Ready to transform your concrete surfaces?

When it comes to working with concrete, proper preparation is key. While it may seem like a simple task, preparing concrete requires expertise and precision. That’s why hiring a professional in the field is always a smart idea, and that’s where Hardscapes comes in.

One essential aspect of concrete preparation is curing, which involves preventing the concrete from drying out too quickly. If left to dry on its own, the concrete will lack the necessary bonding between its ingredients, resulting in weakness, increased cracking, and a less durable final product.

At Hardscapes, we understand the importance of proper curing. We employ effective methods to ensure optimal results. By utilizing form-work and water spray techniques, we control the drying process. Additionally, we lay a protective plastic sheet on top of the slab to prevent evaporation. These measures contribute to the efficient and thorough curing of the concrete, resulting in a stronger, more durable end product.

In addition to our expertise in curing, Hardscapes offers a wide range of concrete resurfacing and overlay systems. Whether you’re looking to rejuvenate an existing surface or enhance the aesthetics of your space, our solutions have got you covered.

Don’t settle for anything less than professional expertise when it comes to concrete preparation and resurfacing. You can trust Hardscapes for outstanding results. Contact us at 403-547-5597 to learn more about our services and how we can meet your specific needs.

Need a high performance flooring option? Consider polished concrete

Concrete flooring installations entail a multi-level process, especially when working with any large areas. Commercial, industrial and warehouse concrete flooring projects can be daunting tasks and each floor and every customer’s needs are different.

Our process, including detailed preparation, joint filling and concrete overlay, can make all the difference. Thorough preparation will ensure your project runs smoothly from start to finish. Joint filling will help to protect the joint as well as keep our resin out of the joint, ensuring the joint can move beneath our coating. A concrete overlay can add years to the life of your floor and create a specific ambiance designed especially for your business.

Here are a few things to consider:

  • the conditions, wear and tear your floors be exposed to
  • certain polished surfaces might not be appropriate for wet conditions
  • high traffic areas may require a darker colour to give the floor a longer life and keep maintenance to a minimum
  • this type of surface when coated with a sealer, is stain-resistant to dirt and grease; only routine cleaning and maintenance required
  • installation costs average between $3 – $10/sq ft depending on installation specifics; please note that more elaborate finishes can cost more

If you’re looking for a high performance flooring option, polished concrete offers resilient wear and tear, durability and easy maintenance.

Call the experts! Hardscapes offers the option of brand new concrete flooring, as well as repair, resurfacing and restoration of any concrete floor surface. 

Whether it’s a large warehouse, an underground garage/parkade, or an industrial or commercial space, Hardscapes can take care of all your specific concrete flooring needs. Call 403-547-5597 to learn more about our services.

 
 

Flake Broadcast Flooring Surface Prep

flake broadcast floorFlake broadcast flooring has a scattering of decorative flakes sandwiched between the base coat and the finishing coat. The flakes are either polymer (plastic) or reflective metallic, also known as chips, and come in a wide range of colours and sizes. The flake system has a granite or stone appearance.

Surface preparation is the basis for all of our coating jobs. We take prep very seriously as it is the leading cause of failures in coatings.

Some manufacturers offer a 20 year warranty on their products, however, if the floor hasn’t been prepped properly, those manufacturers will not replace the product and the client is left to battle with their installer.

The key to a successful coating, like any construction project, is a contractor with integrity! Hardscapes maintains long-term relationships with manufacturers, suppliers, and clients alike by providing high quality products with high quality installation.

Flake broadcasts floors are just one of many flooring options that Hardscapes is proud to stand behind. Take a few minutes to view our video.

Want to learn more about these products and systems? Give us a call at 403-547-5597 to discuss how we can give you the flake broadcast floor that’s perfect for you.

Perfect concrete structure every time

Even though concrete is a substance that can be easily mixed, you can really run into problems if it is not worked properly. These issues include scaling, discoloring and shrinkage to name a few.

Discoloration or discoloring is one of the most common.

If you are using the same materials, mix and batch, your concrete should have a consistent color. Changes in concrete color can occur just by using two different cements or if a chemical from a job site gets added to the mix. Even different water sources can change the color of the concrete.

Solving discoloration problems:

  1. Discuss your tolerances with the supplier
  2. Water must be completely evaporated before concrete can be finished
  3. Make sure the entire surface is uniformly cured
  4. Use a consistent form release agent

The experts at Hardscapes Inc. create perfect concrete structure every time. If you have a concrete project you’d like to get under way, give us a call at 403-547-5597.

Basement floor need a little TLC?

This cracked up basement floor was beautifully restored by Hardscapes Inc – your Calgary concrete restoration specialists.

After grinding and patching, the floor received an overlay of Elite Crete’s thin Finish. Once dry, it was stained for a gorgeous titanium mottling. Top coated with Elite Crete E100 PT1 epoxy and a satin polyurethane, this floor will stand up to the daily abuse of kids, toys, pets etc.

If your basement floor needs a little TLC give us a call at 403-547-5597 for a free estimate today.

 

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Concrete Curing Tips

Stopping freshly poured concrete from drying out too quickly is called curing. If left to dry of its own accord, concrete will not develop the full bond between all of its ingredients. It will be weaker and will crack more, and the surface may not be as hard as it should be.

The following are some useful concrete curing tips:

  The form work itself, if left in place or on the underneath of a suspended slab, stops the concrete drying out too quickly, and can be a curing agent.

–  Spraying water on curing concrete prevents the surface of the concrete slab from drying faster than the bottom. A simple way to consistently keep water spraying onto the slab is with garden sprinklers or hand-held hose pipes.

  Using a plastic shield, which basically is a plastic sheet laid on top of the slab, to stop the evaporation process is one of the most efficient methods of curing concrete.

  Concrete curing oils or curing compounds can encourage fast drying and penetrating and are now available in a variety of types.

Preparing concrete is more challenging than it looks. A professional in the field is always a good idea. Hardscapes has experts who will help you with all your concrete projects. Just give us a call at 403-547-5597 and we’d be happy to come out to discuss your ideas and give you an estimate today.