Is stamped concrete durable?

Stamped concrete is one of the most durable and long lasting paving materials available and requires less maintenance than the materials it regularly replaces.

What are the disadvantages of stamped concrete?

How long does stamped concrete last?

Provided it's installed correctly and adequately maintained, stamped concrete will last just as long as non-stamped, or standard, concrete—about 25 years. That's because the processes of installing stamped concrete and standard concrete are mostly the same.

Is stamped concrete hard to maintain?

Low-Maintenance Convenience

While some cracking will occur over time, there's little you need to do to maintain your walkway on a yearly basis. Some stamped concrete features are sealed, which will require resealing after three to five years of use.

Is stamped concrete better than regular concrete?

Pros to Stamped Concrete

Most builders recommend stamped, poured concrete for wheelchair-accessible spaces since it creates a more even surface. It is also great for large surface areas or oddly-shaped spaces. The installation and labor costs for poured, stamped concrete is also fairly low compared to other options.

What is MORE DURABLE pavers or stamped concrete?

Is stamped concrete slippery when wet?

“We've probably stamped concrete around 15 pools in the last 10 years,” he says. “And one of the things I tell my clients is that it will be slippery when wet.

Does stamped concrete scratch?

It is important to be careful when building stamped concrete because under a heavy load it easily cracks and scratches. For a driveway and any place where cars are driven or parked, stamped concrete is a poor choice.

Is it OK to power wash stamped concrete?

Never use a pressure washer to clean your stamped concrete. Over time the high pressure breaks down the sealer and reduces the protection, the shine and expected life of the sealer. Always use a gentle cleaner when washing stamped concrete.

Should you seal stamped concrete every year?

Re-Sealing Stamped Concrete

Maintaining the sealer on a stamped concrete surface is a must. For maximum protection, it is recommended to seal after new concrete has cured and re-seal your stamped concrete every year for existing concrete.

Can I pressure wash my stamped concrete patio?

Yes. If a mild detergent solution is not effective in removing tough stains from your stamped concrete, you can use a pressure washer to help remove them. A pressure washer is usually helpful in removing stains from leaves, grease spots, or tire marks.

Does stamped concrete crack easier?

Stamped concrete is highly resistant to cracking when installed correctly. Even if stamped concrete experiences minor cracking, the cracks are often hard to detect because they will often blend in with the pattern and joint lines.

How long does it take for stamped concrete to crack?

Typically down in every 4th or 6th or 10th groove you'll see a hairline crack … never saw those cracks before did you! On a stamped concrete patio, we typically saw-cut these joints in 24-48 hours after the pour with approx 12-foot spacing, but function the same as the grooves on a sidewalk.

Does stamped concrete crack in cold weather?

Freezing and thawing can cause the concrete to expand and contract, damaging stamped patterns and causing cracks in the concrete. Once cracks form, you're also likely to suffer more and larger cracking, as water will be able to get in between sections of concrete.

Does stamped concrete increase home value?

How much value does stamped concrete add to your home? In most markets, stamped concrete can add up to 15% to a home's value!

Is stamped concrete better than pavers?

Poured concrete is typically around 3,000-4,000 PSI on average, whereas pavers are 8,000 PSI or greater. Pavers are significantly stronger than stamped concrete and more resistant to the effects of freeze-thaw cycles.

Is stamped concrete slippery in winter?

Stamped concrete is very slippery when there is any rain, snow or moisture of any kind on it. Stamped concrete patios and walkways require a sealant and it is this sealant that creates the slippery surface. We have seen some landscaping companies install stamped concrete for front walkways.

What happens if I don't seal my stamped concrete?

Left unsealed, the colors will fade, water marks may be an issue, and stains can penetrate leaving ugly oil spots where the service guy left his old jalopy parked on the driveway. It's pure and simple, the job just won't last without a good sealer.

What happens if you don't seal stained concrete?

Without a sealer, your concrete will be more vulnerable to preventable and expensive damage. It's a lot cheaper and easier to apply a sealer every few years then it is to repair a cracked patio. Concrete sealers come in a variety of types.

Why is my colored concrete turning white?

Why is my concrete turning white? Efflorescence is a white salty residue caused when too much moisture is moving through the concrete. As the concrete dries and its moisture rises upwards through the slab, it brings salts within the concrete to the surface as well.

How often should I seal my stamped concrete patio?

Sealers also make the concrete easier to clean and prevent color fading from UV exposure. Stamped concrete should be resealed every 2 to 3 years, depending on your weather conditions.

How do you keep stamped concrete shiny?

Once you clean a stamped concrete surface, it is important to keep it free from dirt, leaves, and other debris that might scratch the surface. Use a broom, leaf blower, or garden hose to remove debris weekly. Reseal the surface every 2-3 years. A sealer will protect the color and sheen of your stamped concrete surface.

Can cracked stamped concrete be repaired?

You can use MatchCrete™ Clear Concrete Repair Polyurethane to repair intregal color or stamped concrete. Remove dirt, loose concrete, repair materials or failed caulk. Use a diamond blade to slightly cut open the crack and clean out loose concrete and debris. Use tape to mask off the crack.

Can you put a rug on stamped concrete?

Happily, you can place your favorite outdoor rug on your stamped concrete patio.

What are the benefits of stamped concrete?