| Become an expert in concrete overlay and topping. Learn from this practical instruction manual how to rejuvenate concrete floors, driveways, exterior flatwork, and even wall surfaces. Offer your customers beautiful alternatives to costly removal and replacement of old concrete. Here you'll find detailed application techniques for concrete on different surfaces, and how to select the most appropriate resurfacing system for each project. You'll learn how to estimate materials, prep and prepare surfaces, repair cracks, and test for moisture-vapor transmission. Step-by-step instructions are included for obtaining different finishes - including the use of stamping mats, stencils, spray-downs, micro-topping, scoring techniques, working with gelled acid, polishing, and applying stains, dyes, tints, and even selecting and applying the right sealer. Shows how to set up a mixing station and gives estimated curing times for many overlay jobs. Provides proven marketing tips to get your overlay and topping business going. Includes Websites and addresses of manufacturers offering overlay and coating products.
From the Introduction
If you are fortunate enough to work in the decorative concrete industry like I do, you've experienced firsthand the explosive growth in the demand for our product.
More and more people tell me they want decorative concrete, but many also admit they can't afford to replace their existing concrete with a gorgeous new pool deck, patio, driveway, or floor. Now they have an alternative, thanks to recent technological advances in overlays and toppings designed to rejuvenate concrete floors, exterior flatwork, and even wall surfaces. When existing concrete needs a face-lift, these systems can be a cost-effective solution to the dreaded remove-and-replace option.
Overlays and toppings can be applied at thicknesses of 1/4 inch or less yet result in an extremely durable, aesthetically pleasing surface. An endless array of decorative options in color, pattern, and texture permit complete design flexibility for makeovers that are totally unique.
The growing demand for these resurfacing systems, by both the residential and commercial markets, offers a huge opportunity for decorative concrete contractors who are willing to learn the techniques and have the desire to be creative. My purpose with Bob Harris' Guide to Concrete Overlays and Toppings is to share the knowledge I have gained from my experiences to provide you with a solid foundation for producing quality work and to help you avoid common mistakes and problems.
Here are some of the topics covered in-depth in this guide:
- A to Z instructions for installing underlayments, microtoppings, spray-down systems, stampable and self-leveling overlays for industrial, commercial, and residential slabs (and even walls), both indoors and out.
- How to choose one application versus another.
- Budget analysis to determine how much to charge for each type of application.
- How to estimate materials.
- Surface preparation and crack repair.
- How to deal with and test for moisture-vapor transmissions.
- Coloring options, including color layering and the use of stain, dyes, tints, and broadcast colors.
Decorative finish options, including color layering and the use of stain, dyes, tints, and broadcast colors.
- How to set up a mixing station.
- Labor requirements for each technique.
- Curing times required prior to walking on, sealing, or stamping the work.
- Troubleshooting pointers for each type of application.
You'll also find a list of the essential tools, equipment, and supplies needed to mix and apply each type of system as well as an impressive pictorial gallery of completed projects.
Although this guide can certainly help you sharpen your skills and shorten your learning curve with overlays and toppings, it is not intended to be a substitute for on-the-job experience - the only way you can truly master these methods. My goal is to give you a comprehensive understanding of the fundamentals while introducing you to the advanced techniques being used by seasoned pros. |
