Hardscaoes Inc. Calgary Concrete Floors

Planning to repair your cracked concrete this spring?

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worn-concteteIf you have lived in your home for a number of years you might have to deal with broken concrete. Constant wear and tear from the environment, road salt and the dropping of heavy objects can cause cracking and pitting as well as permanent staining.

The concrete fixtures of your home are one of the first things guests or the public notice when they come to you pay a visit.

Resurfacing and repairing these surfaces is not something you want to attempt on your own. A professional knows the right formula and surface to apply to your specific needs.

Hardscapes Inc. has all the tools and materials to do the job right. Contact us or request a quote to find out how to solve your aging concrete woes.

Concrete Restoration Solutions

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Modern concrete is designed to last 60 to 120 years, but lack of maintenance and environmental conditions can greatly reduce those numbers.

Many city practices like salting city streets in the winter can lead to pitted and stained concrete driveways. As snow plows push the snow from the streets onto sidewalks and driveways it also sends any vehicle waste like oils and engine fluids that have made their way to the street along with city particulates like salt and or grass control chemicals along with it.

Any or all of these waste products can have an effect on your sidewalks and driveways leaving them even more susceptible to the wear and tear of extreme weather and the fluctuations in temperature that cause cracking and flaking.

Hardscapes Inc. has solutions for every concrete restoration need and years of experience to make a repair that is beautiful and long-lasting. If your driveway is already stained and pitted from the harsh winter elements and you’re considering a driveway re-surfacing in the near future, give us a call to arrange an appointment for a free no-obligation quote or even just to meet for a chat to have all your questions and concerns addressed. We’re more than happy to be of assistance!

Housing starts, sales and prices down in 2015

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Hardscapes Inc. concrete floor.Read article posted by CBC News:

Calgary real estate market to drop in 2015, with little growth on the horizon: CMHC

If you were considering selling your home but think you’ll just wait until the market rebounds, it may be the perfect time to give it some TLC with a much needed and long overdue restoration or renovation.

Why not be proactive? When things turn around, and they will, you’ll be ahead of the game and ready to throw that For Sale sign on the front lawn knowing that your investment will pay off!

Hardscapes Inc. has been providing quality craftsmanship, service and customer satisfaction for over 17 years. We’re here to answer all your questions, discuss your ideas, or to book a FREE personalized quote.

Call 403-547-5597 today!

Concrete Repair

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stepsIs your driveway pitted and cracked? Is your front walk and steps sagged an broken? What about that cold concrete basement floor? Wouldn’t you want something stylish, different and heated?

Hardscapes Inc. has the solutions for all these problems.

Experts in the field of concrete, concrete repair and concrete floors Hardscapes can answer all your questions and fix all you cracking, flooring and pitting issues.

It Won’t Last Forever

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Pitted ConcreteModern concrete is designed to last 60 to 120 years but lack of maintenance and environmental conditions can greatly reduce those numbers.

Many city practices like salting city streets in the winter can lead to pitted and stained concrete driveways. As snow plows push the snow from the street onto sidewalks and driveways it also sends any vehicle waste like oils and engine fluids that have made their way to the street along with city particulates like salt and or grass control chemicals along with it.

Any or all of these waste products can have an effect on your sidewalks and driveways leaving them even more susceptible to the wear and tear of extreme weather and the fluctuations in temperature that cause cracking and flaking.

Hardscapes Inc. has solutions to every concrete restoration need and years of experience to make a repair that is beautiful and long lasting.

Concrete Tips

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How to cure concrete.

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

  • 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.
  • Spray water onto the formation. A simpler way is to just keep water sprayed onto the slab with garden sprinklers or hand held hose pipes.
  • Use a plastic shield, which basically is a plastic sheet laid on top of the slab to stop the evaporation process. This is one of the most efficient methods of curing concrete.
  • Use concrete curing oils or curing compounds. These compounds and oils now come in a variety of types.

Preparing concrete is harder than it looks. A professional in the field is always a good idea. Hardscapes Inc. has the experts and can help you with all your concrete ideas.

Extreme Cold & Concrete

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Weather DamageI guess you could say it’s been colder than usual this year. Extended periods of below -20 can wreak havoc on your mental attitude never mind what big dips in temperature can do to you outside structures and concrete.

The freezing temperature of concrete is approximately 28ºF (-2º C).

Concrete does not maintain its strength when poured at low temperatures. Almost 50% of strength loss can occur if the concrete freezes within the first few hours after placement. Temperature affects the rate at which hydration of the cement occurs. Low concrete temperatures will stall the set and weaken the strength.

Hardscapes Inc. knows about concrete, we know how to keep your concrete from cracking and heaving and we know how to make it look beautiful at the same time.

Oil or Transmission Fluid Stain?

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Ever wonder what stains your driveway more, oil or transmission fluid?

Stained DrivewayQuite honestly it doesn’t really matter. Either one will leave a nasty stain. If you leave it too long or you have a chronic problem with you vehicle it may be imbedded in the cement permanently.

These two fluids left un-attended can also lead to pitting in the concrete. Small divots that will let water sit and will eventually crack the surface.

If your drive way sounds like the one above you might consider re-surfacing. Hardscapes Inc. has a surface solution for every driveway situation. Fast and professional, get your driveway looking brand new in no time.

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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