Concrete: Decorative & Sustainable Solution
Concrete is extremely strong, diverse, low-maintenance, and resistant to damage. A well-constructed and maintained concrete installation can easily last 20-30 years. The country’s first concrete street laid in Bellefontaine, OH, in 1891, is still in service today!
Concrete is a versatile, inexpensive contemporary solution. When finished the right way, it can look awe-inspiring—cement, sand, water, and gravel form this easy-to-maintain solid material. Concrete is generally cool to the touch, making it ideal for outdoor surfaces.
Concrete can be tinted in a range of hues that will maintain its depth of color through years of wear. There are also many ways GPM can customize the texture (finish). For decorative colors, the pigment must be mixed directly into the concrete rather than painted on top, as surface applications wear quickly, especially in high-traffic areas.
One popular finish is exposed aggregate, where the concrete is sprayed with a high-pressure hose before it has fully cured, washing away the top layer and exposing the flecks of stone or aggregate in the mix. This is just one of many finish choices.
Concrete Repair in Santa Barbara
Concrete repair is a critical component of structural stabilizations, restoration, and strengthening projects. Over time, the repair of concrete becomes necessary as deterioration of the embedded reinforcement results in cracking and spalling of the concrete material; if left unabated, deterioration will occur.
The primary reasons for concrete deterioration are air and moisture, resulting in the concrete’s carbonation. In colder climates, the use of salt as a deicer results in a chloride attack. Both carbonation and chloride’s presence destroy the concrete’s natural alkalinity, resulting in corrosion and subsequent expansion.
A less common form of concrete deterioration is seen in the form of an alkali-silica reaction, which results in the paste around the aggregate turning to a gell – the subsequent expansion causing spalling.
Tree roots, sub-grade destabilization, and land movement, as well as other external factors, can cause concrete to lift (heave) or even break. This may create trip hazards and expose owners to potential liability.
Materials for Concrete Repair
The concrete industry has produced numerous products and methods of repair and installation. By engaging planners, contractors, and manufacturers, the industry has been able to promote generally accepted guidelines for best procedures and work practices. GPM embraces these practices.
Various companies modify cementitious repair materials to improve various repair methods. In furthering the technology and development in this industry, the focus has been on preventative maintenance in protection and procedures involving re-alkalization and de-chlorination.
With any concrete repair project in Santa Barbara, identifying the source of the problem and selecting the best materials and repair methods are essential to achieving the desired end product. You must also take measures to ensure that the issues are addressed and prevent reoccurrence or ongoing failure in the future.
The GPM difference
Ensuring that your parking lots, streets, driveways, and sidewalks are safe to use and stay in good condition is a critical part of concrete installation projects. GPM is here to help with new projects, repairs, and patching.
By starting with high-quality materials, implementing best practices, and our trained team with a high level of expertise, GPM ensures client satisfaction.
GPM provides top-tier services for homeowners associations, private roads, wineries, shopping centers, and commercial spaces. We come in on time and budget and have enjoyed over 30 years of successful service to residential communities, commercial properties, and industrial facilities from Los Angeles to San Luis Obispo.
From start to finish, we are committed to providing the highest quality services. Our warranty is double that of the industry standard, and we always provide detailed proposals, so clients fully understand expectations.
Whether it’s a new installation or a repair, getting good results with concrete requires the best materials, the right tools and equipment, thorough worker training, and considerable experience.
Contact us for a complimentary assessment plan and cost proposal.