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3 Uses of Retaining Walls

Tue, 04 Jun 2019 09:16:33 GMT

Retaining walls are often used in landscaping, and they do a great job of adding texture and unique aesthetics to the yard. Retaining walls aren't just great for offering style; they actually serve many purposes that help protect your home. If you don't know much about retaining walls, check out how they can be used.

1. To Alter a Slope

Slopes are great for sliding downhill on a sled, but they aren't great for building. The uneven surface makes it hard to build a structure that won't begin to slide off the foundation. For this reason, slopes are often leveled out, but they have to be done gradually, like creating large steps into the side of the slope. The time and money it will take to level the ground largely depends on the extent of the slope.

An incline of about 10 percent is considered easy to fix, but as you reach 20 percent or more, the price and time-frame needed to fix it increases. Once the ground is properly leveled, retaining walls are installed at each level. The reason the retaining walls are necessary is for support. Even if the dirt is cut and leveled, the dirt may not stay.

Heavy buildings, rain, wind, etc. will cause the dirt to fall, which may even lead to a landslide. The retaining walls offer support for this dirt. Think of the retaining walls like a dam, but instead of holding back large amounts of water, the walls hold back the dirt, so it won't be as affected by the lateral pressure of buildings, equipment, etc.

2. To Improve Drainage

If your yard has bad drainage, you may notice pooling water in various places. If the standing water is too close to your home, it can affect the foundation and flood the basement. Standing water in other parts of the yard can also ruin landscaping and attract pests. Slopes, in particular, are notorious for causing poor drainage.

The slopes act as slides, letting the water go to the lowest point in your yard. There are many ways to fix drainage issues, such as installing a rain garden where the water gathers. But retaining walls may stop the problem completely.

When you cut the slope and create tiers with retaining walls, you give the water flat surfaces. Therefore, the water won't drain downhill because there is no hill. Instead, smaller amounts of water will remain on each tier. With less water and more time, the water is better absorbed into the dirt where it is naturally dispersed.

3. To Prevent Erosion

Running water doesn't just increase the risk of poor drainage; it also increases the risk of erosion. Erosion is a natural occurrence that happens when water continually follows the same path. Overtime, the water strips the dirt, taking it with it to create an indented path in the ground. At the very least, this makes your yard look less appealing, but in other cases, it can devastate your yard or home.

Imagine that flowing water keeps traveling through your yard. Eventually, you will have a bald line through the yard because of the water eroding the dirt, which allows the grass to become loose and wash away with the water.

If the water is too close to your home or other structures, it can affect them, too. Water erosion around the foundation can cause it to sink in one spot, increasing the risk of cracks and flooding.

You may just want a retaining wall to add visual style to your yard, but you may need it to prevent serious problems like erosion. If you would like to know more about retaining walls and how they can help, contact us at Jimenez Concrete Inc. today.

Signs That Your Garage Floor Needs Replacing

Mon, 08 Apr 2019 19:41:08 GMT

The life of a garage floor is not an easy one. This concrete floor is continually subjected to heavy vehicles, chemicals, oil, dirt from outside, and in some cases, extreme temperature fluctuations. As a result, the floor can crack, pit, or even begin to sink after years of use. If your garage floor is old and damaged, you may need to replace it.

Replace or Repair Your Garage Floor

You may be tempted to try and repair the floor of your garage if you start to see damage to the floor, but the reality is, the floor endures too much abuse for repair to stand up well over time. You may be able to fix it, but in time, the floor is likely to begin showing damage again. The best solution is to replace the floor entirely. It is a big job, but when done right, the floor will last for many more years.

Signs to Watch For

You can watch for some key signs that will indicate a problem with the floor and let you know it is time to replace it. If you pay attention to these signs, you can replace the floor early, before it causes other problems.

Cracks in the Surface

Once the floor in your garage has started cracking, there is not much you can do to repair it. You can patch the cracks with concrete, but the likelihood of it lasting for more than a couple years is pretty low. The new concrete is not going to bond with the old concrete as well, and if there is even a small crack in the surface, water will find its way in and do more damage under the surface, where you can't see it.

Pitting on the Surface

Over time, chemicals like oil, antifreeze, and gasoline will damage the concrete. The surface of the floor may develop pits or small holes in it, and over time those holes will get bigger, making your smooth concrete floor rough. The concrete may start to deteriorate and come loose in small chunks, which will get worse if not dealt with.

Uneven Floors

Another concern you should watch for is the surface of the floor starting to shift and become uneven. If the floor begins to sink, the ground under it is more than likely settling. The floor may stop moving if the soil settles completely, but if it doesn't, the concrete will eventually crack or break.

Uneven floors can make it hard to use the garage as well. Things like tools boxes on wheels may begin to move or not stay in place, and if the floor sinks near the entrance, it can make it difficult to get your car in and out of the garage.

Cost of Replacement

A lot of factors go into setting the price of replacing a garage floor. On average, the cost will fall somewhere between 6 and 15 dollars per square foot to replace. The cost may vary from place to place and company to company, so call some local contractors in your area to get a more accurate price.

One thing to keep in mind, the cost of the floor often includes demolishing and removing the old cement floor, prepping the ground under it, installing rebar or other reinforcing materials, and pouring the floor. For maximum durability, you may want to consider coating the floor with an epoxy or sealing it to keep chemicals, dirt, and other contaminants off the concrete.

Jimenez Concrete Inc. has been in the concrete business for many years and has a staff with many years of experience working with concrete. We have the tools and expertise to replace your garage floor adequately so you will have many years of service from it. Give us a call so we can come and give you an estimate today.

3 Things to Know About Epoxy-Coated Rebar

Tue, 12 Feb 2019 20:02:57 GMT

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Concrete has a natural degree of strength and hardness that makes it one of the most popular paving materials. Yet as time goes on, concrete may still suffer from crumbling, cracks, and other forms of damage. Load-bearing concrete stands an even greater chance of suffering premature degradation.

To boost the strength of concrete, contractors often bolster the slab with steel reinforcing bars - or rebar for short. Numerous different types of rebar exist, each of which possesses a unique set of advantages. This article outlines four key things to know about one of the most popular varieties of rebar: epoxy-coated rebar.

1. Epoxy-Coated Rebar Protects Against Corrosion

The most basic and inexpensive form of rebar consists of simple steel bars. While effective at boosting internal strength, plain steel rebar often falls prey to corrosive forces as times goes on. As rust forms on outside of the embedded rebar, it exerts an increasing amount of pressure on the surrounding concrete.

Such internal pressure can cause the concrete slab to spontaneously crack, while also making the concrete must more vulnerable to damage caused by blows and compressive forces. The surface of the concrete may develop patches of spalling, creating rough, unattractive areas as the concrete chips and flakes away.

Epoxy-coated rebar prevents corrosion and the problems that it causes. Manufacturers cover the entire bar of rebar in a coating of epoxy. This water-impermeable layer minimizes the chances that corrosion will take hold of the rebar.

2. The Epoxy Coating Must Remain Undamaged for Optimal Results

The effectiveness of epoxy-coated rebar depends on the integrity of the epoxy layer. If the epoxy becomes chipped, torn, or otherwise damaged, the underlying steel becomes exposed. Even a tiny portion of damage allows corrosion to set in. Once rust has begun forming, it works its way under the remaining epoxy, thus undermining the coating entirely.

For this reason, contractors must exert care when transporting and installing epoxy-coated rebar. Likewise, contractors must show care regarding where and in what conditions the rebar is stored. The epoxycoating remains quite vulnerable to ultraviolet light, and will quickly degrade when left exposed to UV for too long. When stockpiling epoxy-coated rebar outdoors, therefore, contractors should always cover it with a UV-impermeable tarp or other form of protection.

Another critical factor involves installation temperature. Handling epoxy-coated rebar in temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit can cause the epoxy coating to crack.

3. Contractors Can Repair Damaged Epoxy Coating

To ensure long-term viability, workers should inspect every piece of rebar before placing it in a reinforcing framework. While this process can be somewhat time consuming, an upside does exist: contractors can often repair any pieces of rebar whose epoxy coating has suffered damage.

A contractor repairs epoxy-coated rebar using an appropriate patching material. The most common repair material involves a two-part epoxy coating, which the worker paints onto the rebar. First, however, the worker must thoroughly remove any corrosion present on the damaged area.

4. Epoxy-Coated Rebar Has Universal Applications

When correctly handled and installed, epoxy-coated rebar can benefit a wide variety of different concrete projects. The corrosion-resistance of epoxy-coated rebar makes it especially useful for structures located in marine environments, as well as for structures that regularly receive applications of deicing salts.

For instance, parking decks in the United States suffer roughly 600 million dollars worth of damage every year as the result of deicing salts. The use of epoxy-coated rebar in such structures can greatly reduce the cost of future repairs. For more information about the installation of epoxy-coated rebar, please contact the concrete pros at Jimenez Concrete Inc. We'll be happy to help you with any of your rebar needs.

4 Key Advantages of Exposed Aggregate Concrete

Tue, 04 Dec 2018 00:00:00 GMT

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Contractors have long prized concrete for its incredible durability and long lifespan. Yet the uniform grey appearance of standard concrete holds less appeal for homeowners interested in beautifying their property. Fortunately, concrete now comes in a wide variety of decorative styles, giving homeowners an unparalleled degree of aesthetic freedom.

One increasingly favored type of decorative concrete goes by the name of exposed aggregate concrete. Yet many homeowner still don't understand the qualities that have made exposed aggregate concrete so popular. This article takes a closer look at four of the most compelling benefits of exposed aggregate concrete.

1. Versatile Aesthetic Options

Exposed aggregate differs from regular concrete in two key ways. First, the top layer of aggregate visibly protrudes from the surface of the pavement. Second, instead of the drab gray gravel used as aggregate in regular concrete, homeowners can select from a wide array of decorative aggregates.

Such aggregates run the gamut in terms of color, shape, and size, allowing you to custom-create a one-ofa-kind concrete surface. The cement used to bind the aggregate together can also be tinted for further aesthetic interplay. And you can choose from more than just stone aggregates. Many people choose to incorporate polished chunks of glass, giving the concrete an added dimension of luminescence.

2. Improved Traction

For the most part, exposed aggregate concrete installation proceeds in much the same manner as regular concrete installation. Yet once the surface has been allowed to partially cure, contractors use water and nylon-bristled brushes to remove part of the cement from the surface. As a result, the aggregate at the top of the slab juts out.

Exposed aggregate concrete thus has a naturally stubby texture, one that gives it more traction than regular concrete, even when wet. Contractors can further enhance traction by altering the size of the aggregate particles used, as well as their shape and surface texture. For instance, raw stones tend to yield more traction than do polished ones.

3. Decreased Susceptibility to Spalling

One of the most common problems faced by regular concrete is spalling. Spalling often happens in wintertime, as the porous concrete absorbs water and dissolved de-icing salts. As temperatures drop, this salty mixture expands, creating large amounts of internal stress.

This stress weakens the surface layer of concrete, making the cement paste susceptible to cracking, crumbling, or shearing away under even normal pressures. Such spalling leaves the surface of the concrete looking rough and pitted. Not only does this reduce the visual appeal of the concrete, but it also hastens the rate of further wear.

Exposed aggregate concrete has a natural degree of immunity to spalling, since contractors have already removed the surface layer of cement paste during installation. To get the best longevity from an exposed aggregate surface, homeowners should have it sealed approximately every two years.

4. Improved Home Value

Surfaces made from exposed aggregate not only look and perform better, but they also add more long-term value to your home. Exposed aggregate driveways, in particular, add a level of curb appeal that can entice would-be buyers. According to a study in Australia , potential buyers overwhelmingly considered homes with exposed aggregate driveways more attractive and contemporary.

As a result, 75 percent of those surveyed indicated that exposed aggregate added 5 percent to the home's total value. 42 percent of respondents went a step farther, claiming that the exposed aggregate concrete added a whopping 10 percent to the home's market value. Should the time ever come to sell your home, exposed aggregate concrete surfaces can easily pay back your initial investment.

Exposed aggregate concrete has become one of the most popular forms of decorative concrete today. For more information about adding an exposed aggregate surface to your home, please contact San Jose's concrete pros at Jimenez Concrete Inc.

4 Key Advantages of Cellular Concrete

Wed, 10 Oct 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Cellular concrete consists of a mixture of water, cement, and pre-formed foam. Contractors and manufacturers sometimes refer to cellular concrete as foamed concrete. Because cellular concrete forgoes stone aggregate, and because the foam introduces a higher ratio of air, it has a much lower density than traditional concrete.

Cellular concrete possesses numerous benefits when it comes to certain types of building and restoration projects. Unfortunately, many people still fail to understand just what makes cellular concrete so special. This article seeks to increase your knowledge of the contemporary concrete world by outlining four key advantages of cellular concrete.

1. Lighter Weight

The defining feature of cellular concrete is its relatively high air content. The foam leaves behind evenly distributed cells of air in the hardened concrete, and the air may account for up to 80 percen t of cellular concrete's volume. That said, a contractor can carefully adjust the precise ratio of foam introduced to control the amount of air and end up with a desired density.

As you can imagine, the more air cellular concrete contains, the lighter it will be. Generally speaking, however, virtually all cellular concrete weighs less than its traditional equivalent. This characteristic gives it a distinct advantage when it comes to certain types of construction or repair tasks.

Cellular concrete allows builders to stay within strict weight management limits for certain types of buildings. Walls and floors constructed from cellular concrete place a much smaller load on a building's foundation, often allowing builders to construct taller structures. The light weight means it can even be used as a roofing material.

2. Better Thermal Insulation

The high air content of cellular concrete also produces a drastic effect in terms of thermal insulation. Just as with density, insulating power relates directly to the proportion of air in the concrete — more air increases the insulating power. As a result, structures built using cellular concrete tend to exhibit much better energy efficiency.

Manufacturers test a building material's insulating power according to R-value Higher R-values indicate a greater degree of insulation. One inch standard concrete, which has a density of 150 pounds per cubic foot, has an R-value of just 0.07 . Cellular concrete, at the extreme end of the spectrum, may have R-values as high as 2.0 per inch .

3. Improved Fire Resistance

All concrete possesses a natural degree of fire resistance. Yet not all concrete can withstand the same temperatures or for equal lengths of time. The same insulating properties that make cellular concrete such a great choice for energy efficiency also give it an improved ability to resist heat transfer, thus making it harder for fire to spread throughout a building.

Standard concrete that has been reinforced with rebar or other internal steel elements has a greater susceptibility to fire. As the heat from especially intense fires passes into the concrete, the metal rebar expands, creating internal stress. As a result, the concrete often succumbs to spalling damage.

To combat this weakness, concrete manufacturers often add monofilament polypropylene fibers to the mix. While effective, this strategy can drive up the cost of the concrete. The excellent insulating properties of cellular concrete offers an alternative way to resist spalling. Cellular concrete is also less likely to explode as the result of exposure to a high energy flame source.

4. More Cost-Effective

Most cellular concrete contains an ingredient known as fly ash, which promotes a greater degree of internal strength. Fly ash replaces some of the cement that would otherwise be used in the mix. This replacement tends to bring down the overall cost of the concrete, since fly ash is an industrial waste product that can be acquired for a fraction of the cost of cement.

Cellular concrete has become an increasingly popular building choice, thanks to its wealth of undeniable benefits. For more information about whether cellular concrete would make a good choice for your next construction project, please contact the pros at Jimenez Concrete Inc.

3 Key Goals of Concrete Compaction

Mon, 20 Aug 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Concrete is made up of three relatively simple ingredients: aggregate, cement, and water. Yet that doesn't make installing concrete a simple task. Contractors must account for a multitude of different factors in order to ensure optimal results, both in terms of appearance and long-term structural stability.

One of the most important aspects of concrete installation is compacting the concrete. Compaction occurs soon after the concrete has been poured into the forms that define its ultimate shape. If you would like to learn more about the process of compaction, and its critical role in concrete installation, keep reading. This article outlines three key goals of concrete compaction.

1. Reduce Entrapped Air Levels

Virtually all freshly poured concrete contains unintended pockets of entrapped air. Some of this air has existed inside the concrete since the mixing process. Yet more air becomes entrapped in the concrete during the process of placing it inside of its forms. The concrete often folds over itself as it is being poured, causing pockets of air to become trapped inside of it.

The difference between entrained air and entrapped air is important. Entrained air consists of small, evenly dispersed air bubbles. These bubbles tend to benefit concrete by creating space for the volume increase associated with freezing water during periods of cold weather.

Entrapped air, on the other hand, almost always has a detrimental effect on the concrete. The considerably larger voids associated with entrapped air reduce the durability and strength of the concrete.Entrapped air pockets that develop along the walls of forms will also negatively affect the appearance of the concrete.

During the process of compaction, workers agitate the poured concrete using one or more types of vibrators. These vibrations cause the aggregate particles in the concrete to rearrange themselves into tighter configurations, pushing pockets of entrapped air up toward the surface in the process. Compaction creates a uniform interior and thus increases long-term strength.

2. Increase Bond With Reinforcing Agents

Pockets of entrapped air will form naturally as workers pour concrete into even the most basic of forms. Yet the problem tends to grow worse for concrete structures that feature internal reinforcing agents such as rebar or steel mesh. As concrete hits the top of these elements and falls into place, larger pockets of entrapped air form around the reinforcing agents.

Not only does such entrapped air create the same problems discussed above, but also it greatly negates the intended benefits of the reinforcing agents. In order to increase the overall stability of the slab, those reinforcements must be as thoroughly surrounded by concrete as possible. Compacting ensures that the concrete forms a thorough bond with any and all reinforcing agents.

3. Ensure Fine Surface Finish

When installing things like driveways and floors, contractors achieve a smooth finish by leveling and floating the poured concrete. In that case, creating an even finish tends to be relatively easy because workers have direct access to the surface. Finishing becomes much more challenging, however, on vertical surfaces.

A worker has no way to smooth or level the side of a concrete wall because the wall will remain protected by its form until fully cured. Any entrapped air between the concrete and its vertical form will ultimately give the wall a rough and stubbly appearance. In some cases, such an appearance might be acceptable.

When creating interior concrete walls, builders tend to prefer a smooth, fine finish. Compacting the fresh concrete helps to push it against the form as uniformly as possible, removing any air bubbles that would negatively affect its appearance.

Compaction has a huge role to play in concrete installation. To ensure a smooth finish on your next concrete installation project, contact the experts at Jimenez Concrete Inc.

3 Key Benefits of Air-Entrained Concrete

Wed, 13 Jun 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Concrete is a ubiquitous part of the modern world and can be found virtually everywhere you go. While it can be easy to assume that all of this concrete has exactly the same structure and makeup, actually, a surprising degree of variation exists. By changing the proportions, additives, or manufacturing methods, contractors can create concrete blends for highly specific needs.

One of the most interesting forms of concrete goes by the name of air-entrained concrete. More and more contractors are turning to air-entrained concrete to complete their building and paving jobs. If you would like to learn more about the basis for this growing popularity, keep reading. This article will outline three key benefits of air-entrained concrete.

1. Workability

Contractors commonly evaluate concrete in terms of workability. This term identifies how easily the concrete can be poured, leveled, and compacted — in short, how easy it is to work with. Traditionally, to create a mix with better workability, contractors would have to add more water.

Unfortunately, as concrete's water level increases, its strength rapidly drops off. Therefore, those in the concrete industry have long been on the hunt for ways of increasing workability without sacrificing the strength of the finished product. The process known as air entrainment allows contractors to achieve just this elusive goal.

Air-entrained concrete increases workability by introducing millions — if not billions — of microscopic air bubbles into the wet concrete. These air bubbles function almost like a sort of lubricant, allowing the larger chunks of aggregate to flow past one another more smoothly.

Be aware that air-entrained concrete still sacrifices a little bit of strength. Generally, the compressive strength of air-entrained concrete goes down by 3 to 7 percent. Most contractors consider this a reasonable trade-off for the workability benefits since adding extra water would reduce compressive strength to a much larger degree.

2. Water Resistance

There can be little doubt that the Achilles' heel of concrete is water. The porous nature of concrete allows water to easily penetrate it. This water expands as it freezes, creating stresses that may crack or weaken the concrete. A large percentage of concrete damage can be traced back to water.

Air-entrained concrete has a noteworthy advantage in this department. All of the void spaces created as the air bubbles harden give the concrete a natural buffer against freezing water. The bubbles' additional volume gives the freezing water room to safely expand. As a result, the water doesn't press against the concrete with nearly as much pressure.

3. Segregation

Segregation is an unwanted phenomenon that occurs after concrete has been poured in place. It involves the separation of the concrete's main ingredients as heavier aggregate particles move downward towards the bottom of the slab. This downward migration gives rise to a closely-related phenomenon known as bleeding.

As the heavier particles move downward, they displace a certain volume of water — literally pushing it back upwards toward the surface. Excessive bleeding weakens the concrete by preventing the cement from fully bonding with the aggregate. The resulting slab will thus be much more likely to suffer from issues like cracking and spalling.

Air-entrained concrete reduces the ill-effects of segregation. Instead of pushing all the way back to the surface, the displaced water pushes into the air bubbles. While this reduces the number of bubbles, it performs a much greater good by allowing water to remain more evenly distributed throughout the slab.

Air-entrained concrete allows contractors to more easily install concrete surfaces while also promoting stronger results. For more information about whether air-entrained concrete would be a good choice for your next concrete project, please contact San Jose's experts at Jimenez Concrete Inc.

The Differences Between Concrete Curing and Sealing

Sat, 14 Apr 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Concrete is one of the best possible materials for constructing a driveway, garage, or sidewalk. This clear superiority stems in large part from the incredible durability and damage resistance of concrete. Yet many homeowners overestimate the strength of concrete, treating it as though it were completely invincible to damage.

This attitude overlooks the fact that concrete can be subject to many different forms of damage if not protected properly. Fortunately, many different strategies exist for protecting your concrete, and thus extending its lifespan. The curing process — including the use of curing compounds — will predict future durability to a large degree.

Once the concrete has hardened, many homeowners choose to apply sealers to further boost damage resistance. If you would like to learn more about these two strategies for protecting concrete, read on. This article will help to expand your concrete knowledge by discussing the key differences between curing and sealing.

Curing

Once forms have been erected, and the concrete poured into place, it must be allowed to cure undisturbed until it has reached a fully hardened state. To a large extent, this process takes place passively. In other words, you and your contractor will have to wait several days until the concrete has finished the process of crystallizing.

Yet the conditions under which the curing process takes place will play a huge role in its ultimate strength. The key factor here is evaporation. If too much water evaporates out of the surface, plastic shrinkage cracks will occur. This network of fine cracks will mar the appearance of the concrete.

Excessive evaporation will also result in much weaker concrete. As time goes on, such concrete will be more prone to developing forms of damage such as cracks, potholes, and spalling. To control evaporation and promote even curing, many concrete contractors utilize what are known as curing compounds.

Contractors apply these liquid compounds to the surface of the concrete shortly after pouring it into the forms. First, however, the surface must be leveled and smoothed through the use of bull floats and other tools. The compound may then be applied by a worker armed with a sprayer wand.

A curing compound acts to limit the volume of water lost through evaporator. The curing compound does so by forming an impermeable liquid membrane on top of the concrete. Curing compounds have been proven to improve the internal strength of concrete by increasing the curing time, allowing the water and the cement to combine more thoroughly.

Sealing

Curing compounds clearly yield stronger concrete. Yet, that doesn't mean that these compounds will prevent all forms of damage. Physical damage caused by objects striking the surface of the concrete can still lead to cracks and chipping. Likewise, exposure to substances such as water and motor oil can weaken and ultimately damage the concrete.

To prevent such forms of damage, wise homeowners often choose to have contractors apply a sealer to the surface of their concrete. A sealer forms a hardened layer on top of your concrete. This physical barrier protects the concrete from shocks while also preventing damaging substances from coming into direct contact with it.

Sealer will effectively extend the lifespan of virtually any concrete surface. To get the best results, however, you will want to consult with an experienced concrete contractor about the right type of sealer for you. A variety of different sealers exist on the market, each with a particular set of strengths and weaknesses.

Curing and sealing represent two key ways to get the most from your concrete investment. For more information about the right curing and sealing methods for your concrete, please contact the experts at Jimenez Concrete Inc.

The Benefits of Hiring a Professional to Install Your Concrete Surface

Wed, 14 Feb 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Concrete is used to create a number of surfaces around a home or business. Concrete is commonly used to form driveways, walkways, foundations, retaining walls, garage floors, and pool decks. When you are looking to install a new concrete surface or have an old one replaced, you may find yourself thinking about doing it yourself.

Large concrete surfaces can be more challenging and laborious to install than the average person realizes. There are many benefits to hiring a concrete installer to complete the work for you. Learning these benefits will help you make an informed decision about doing it yourself or hiring a concrete contractor. Here are three of the benefits of hiring a professional to install your concrete surface.

Correctly Preparing the Site

Before contractors can bring concrete to a job site, they have to prepare it first. This involves leveling or grading the ground and determining the depth at which the concrete surface needs to be poured.

One of the common mistakes that do-it-yourselfers make when preparing a site is not thinking about drainage. When your concrete gets wet, typically due to rain or sprinklers, the water needs to go somewhere. If your concrete is not graded or sloped or is improperly graded, the water can flow into your basement, home, or flood portions of your yard.

Another common mistake that a do-it-yourselfer makes is making the concrete surface too thin or too think. The optimal thickness varies on the type of concrete you're using, how the concrete is being used and the weather conditions. If the concrete is too thin, it can crack or wear faster. If it is too thick, it may not properly cure or harden.

A professional knows how to properly grade and slope your concrete, and find the correct thickness, to prevent these common mistakes.

Selecting and Properly Mixing the Concrete

Did you know that there are different mixes of concrete available? Some contain more sand or reinforced materials, while others may contain more aggregate material or water. Selecting the right mix and then properly mixing the concrete is important.

The right mix helps to ensure that your concrete surface withstands the rigors that you put it through, the weather elements where you live and is able to cure based on the conditions that are present when you laid the concrete.

If you attempt to install a concrete surface yourself, you may select the wrong type of concrete without realizing it. This can affect the lifespan of your concrete surface. A professional knows how to select and mix the correct type of mixture for your project.

Leveling and Smoothing Before Concrete Cures

After you pour concrete, there is a limited amount of time in which the concrete can be leveled and smoothed before it begins to harden. Once it begins to harden, it can no longer be smoothed or leveled.
It takes do-it-yourselfers longer to smooth and level concrete because they are not used to doing this task.

Unfortunately, if they do not smooth or level the surface before the concrete hardens, there is not an easy or inexpensive way to solve the problem. When this occurs, concrete leveling must be done by a professional or the surface must be removed and installed.

A professional has the experience and skill set to come in and ensure your concrete surface is level and smoothed before the concrete begins to cure.

Are you looking to have concrete work done in the greater San Jose area? If so, Jimenez Concrete Inc. is here to help you. We specialize in concrete installation, replacement and repair services for homeowners, contractors and businesses. Contact us today to discuss your concrete needs with us and obtain a quote.

Stamped Concrete Installation, Step by Step

Wed, 20 Dec 2017 00:00:00 GMT

When many people think of concrete, the image that comes to mind is a boring and frankly unattractive expanse of hard, grey pavement. However, concrete actually possesses a wide aesthetic range, one that is seemingly expanding day by day. Concrete is now capable of closely mimicking a variety of natural substances—often at a fraction of the cost.

One of the most exciting new techniques in the world of decorative concrete is known as stamped concrete. This technique allows a contractor to closely replicate the look of natural paving materials such as slate and stone. If you would like to learn more about this exciting new development, read on. This article will outline the process by which stamped concrete is installed.

Preparation and Pouring

A stamped concrete surface begins its existence much like ordinary concrete. First the site must be carefully excavated. In order to ensure an even surface, the ground must be carefully leveled. It must also be compacted, as uncompacted soil is much more likely to shift and sink in ways that can cause cracks to form on the surface of the concrete.

Once the paving area has been leveled and compacted, wooden forms are erected around the perimeter. These act to corral the wet concrete, and they must be sturdy enough to resist its not-insignificant weight. At this point, standard concrete would be left alone to cure to hardness. But with stamped concrete, this curing process is only allowed to proceed partway.

Coloring the Concrete

One of the nice things about stamped concrete is that it can be colored in a wide variety of shades. This feature allows it to more closely mimic natural substances. Coloring is accomplished using a substance referred to as color hardener. A concrete installer applies this dry powder once the concrete has cured long enough that there is no longer any bleed water sitting on the surface.

The application of color hardener involves flinging handfuls of the powder across the still-damp surface. While this may sound simple enough, it takes an even hand and a lot of experience to broadcast the hardener evenly. Once dispersed, the hardener soaks up water for a few minutes, during which time the dye seeps outward into the concrete.

The surface is then smoothed over using a concrete float. This helps to ensure that the color is consistent across the entire surface. If necessary, a contractor may choose to repeat the process. This is only necessary if there are noticeable areas where the dye was not evenly dispersed.

Applying Release Agent

With the concrete now tinted to the desired shade, it must now be prepared for the stamping process itself. Stamping is accomplished by means of special plastic mats that are pressed into the semi-hard surface, leaving behind indentations that give it appearance of natural paving. If one was to jump right into stamping at this point, however, the results would be messy, thanks to the tendency of the mats to stick to the surface.

So-called release agent is applied first to reduce the likelihood of the mats becoming stuck during removal. This in turn ensures that the resulting lines will be crisp, clean, and completely convincing. Release agent may either come in the form of a powder, which is broadcast much like the color hardener, or a liquid, which is sprayed across the surface with a special spray wand.

Stamping the Concrete

Finally it is time for the stamping process to take place. These interlocking pieces of plastic are applied along one edge of the concrete. Workers stamp them down, then carefully lift them up and place them down again in a new row. In this manner, the installer works their way across the entire surface, leaving behind imprinted lines designed to suggest the shapes of natural paving materials.

Getting the Job Done

Now that you have a better idea of how stamped concrete installation proceeds, you can appreciate just how subtle an art it is. In other words, only concrete contractors with years of experience should be trusted with this job. For more information, please don't hesitate to contact the industry experts at Jimenez Concrete Inc .

3 Things to Consider When Designing Your Dream Patio Space

Wed, 16 Aug 2017 00:00:00 GMT

Making periodic updates to your home may improve appeal and function, but certain projects can increase your home's total value. Considering an estimated 51 percent of buyers want a home with an outdoor living space, installing a patio will be a smart decision. Not only will it add space for entertaining and relaxing outdoors with friends and family, but a patio will also make your home more appealing and valuable if you ever need to sell.

Of course, designing a patio in your backyard may seem overwhelming due to the various styles and materials available today. If you are hoping to improve your home's function, look and value with a patio, use this guide and your contractor's help to design the perfect outdoor living space.

Material

Most homeowners are surprised to learn how many different materials can be used to create a patio. From bricks and stone pavers to gravel and reclaimed wood, there are many options to consider. However, concrete allows you to create a durable, attractive and functional patio in the most affordable way.

In the past, most patios were simple slabs of gray concrete. Although functional, these slab patios lacked style, which should be an important part of your outdoor living space.

Today's concrete patios are more stylish since they can be installed in different shapes and sizes, tinted in various colors and stamped to create unique patterns.

To create a patio that resembles natural stone, consider tinted concrete with accent colors and faux grout lines. For a bit of texture and definition, opt for a stamped concrete patio in gray with a darker-colored border.

With all the different design options available, a concrete patio will be anything but boring.

Shape

Your patio does not have to be a simple square or rectangle shape off of your deck or back door. To add style to your backyard area, consider curved edges or rounded designs that wrap around your home.

When designing the shape of your patio, be sure to consider functionality. Your patio should not have so many curves and angles that placing furniture and entertaining guests will become awkward

Size

Figuring out what size patio will work is another factor that can be confusing. You may think larger is better since it will accommodate your family's needs, but a patio that is too big for your home's style and backyard size may appear overdone and out of place. This mismatched appearance can decrease the patio's appeal and value.

To determine what size patio is best, focus on your needs first. Calculate how many people you are likely to entertain at one time. You should also take furniture placement into consideration, ensuring your patio will be sized to accommodate sufficient seating or dining space for you and your guests.

If you will need a long dining table that will allow you to seat numerous guests, make sure the patio is long enough for this larger piece of furniture. If you prefer conversational seating, your patio should be wide and long enough to place outdoor chairs, sofas and occasional tables.

A 10 feet by 10 feet will create an intimate space for two. This smaller size may not be visually appealing. For a patio attached to your home, opt for a minimum size of 10 feet by 20 feet, which will balance out the size of your home and backyard.

From deciding on the material and basic shape to choosing an overall size, designing a patio can become challenging. Fortunately, the professionals at Jimenez Concrete Inc. can help you design and install the outdoor space of your dreams.

Color-Stamped Concrete

Mon, 12 Jun 2017 00:00:00 GMT

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If you want to have a new driveway installed at your home to increase its curb appeal, then you may have considered a cobblestone or brick driveway but then quickly realized that the cost of having either option installed would make a bigger dent in your bank account than you can handle right now.

You likely know that a concrete driveway is a more affordable option but may think that it won't increase your home's curb appeal due to a belief that all concrete driveways look dull and gray.

If this sounds like you, then you likely haven't heard of color stamped concrete and how it can mimic the appearance of many pricier driveway materials while costing just a fraction of the price. In fact, stamped concrete can be used to mimic the appearance of so many materials that it may open your eyes to many new driveway design options you never even knew existed.

Just how can concrete be made to look like so many other materials, and what are your stamped concrete design options? Read on to learn the answers to these questions and more.

The Installation of Color Stamped Concrete

Unlike cobblestone, brick, and other driveway pavers that have a time-intensive installation process due to an expert’s having to lay each paver that will make up the driveway one by one, a stamped concrete driveway can be installed much more quickly. Since concrete is so durable, the finished driveway will also last much longer than many of the materials the concrete can imitate in appearance.

Just how is color stamped concrete made to look like other materials? Concrete professionals perform these steps to install a color-stamped concrete driveway:

1. Concrete is laid. First, your concrete expert will lay a wet concrete base. (Yes, this concrete is gray, but during the next few steps, it will be transformed!) The contractor then has to wait until the concrete reaches a specific level of hardness, called plasticity, before proceeding to the coloring process.

2. Color is applied. To perform the first step of the coloring process, your contractor will apply a special colorant powder called a color hardener to the concrete. To complete the second step of the process, your concrete expert will apply another product called a color release agent.

3. Concrete is stamped with a design. Your concrete professional will, again, wait until your concrete has reached a desired level of plasticity and then begin the stamping process. The stamp used is molded from the exact material the concrete will be mimicking. The stamp is first pressed into one area of your driveway and then moved to stamp another area. The process is repeated until your entire driveway is stamped.

4. Finishing touches are performed. While the concrete is still slightly wet, your concrete professional will perfect the design, remove any excess colorant, and apply a special concrete curing agent. The concrete is then allowed to harden completely, or cure, before the final steps are performed.

5. Joints are installed and concrete is sealed. Like in all concrete driveways, your concrete expert will take care to place a few joints into your driveway to help ensure it lasts many years without cracking. A special sealant is then applied to not only seal in the concrete color but also give your driveway a sheen and further protect it. This sealant actually makes stamped concrete driveways even more durable than their non-stamped counterparts.

Once your concrete professional finishes installing your color stamped concrete driveway and it has fully cured, you can look forward to enjoying your beautiful driveway for decades with little maintenance. The only maintenance that may be needed is a fresh application of concrete sealant every few years or as recommended by your concrete expert.

The Selection of Color-Stamped Concrete Designs

There are numerous concrete colorants and stamp patterns available to concrete professionals today. However, not all concrete services have access to all concrete stamps on the market today, so speak with the representative of the concrete service you plan to have install your stamped concrete driveway, such as Jimenez Concrete Inc. , to see which color and design options they offer.

However, just a few of the most popular stamped concrete designs available today include Edinburg cobblestone, London cobblestone, Ashlar cut slate, Herringbone brick, European fan, and Santa Barbara tile.

Concrete color options include tan, walnut, pink, shades of red, shades of blue, and even shades of green.

If you want to improve the curb appeal of your home by having a fresh new driveway installed but don't want to take a huge blow to your bank account, then realize you can do both. You can install color stamped concrete that mimics the appearance of the pricier material you wish you could afford at a fraction of the price. Speak to a concrete service, such as Jimenez Concrete Inc. , to discuss your color stamped concrete options.