Month: August 2021

concrete

Concrete Services Creates the Perfect Outdoor Space

Cassie Coronado

concreteWorking with Concrete Companies in Tampa is a dynamic and ever-changing city. Permanent residents and visitors alike have adopted this city as an open concrete playground. Concrete is both functional and beautiful.

With concrete services, you can explore various styles, from precast columns to stamped concrete designs to molded concretes. There are also different concrete options for all kinds of budgets, sizes, and specifications. The selection process will give you numerous options for your next project that fits perfectly with your needs. Let concrete companies help you bring your concept to life.

Concrete is not just used for construction projects anymore. Residential and commercial structures are getting built with concrete to enhance the look and feel of the place. From walkways to retaining walls and pools, concrete companies have the expertise to make sure these structures are made with the highest quality workmanship and of the highest durability. Their expertise allows them to create structures that are durable and will last for decades.

Another popular application of concrete companies and contractors is in the realm of countertops. Countertops are no longer merely a functional part of kitchen counters. More people are finding concrete contractors to install countertops that are beautiful, functional, and even show well off the design or architectural theme of the house.

Perhaps one of the most common areas where concrete contractors install countertops is in the realm of bathroom countertops. Bathroom countertops are typically constructed by hand, but they can also be constructed by machines. As such, there are numerous types of countertops to choose from ranging from tile to granite. Whether you are building a new home or renovating an existing home, you can find a concrete contractor who can construct a great piece of countertop.

From driveways to walkways, concrete contractors have the expertise to help you choose the perfect material for your project. In terms of driveways, you can find both traditional and modern driveways, and concrete walkways. Concrete walkways are ideal when you are trying to create the look of space by utilizing the small spaces that are often overlooked by home owners. This type of walkway is also ideal for increasing the usability of your property as well. If you have an upcoming special event, such as a festival, you can choose driveways that will not only enhance the occasion but also increase traffic flow into and out of the area.

Of course, in many cases, you may not have a need for concrete services. However, no matter what the situation, you can count on concrete companies to come to your aid. From leak repairs to pothole repairs, concrete contractors can take care of almost any concrete job that you may need. You can also depend on them to make sure that your exterior walls and chimney are in good shape. You can trust these professionals to help you create the backyard of your dreams, or give you a timeless beauty that will outlast your home’s lifetime.

Whether you are having a new home constructed or you are simply looking to update your outdoor space, concrete contractors can help you create the home of your dreams. Take some time to explore the variety of services that are offered by these contractors. Not only can you find residential project specifications, you can also get an overall estimate based upon your specifications. In addition, you can choose from different concrete services, including facade repairs, stamped concrete, poured concrete, exterior slab repairs, concrete paving and more. Take some time to explore the variety of services that are offered. No matter what type of residential project you are working on, you can count on concrete contractors to meet all of your concrete needs.

stucco

How Does Stucco Work?

James Thompson

stuccoBefore you start using stucco, make sure that there are no underground elements such as salt, sulfur, or carbon dioxide in your soil. If you add these elements, the stucco will not bond properly with your masonry or base material, and it may result in structural failure. When you buy new plaster for your project, ask to see a sample so you can determine if the Portland cement you are using is appropriate for your soil type.

After determining that you’re using the proper cement for your home project, you’ll want to mix your stucco batch with either medium or light pigments depending on the needs you have for the area being stucco’d. For areas such as brick, you can either go with a dark or a lighter shade. Darker shades of stucco allow the pattern to stand out better against the background of the building and light colors help to show up more of the original stucco once it has cured. Another option you have is to blend the colors together. This can make for a unique look, especially if you choose to use historic stucco to match the exterior of your home.

The final step is to mix the Portland cement with water to create the final mixture necessary to seal the surface and allow it to dry. If you have a smaller wall or room to fill, you can mix the stucco by hand but if you are working with a larger space, be sure to have a container to mix the Portland cement with water in. Mixing by hand leaves small air bubbles in the stucco, and these can cause the stucco to stiffen and dry out prematurely.

Once the stucco has completely dried, you can apply it to the areas you want to coat with stucco. If you have already applied the stucco before the ground is dry, you should mix the cement with water and apply it to the surface right before the ground is hardened. Then, you can pour the mixture into your moulds and begin shaping the stucco into the patterns you desire. You can also hand stamp decorative patterns on the stucco once it has cured to give it a rough texture.

There are many options available when it comes to using stucco. Some of the more common uses include repairing cracked and worn floor tiles, protecting masonry structures, coating exposed brick walls, protecting exterior walls from weather, and making repairs to the portico and facades. When stucco is used as a binder, it seals the edges of mortar joints while also increasing the structural integrity of the building. When stucco is applied to the interior of a structure, it forms a smooth surface that will not mar the look of the flooring, walls, or landscaping. It also provides a textured surface for easy cleaning and maintenance.

Stucco can be combined with other materials to create a variety of effects including: stamped patterns, decorative crown moldings, textured ceilings and walls, stamped concrete finishes, pre-painted hardware and paint, and more. When stucco is stained or painted, the finished look can change dramatically. For example, a light stucco finish coat can be combined with dark wood trim, while a dark stained stucco finish can be combined with a light cherry wood trim. Stucco finishes can even be applied to architectural pillars.

When stucco becomes wet, it begins to expand like elastic. Because of this, any space that is exposed to water must be thoroughly dry mopped dry before stucco may be applied. Mopping after exposure to moisture takes care of a lot of potential problems, including cracking and shrinking, flaking, mildew, corrosion, and other water problems. If you are looking for a way to improve the look of your home, stucco may be the right choice. However, if you have young children or pets, you may want to consider an alternative to stucco, such as fiber-cement siding.