, concrete coatings, concrete staining, and concrete stamping. These options provide infinite possibilities to mimic higher-end materials like brick, cobblestone, tile, marble, and more, as well as, customize colors, hues, seals, and finishes. You can even choose to have concrete engraved or printed with a custom emblem, symbol, logo, or picture.  

What Makes Concrete Acceptable to Resurface?

Any underlying concrete surface must be sound in order to be resurfaced successfully. So unfortunately, if a concrete surface has structural implications such as several cracks, heaving, crumbling, or freeze/thaw damage, it is not a safe candidate for resurfacing. Also, soil quality is a factor in determining the suitability of concrete resurfacing. Non-structural cracks, like shrinkage and crazing cracks, can be sealed prior to resurfacing. Talk to a contractor to assess the quality of your concrete surfaces.

Which Surfaces Can Be Resurfaced?

As long as concrete passes the test for soundness, many surfaces can be resurfaced. This includes the more common areas, like driveways, patios, sidewalks, walkways, and garage floors. But it also includes unique areas like kitchen floors, basement floors, pool decks, fire pits, decks, and more. The options are virtually endless!

What is the Most Important Priority in the Concrete Resurfacing Process?

The most important factor in terms of the concrete resurfacing process is proper preparation. The underlying concrete substrate must be thoroughly cleaned and prepped before the resurfacing process can ensue. Preparation includes cleaning, crack filling, profiling, and more.

How Long Do Resurfaced Concrete Floors Last?

Decorative concrete is known for its longevity benefits, as well as its low cost and low maintenance. If you refinish your concrete floors, you can expect to enjoy the results for as long as you can foretell. Simply take care of them and they won’t let you down! A quality sealant is a big help as well.

Where Can I Find Skilled Concrete Contractors in Indy?

Residential and Commercial Remodeling 317-454-3612

Call Restoration By L & B, LLC at 317-454-3612 when you need professional concrete contractors in Indianapolis and its surrounding areas. Our highly trained, qualified and insured general contractors provide services for complete project management and development, planning, design and build coordination, pre-construction services, and more.  And as a trusted source for concrete installation, we guarantee to beat any competitor’s price! Contact us at 317-454-3612 to request a written estimate, today.

How to Care for Stamped Concrete

You’ve mostly likely seen stamped concrete before, whether at the mall, your favorite restaurant, or your friend’s new home.  It is so versatile, easily and affordably mimicking higher end materials like brick, stone, hardwood, and even marble! Stamped concrete is a very popular choice for flooring, patios, and driveways because it is visually appealing, functional, cost-effective, long-lasting, and low maintenance.

That’s right! Low maintenance! But just because stamped concrete is “low maintenance” doesn’t mean it doesn’t require any care at all! In fact, it is vital that you provide a certain degree of care for your stamped concrete floors and foundations in order for them to remain strong and stunning for years to come.

Continue reading to learn how to properly maintain stamped concrete flooring and surfaces.

Stamped Concrete Contractor 317-454-3612
Indianapolis Stamped Concrete Contractor 317-454-3612

Stamped Concrete Maintenance

Stamped concrete can be imprinted, impressed, engraved, and colored to resemble an infinite array of designs, textures, and styles. This is just one reason why this type of flooring is considered such an important asset to a home or property. In order to maintain quality and performance, you simply need to make the time.

Start with daily dirt removal. Use a leaf blower, broom, or vacuum to remove dirt, debris, and other solid particles from your floors. You should also rinse with clean water on a weekly basis to reduce grime and residue accumulation.

Also be sure to stay on top of stain removal. If your flooring or foundation has scuff marks, stains, or oil spots, it is important to remove them as soon as possible. Never allow stains, dirt, or debris to sit for long periods of time on stamped concrete.

It is important to have stamped concrete seal coated to provide an extra layer of protection against dirt and damage. Routine seal coating also protects against freeze-thaw cycles, expansion, buckling, moisture, and de-icing chemicals.

It is also important to hire a professional Indianapolis stamped concrete contractor for stamped concrete installation and sealcoating services. They have the experience, equipment, knowledge, and resources to provide accurate and safe service you can trust. Just be sure to choose a company that is licensed and experienced, and can offer estimates and advice anytime.

Indianapolis Concrete Stamping and Staining

Residential and Commercial Remodeling 317-454-3612
Residential and Commercial Remodeling 317-454-3612

Call Restoration By L & B, LLC at 317-454-3612 for professional concrete stamping and staining in Indianapolis and its surrounding areas. Our highly trained, qualified and insured general contractors provide services for complete project management and development, planning, design and build coordination, pre-construction services, and more.  And as a trusted source for concrete installation, we guarantee to beat any competitor’s price! Contact us at 317-454-3612 to request a written estimate, today.