How is textured concrete created?
The goal is to imitate the look of brick pavement or cobblestones, slate, granite, flagstones, or even wood. We do this by using textured concrete, also known as stamped or imprinted concrete.
So what are the steps for creating textured concrete?
A simple response is “by mixing colours and patterns into freshly laid concrete”. But read on where we will discuss in a little more depth each step of the process.
Setting the foundation
Preparing the ground prior to pouring concrete is a critical step in every paving operation. Debris from the site is removed and dug to a depth that is adequate for the pavement.
After excavation, we’ll know what kind of sub-base we have and how much hardcore to put in. Then concrete can be poured on top of this foundation after it has been compacted.
In addition to any necessary drainage remediation or alterations, the installation of gate posts, manholes, steps, and the like will take place during the preparation stage.
To provide a structure for the concrete to be poured into, temporary wooden walls are then constructed around the perimeter.
Putting concrete into place
Pattern imprinting is made possible by the concrete’s unique composition. It is air-entrained and fibre-entangled, meaning that as the concrete is setting (or curing), the fibres within it mesh together. In addition to increasing the overall strength of the slab, this process also hardens it by up to 25%.
The concrete is scraped to ensure future rainwater flows in the appropriate direction and then floated to produce a smooth and flat surface once it is poured to the required depth.
Now it’s time for the imprinted concrete colours and stamping while it’s still wet.
The concrete is then coloured
To create a colour, two powders are used. Also, to get a textured, two-toned finish, these colouring agents can be used simultaneously.
A hand-applied colour surface hardener (in the colour of your choice) is applied to the concrete’s surface. After that, the concrete is re-floated to press the colour deeper into the concrete’s surface.
The releasing agent, often a darker colour, is next applied to get the desired colours.
Concrete stamping and imprinting
The chosen patterns are then stamped into the concrete using interlocking moulded rubber mats. Starting at an edge or corner, our textured concrete installers in Huddersfield work our way across, standing on the mats as we go. This is to imprint the concrete, thereby avoiding directly stepping in it.
Then it’s fenced off overnight to prevent any unwanted imprints from being left behind when the imprinting process is complete.
Sealing preparation
Once the concrete has dried, it is pressure washed with detergents and a release agent remover to remove any remaining residue.
Thereafter, a diamond disc saw is used to construct “crack control joints” (sometimes referred to as “expansion cuts”). Most patterns don’t show these cuts, but they’re necessary to lessen the likelihood of future breaking.
Concrete waterproofing and sealing
Finally, an anti-slip acrylic sealer is sprayed on. As a result, the concrete’s surface is both protected and revitalised, bringing out the vibrant colours that lie beneath.
Conclusion
So that’s how we get the textured concrete in Huddersfield. But if you want to read a further overview of the imprinted concrete process then we have a helpful FAQ page on that topic. Equally, you can just give us a call and we’d be happy to talk you through the whole thing.