Hardscaoes Inc. Calgary Concrete Floors

Concrete Discoloration

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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

Hardscapes Inc. uses these methods and many more to create perfect concrete structure every time.

Thank you Calgary!

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thanksHardscapes Inc. has just closed off our 17th year of providing quality concrete coatings and seamless flooring solutions in Calgary.

We have seen many changes in the industry over the years and have worked hard to stay current with the latest in coating technology.

We pride ourselves on our attention to detail which is why we have maintained relationships with many of Calgary’s finest home builders, designers and general contractors.

Concrete flooring has stood the test of time and is still increasing in popularity as more and more people seek a custom “one of a kind” floor.

We’d like to thank all of our valued clients for their continued support over the years and look forward to continued growth and new relationships.

Thank you Calgary!

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Concrete and Water

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Even though things are starting to get back to normal after the flooding in Calgary some home owners are still struggling with the aftermath and the damage left by water in their basements. Many basement floors were completely destroyed.

After grinding the floor to remove all the old glue and any other contaminants left behind by the backed up water we patched up all the cracks and deficiencies. A base colour coat was first applied and allowed to dry. Then the reflector coat was applied and allowed to dry and finally a clear polyurethane was applied for optimal wear and durability.

The Hardscapes Inc. crew left this happy client with a beautiful new resilient floor that would resist the water damage in the event of another flood.

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See The Video »

Ever Repaired Cracks in your Concrete Porch?

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Cracked PorchAging concrete can go from bad to worse fairly quickly if not attended too.

These days’ most front porches are made with concrete and what starts out as a small crack can quickly become a larger crack if water gets in and freezes.

Depending on how deep the crack is it may have to be filled in with vinyl patching and then capped with a concrete patching material. You might even have to use a metal brush or some other method like stapling or chiseling away some of the edges to make a smoother repair.

The results can vary, from ok to ugly.

This is not really a DIY situation. Why not let an expert take the struggle out of this kind of home repair.

Hardscapes Inc. has all the tools and the know how to quickly assess any situation and find the immediate answer to your worn concrete issues.

Fall Garage Cleanup

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Are you getting ready for winter? Are you cleaning out the garage of all the summer toys, yard equipment etc.?

While you’re cleaned out, why not get that ugly floor cleaned up and coated?! A polyaspartic coating will do wonders for your garage. It will be brighter, cleaner, easier to clean, and best of all, protected from all that salt we spoke of last week.

Hardscapes Inc. offers solutions for any budget. Gorgeous flake floors and even mica metallic flakes for those that like to eat, sleep and play in their garage, as well as solid color for those with more of a utilitarian need. These coatings are 100% UV stable, extremely abrasion resistant, and highly chemical resistant.

Many garage floors can be done start to finish in just ONE DAY!

Contact us today for your free estimate!

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Salty

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Concrete is incredibly more porous than you would think. Though it seems rock hard it is actually full of millions of tiny cracks and pours.

Concrete can get damaged in any number of ways but the most common damage occurs from the de-icing salts used by city snow plowing services and freeze/thaw cycles which occur quite often in Calgary during spring warming and fall freeze up.

Salt can sneak into small pours and tiny cracks in your concrete. Here there is an acid-like reaction that eventually creates larger and larger pockets that hold greater and greater amounts of water. It is the water that eventually causes all the damage.

Water expands up to 9X when frozen. The pressure from this expansion grows with each freeze and thaw until eventually it pops the surface of the concrete creating the pitting you so often see in sidewalks and driveways.

Hardscapes Inc. has a number of solutions to this problem. Email us for a free quote or contact us for more information.

Front Entrance Repair

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This front entrance was remodeled in just two days. We widened it a foot by using a fast cure TF structural concrete mortar. We then beautified it using our TF polyaspartic river rock topping. This new product outperforms traditional epoxy stone products by offering 100% UV stability and no need for annual re-coats.

Hardscapes Inc. has a solution for all your concrete restoration and development needs.

For a free quote or more information on how we can bring your concrete to life contact us or fill out our request form.

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Water Damage on Concrete

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Will water damage concrete?

The short answer is yes.

It’s called water degradation and can be caused by any number of things. Fire, aggregate expansion, bacterial corrosion, calcium leaching and many others.

With the recent flooding in Calgary many basement floors were damaged by the flood water and backed up sewers.

Untreated sewer water can produce hydrogen sulfide, which is then oxidized by aerobic bacteria present on the concrete surface above the water level. The sulfuric acid dissolves the carbonates in the cured cement and causes strength loss, as well as producing sulfates that can be destructive to the concrete.

Hardscapes Inc. has a solution to this problem. A clean up of the concrete floor and then sealing the concrete with a great decorative coating can preserve and update your damaged basement floor. This is a great alternative to replacing rugs and hardwoods.

For more ideas on how to restore or create your concrete Hardscapes Inc. has the answers.

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Polyaspartic Coatings

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Concrete SolutionsIntroduced in the 1990s polyaspartic became a new class of coating.

Because polyaspartics can be formulated with slower reaction rates, they can be roller-applied or spray-applied with conventional paint sprayers without the use of solvent. Polyaspartic coatings are also UV and light stable and will not age or yellow.

This format can also be applied with broadcast medias such as quartz and vinyl paint chips.

Hardscapes Inc. often uses these polyaspartics components as well as incorporating metallic pigments to give a long lasting, incredibly durable and easy-to-clean flooring system.

Watch the Video »

 

Rebuild or Repair

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Restored StairConcrete is a standard building material. A good portion of every home built consists of concrete of one form or another.

Concrete in outside features like driveways and steps is also the material of choice for these home features but unlike your basement floor these are exposed to the wear and tear of the elements.

Constant bombardment from our Canadian weather can lead to pitting, cracking and flaking, eventually rendering the concrete unsafe or at least unpleasant to look at.

Taking down and rebuilding a heavy concrete step for example can cost thousands of dollars not to mention days of demolition, interruption and reconstruction.

Hardscapes can show you another alternative. A concrete restoration might be just what you need. The cost is about half of a removal and re-installation and the result is considerably more pleasing to the eye.

This restoration was $1800.00 a far cry from the $3000.00 quoted for demolition and re-construction.

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