How does the RestoraCrete process hold up?

The RestoraCrete coloring agent was invented and patented in 1989, making it a one-of-a-kind product designed for Theme Parks, used in places like Disneyland and Universal Studios where beauty, low liability and the ability to withstand high traffic came together. Therefore, our product is designed to soak in and bond with the “substrate” of the concrete. The color consequently holds up as well as the actual concrete to the things mentioned unlike concrete stains which sit on top of the concrete and begin to peel, bubble, chip and crack.  Even snow shoveling and plowing have no more affect on the coloring agent than it does on raw concrete.

Can RestoraCrete match colors?

Color is a very tricky subject.  Choosing a color off a compouter or printed color chart is not recommended.  These tools are simply used to provide direction to the client.  What one person thinks matches another could think it does not.  Depending on the sudn, shade, time of day, perception and varying manufacturing naunces, the color is never exact.  All of our customers understand prior to our work that the color will vary.  Our goal is to acheive our customers desires, however there are extenuating circumstances beyond anybody's control such as condition, texture, and moisture of concrete.  Even newly installed concrete cannot have the prediction that some clients may want. RestoraCrete prides itself in meeting these expectations and our level of communicating correctly has promotes a high percentage of client satisfaction. 

What happens if a section of concrete has to be replaced, how about a color match after weathering?

The answer to this question makes men who have done this type of work in the past stand up and clap.  First of all, you can refresh the driveway to its original beauty with a light pressure wash and one coat up to three years after, which is why RestoraCrete keeps our clients happy and hiring us again in the future.    

Our customers can change colors without stripping! Just pressure wash and add two coats of the new color!
Thirdly, repaired concrete (pale white with the 3ft X 5ft gray patch of fresh concrete) can be colored with two coats to produce a perfectly even finish where the repair is made invisible.  We even have a “concrete color” that makes your repaired driveway, patio, etc. completely even and makes it look like you poured the concrete yesterday!

How do you handle the expansion joints – do they get coated as well? If so will that impact their ability to expand? 

Expansion joints, as well as cracks, due to the color being absorbed into the concrete, are muted, softened in their appearance unlike concrete stains that magnify them and make them scream at you.  No impact is made on the concrete’s ability to expand and contract.

Will it work on concrete pavers as well?

RestoraCrete’s colors pavers exactly like raw concrete. Any cement based material will take to the our product.  

Once applied, will the application protect the concrete from further deterioration?

This coloring agent will slow the deterioration of concrete down.  Due to the coloring agent absorbing deep into the concrete, however, mildew and mold have less of a place to call home and therefore RestoraCrete reduces the speed at which they reform which helps the concrete look pretty and last longer. The product is only as strong as the concrete to which it is applied.

How much will it cost to Restore the color in my concrete?

Industry standards range from $2 -$4 per square foot.  The variable in this price is based on the amont of preparation and type of finish color requested and size of project.  We have performed jobs from 500 square feet to 15000 square feet. 

Is your company a Franchise? 

RestoraCrete is not franchised at all in the technical sense and, therefore, no territorial restrictions.  We do have dealers throughout other areas who embrace our system of concrete color restoration and are certified.  If you are a contractor interested in our growing business feel free to contact us to discuss the business opportunity.

What Causes Efflorescence?

Efflorescence occurs with all concrete and is the most frequent problem that concrete contractors face with colored concrete. Owners don't care about “plain” concrete, but colored concrete is another matter. They complain that their contractor didn't give them the color they ordered, and sometimes they withhold payment.Efflorescence is caused when soluble salts and other water dispersible materials come to the surface of concrete and mortars. It's induced by low temperatures, moist conditions, condensation, rain, dew, and water added to the surface of fresh concrete to assist troweling. It can occur very soon after exposure to moist or cool conditions or gradually, especially when it comes from within the concrete or from the subgrade.Any material containing portland cement results in efflorescence. The most usual reaction occurs when calcium hydroxide (lime) formed in the hydration reaction of portland cement (approximately 140 pounds per cubic yard of concrete) is transported by water to the surface through capillaries in the concrete. There it combines with carbon dioxide from the air to produce calcium carbonate (an insoluble material) and water. But efflorescence can also be caused by hydroxides and sulfates of either sodium or potassium, which are much more soluble in water than calcium. And they form efflorescence more rapidly than calcium hydroxide. These salts can come from cement, aggregates, water, or admixtures.Efflorescence is normally white and shows up more on darker colors than white or light gray because of the contrast. Only 0.2 ounce of calcium carbonate per square yard of surface is needed to cause a significant shift in color. Some forms are very difficult (if not impossible) to remove, while others are easy—especially if they are removed right after they form.

Removing efflorescence The easiest time to remove calcium hydroxide efflorescence is before it combines with carbon dioxide. Up to this time it will dissolve in water, so pressure washing or wet scrubbing will put it in solution with water so it can be rinsed away. You must be careful to rinse the surface with fresh water so that no residue is left to dry on the concrete. Use an air jet or a wet vacuum to remove any standing water. Any remaining solution will cause new efflorescence to appear.When efflorescence proceeds to the calcium carbonate phase, it becomes insoluble and is much more difficult to remove—perhaps impossible. The application of a mild acid solution becomes the first course of action. These acids include vinegar (5% acetic acid), muriatic acid, or citric acid. Muriatic acid is purchased in full strength and must be diluted. So it's the most dangerous, requiring proper safety gear.After acid washing, slabs should be rinsed thoroughly and neutralized with baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) or an equivalent. Acid residues can harm plants. The reaction products of acid on concrete are all soluble calcium and iron salts, which can cause more efflorescence.When efflorescence can't be removed with acid washes, other commercial products are available. One is ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA), which rapidly dissolves calcium salts. EDTA will also damage concrete, so it's best to test it on an inconspicuous sample area first.

Preventing efflorescence There are a few things you can do to reduce the possibility of efflorescence. Including either Class-F fly ash or metakaolin can lock up significant amounts of calcium hydroxide in the concrete. And as stated earlier, the efflorescence reaction is driven by water, either water from above or below a slab. Only vapor barriers can prevent the movement of moisture from the subgrade to the surface of a slab. And the application of sealers and coatings can prevent surface water from penetrating slabs. Apply them as soon as surfaces are clean and dry.

What’s the warranty period? Is it guaranteed against fading?

The warranty is against any product defect and states the product will be replaced at no charge and since you can change colors without stripping, no harm done.  Quality control is one of the strengths.  All warranties and EPA regulatory approvals are extended to RestoraCrete.com.  Fading occurs due to a myriad of variables including UV rays, weather, traffic, frost/freeze cycles, etc. The product is only as strong as the concrete it is applied to, therefore there is no guarantee against fading. BUT that is why we enroll every client into our refresh for life program.