HOW CAN I REPAIR CRACKED CONCRETE?

The most cost effective olution to repair a concrete surface is a "CONCRETE OVERLAY".

WHAT IS A CONCRETE OVERLAY?

Concrete overlays are a relatively new material that has been heavily used by the construction industry in the last twenty years. Developed to fix cracks on concrete surfaces, overlays are now being used for aesthetic reasons alone. Decorative concrete overlays can break up a monolithic stretch of concrete in a driveway or building exterior, while other homeowners use these products for counter tops and flooring.

The pattern and color options are almost limitless.

"Concrete overlays are not only a solution for surface problems, but can help create any look imaginable"

There are various installations techniques, one of the most popular is STAMP-IT.
Stamped concrete overlays offer all the benefits of stamped concrete without having to rip out an existing concrete slab. If your existing concrete is worn out, dull, and just not pleasing to look at, then a stamped overlay is just what your looking for.

These stamped overlays go down about 1/4 to 3/8 of an inch thick depending on the pattern. They are strong and durable enough for a pool deck, sidewalk, and a concrete driveway.

The stamped overlay material can be tinted with color and stained after it hardens to give you a vast amount of color variations.
They are imprinted with concrete stamps or textured skins. These flexible rubber stamping tools are available in many different stamped concrete patterns to choose from. Some popular choices are natural stone, brick, slate, wood plank and tile.

Stampable overlays can be done on interior concrete floors just as easy as exterior concrete. Stamping an overlay requires a trained professional for best results.
The materials being used set up quite fast and getting that perfect look involves timing the stamping process just right. As with all concrete overlays, proper concrete surface preparation is the key to long lasting success. So before you rip out that old, worn out concrete call a trained concrete contractor to see if a stamped concrete overlay will work for you.



STAMP-IT Concrete overlay is available in the following areas:

CENTRAL OKANAGAN

Kelowna
Vernon
Pentiction
West Kelowna

WHAT IS THE BEST VINYL DECKING?

Duradek PVC Deck…

… There are 2 general types of PVC decks available in today’s market; PVC deck membranes, like Duradek and PVC (or Composite PVC) deck boards.
The main difference between the 2 types of PVC decking is that the “deck boards” will still allow water to drip through, therefore they can never go over living space, nor can they provide dry storage areas underneath the PVC deck. A Duradek PVC Deck does both of those, plus more.
Due to being a solid vinyl membrane, a Duradek PVC deck does not let water drip through; instead water drains off the edge of the deck or though a deck drain.
This allows the space below the Duradek PVC deck to be used for dry storage or even as a living space.

Yes, A Duradek PVC deck also acts as a roof. All Duradek Ultra PVC membranes have approvals as a Pedestrian Traffic Membrane. That makes a Duradek PVC Deck dual purpose; it acts as the outdoor flooring for the deck and acts as a roof over the living space or dry storage area below the deck.
Consider a Duradek PVC deck as the solution to your next sundeck, flat roof deck or balcony that has living space or requires dry storage below.

Benefits of Vinyl Decking

Vinyl Decking

Vinyl is a wonderful material that is used for deck flooring. An attractive and reliable deck adds to the beauty of a house. Vinyl decking is most commonly used because it does not require periodic maintenance. Vinyl decks have several advantages over a common wood surface.
What is Different about Vinyl Decking?
The foremost disadvantage that homeowners see about vinyl decking is its cost. Being costlier than traditional wooden decking, people start having second thoughts as to whether to consider it or not. Vinyl decks do offer notable benefits and tempt some people to choose it over wood decking however.
During the manufacture of vinyl decking, its color is molded so that it never fades. Vinyl surfaces are not subjected to deformation, decomposition or cracks. Vinyl decks would also not strip, break, crumble, or swell up. Choosing vinyl decking over the wooden decking is a little expensive but it would turn out to be a onetime expenditure that you would relish lifelong. It is a stimulating and pioneering system of deck architecture. These structures are deprived of sharp edges and nails which add to its safety.
Vinyl planks can also be used to replace the existing deck surface. The vinyl sheets are also available for flooring and come with various printed designs on them. Vinyl decks are manufactured by various manufacturers today. So the variety, quality and designs available are plenty. Therefore one can choose as per his budget, need, and liking.
Vinyl Decking can be installed easily on a chosen surface. A vinyl deck eliminates the need for a wood substructure. One can even choose vinyl decking that comes in a wood like appearance to enjoy both features: great appearance and enhanced durability. These decks give a natural look of wood and are easy to manage.
Vinyl decks offer great variety of styles, colors, and finishes. One can choose among numerous textures and patterns of vinyl decking. There are some companies that can prepare a personalized vinyl decking pattern. One has to conduct research online to locate such companies. Since vinyl decking is waterproof you do not have to look after its maintenance during seasonal rain or snowfall.
The best part about vinyl decking is that it is prepared by using recycled materials. Use of eco friendly materials helps in conserving the environment and prevents depletion of natural resources. Vinyl decks are slip resistant and add a great value to your property. It does not require annual sealing and is an exclusive and immense replacement for wood. Even if a wood deck is well cleaned and maintained it tends to deteriorate quickly and easily. Vinyl decks are reliable, eco-friendly, long-lasting and safe.
Another plus about vinyl decks is their resistance to extreme weather conditions. Vinyl decking can withstand snow, hail, ice, and the chemicals found in hottubs and pools. One can use vinyl surfaces pool side. There is a great variety of non-slip vinyl surfaces available in the market. The resistance of vinyl decking also safeguards it in cruel climatic conditions like in extreme colds.
The numerous benefits of vinyl decks overshadow their cost factor and make it a better choice over other kinds of decking available on the market. So, if one is looking for decking that can last for decades then Vinyl Decking is the best choice.

Deck and Patio Repair 101

Decks and patios just like our roof, siding and windows bear the brunt of the intense ice, snow and cold temperatures during the winter months and driving rain in the course of the spring. Deck repair and servicing is vital to make certain the longevity and basic safety of your deck. Now that spring is here, the following article will aid you determine if your deck is fit for services this year or is in require of restore and program servicing.

With the following suggestions, house owners can rapidly spot and diagnose some common problems related with their deck's publicity to the harsh winter weather. Taking action to resolve these problems speedily will aid stop premature failure and pricey alternative of your deck and boost its function and longevity. Regardless of whether you choose to use a expert to keep or restore the deck, or do the perform oneself, right here are some common difficulties you need to be hunting for this spring.

Deck Fix and Servicing Inspection Ideas

Referencing the North American Deck & Railing Association's Consumer Checklist, right here are 4 difficulty places I believe that each homeowner can easily spot on their damaged deck.

1. Decayed or Rotted Wood: Shell out distinct consideration to regions that show up to continue to be wet. You want to uncover any wooden that is rotted or decayed. If these an area has splintered, try to pull a piece off. Or, use a screwdriver to poke and decide on at the wood. If it feels soft or spongy, that is a notify-tale indication that the wood ought to be changed, indicating it is time to phone a deck repair skilled.
2. Deck Fasteners: Fasteners consist of nails, screws and anchors. If you see a lot of nails sticking out, or screws that have corroded, this could be a signal of a even bigger difficulty. Corroded, loose, or lacking fasteners can proceed to hurt the wood all around them and undermine the structural integrity of the deck, railings an

d stairs. If you spot this kind of injury, think about calling a deck repair expert to further evaluate the dilemma.

• Railings, Banisters and Stairs: Push on the railing and banisters to make confident they are protected. Examine the deck surface and stair treads to make certain there is no sagging or cracked boards. Stand on the deck surface and deck stairs and shift your fat back again and forth to see if there is any sway or abnormal bounce. If you note any of these issues, this could be a sign that a deck repair is necessary.
• Cleaning and Servicing: Mildew, moss and discoloration all can hurt the deck wooden rapidly if not speedily eliminated and correctly sealed. Deck cleansing and routine maintenance is an whole matter in and of by itself-so if you are not comfortable cleansing and sealing your own deck, it is time to get in touch with a deck repair specialist.

For far more info on how to spot deck difficulties, or basic concerns on deck development, deck upkeep, and deck inspection, the North American Deck and Railing Association (www.nadra.org) has a wonderful  web site with a prosperity of information for property owners.

For Assistance with a Deck repair solution:

UNIVERSAL SURFACE SOLUTIONS, installers of WESTCOAT SPECIALTY COATINGS out of Kelowna, British Columbia is an excellent option for people who don't have the time or inclination to execute their individual deck repairs. No matter whether you observe wooden rot, mildew expansion, or basically require periodic deck maintenance, UNIVERSAL SURFACE SOLUTIONS has a skilled team of specialists who comprehend that attention to detail, artistry and precise craftsmanship are the keys to good results in any deck repair undertaking.

Keep coming back to my blog we ARE the DEKSPERTS here in the Okanagan Valley with over 25 years of experience.

We can do any job from major commerial projects to quaint bistro patios.

Check us out at http://www.duradek.com/