Q: Why should I use Concrete Cosmetics?
A: Because nobody surpasses our design and application techniques. During my 25 years in this industry I have encountered countless problems and worked to solve them. 5 of those years were spent with Seamco Laboratories. During this time I encountered many more problems from various parts of the country and worked with other dealers to help solve them. This often involved flying or driving to various parts of the country and dealing with different environmental conditions. All of this problem solving has helped me to develop and polish our application techniques into something that seems to be lacking with most similar companies. In 1996 I was accepted into the One Million Square Feet club for both epoxy and acrylic flooring systems and we are still going strong.
Q: How can we help solve your problems? What makes your products better than the other guys?
A: Whenever a new product hits the market and is successful, everybody wants to jump on the bandwagon. From top of the line manufactures to back yard chemist. It is important that we distinguish these products from one another. Even though they may look, feel, and smell the same they are not. We feel that the 2 most important characteristics are bonding strength and workability. Only after a product has undergone vigorous laboratory testing will we consider further testing with our company. Most of these products have failed our test and have never been made available to our customers. The ones that passed are the ones that we consider to be top of the line. Our ongoing research and development with new products and techniques is never ending. By keeping up with new product development we insure our customers cutting edge technology in our flooring systems. .
Q: What is it?
A: We use a product called Design Flo Crete manufactured by Seamco Laboratories. It is an overlay system composed of silica sand and Portland cement. The binder is composed of water based epoxies and acrylic polymers. Flo Crete is one of the most user friendly and designable products on the market today. It has been on the market for well over 20 years and Seamco has been around even longer. We continue to research new products on a regular basis and will continue to do so, but so far we have found no other product that has the combined workability and superior bonding strength of Seamco Design Flo Crete.
Q: Why are your installation and application techniques better?
A: Experience!!! By having our own problems and helping other installers deal with their problems, we have been very well educated. By learning from our mistakes and not repeating them, we have honed our skills into something that very few companies possess. Having artistic capabilities and an eye for color has been a big help also. And finally, we are part of an elite group of people that actually enjoy our job. Believe me when I say that this makes a very big difference.
Q: Can you match?
A: Yes we can. We can match pretty much whatever you like. However, we have found that in most situations, it is better to compliment your existing colors instead of trying to match them. For example, if you have a brick home and say that you want to match the brick on your walls, it is possible that this could be a little overwhelming or too much of the same color. We have found that by complimenting the colors of your home instead of matching it you will receive a much more desirable surface. This does not apply to every situation however and if a certain color is desired that will be no problem. Our main goal is for you, the customer, to be happy with your purchase. Be creative, we love a challenge.
Q: I have cracks in my concrete. Can you fix them?
A: Yes we can fix the cracks in your concrete. No we can-not guarantee that they will not come back. If a 4 inch thick slab of concrete reinforced with steel rods or mesh breaks, it will develop a crack. Whatever we install on top of this concrete runs the risk of cracking also. It is possible to come back after the initial installation and repair these cracks to where they are undetectable. Remember, there is only one product on the market that will not crack on top of concrete, and that is carpet.
Q: How long will it take?
A: This will depend on the desired effect that you are looking for and the size of the job. Another factor is the preparation. This is the single most important part of the job. In fact, the entire success of the job depends on the preparation and it has to be right or it simply will not last. And finally, let us not forget Mother Nature. She has caused us to spend 2 and sometimes 3 times longer on jobs than originally anticipated.
Q: How long does it last?
A: This depends on the amount of abuse it will receive. For example, the front entry of your home will last much longer than the entry of a convenience store without professional maintenance It is not uncommon to have an application last for 12 to 15 years without professional maintenance. Our product is designed to bond to old concrete as well as new, through chemical adhesion. With the proper preparation, a mechanical bond is also achieved. When you achieve both a chemical and mechanical bond this will insure a flooring system that will last for years to come.
Q: How do I maintain my new surface?
A: Your new surface has a sealer on top and this makes it resistant to staining. It is not however stain-proof. An occasional hosing will do wonders and if possible, pressure washing about once a year or as needed will not hurt it a bit. We recommend waxing interior surfaces after a 3 day curing time. Wax will provide a layer of protection between your new surface and the soils that it will be subjected to. Waxes can be striped and re-applied periodically to restore your floor to that new look. At some point in time your surface will require professional maintenance. This involves a professional cleaning and an additional coat of sealer. There is no set time for this maintenance. It depends on the amount of abuse it receives or when you feel it is necessary. We recommend every 5 to 7 years.