The addition of a patio can greatly enhance your family's enjoyment of your home. However, many homeowners may not be aware of the various options that are available when it comes to the concrete that can be used for their patio. In particular, stamped concrete is often poorly understood by individuals, but learning the answers to a few questions will help you to better evaluate using this material for your patio.
Why Would You Want Your Concrete Stamped?
Traditional concrete can be rather plain in appearance, and it may be rather rough on the surface. When you opt for stamped concrete, it is possible to avoid these problems. Stamped concrete can be given a range of appearances. For example, it is possible to stamp intricate designs into the concrete or you may choose to have it resemble natural stone. Additionally, the stamping process can give the concrete a smoother finish, which may make it more pleasant to use. While it is possible to achieve these same benefits by opting for stone, this is a more expensive material than concrete, which may prove problematic for your budget. By opting for stamped concrete, you can enjoy these benefits while keeping the strain on your budget to a minimum.
Is It Normal For The Colors To Be Uneven?
After the concrete has been poured and stamped, you may notice that some areas of it will appear darker than others. It can be easy to be concerned about this as it may be extremely noticeable. While it can be easy to assume that the contractor botched the job, this is not necessarily the case as the color of the concrete will vary as it cures. Typically, the lighter areas of the concrete will be further along in the curing process as the presence of moisture is causing the darker areas.
What Care Will A Stamped Concrete Patio Require?
Some homeowners might be worried about adding a paved patio to their property for fears about the amount of maintenance that will be required. Luckily, stamped concrete is extremely resistant to damage. Typically, the only care that the patio will require is to have a sealant applied every couple of years and to prevent leaves and other debris from accumulating on it. Debris can trap moisture against the concrete, which can eventually result in cracks forming. By sweeping your patio every couple of weeks, you will remove this debris before it is able to cause moisture damage to occur to your patio.
