Stamped Concrete Maintenance, Repair and Sealing - blog by concrete experts MODE CONCRETE, in Kelowna BC

This is the time of year to go outside and check how your concrete is looking before the freeze/thaw temperatures get too extreme.  We specialize in concrete staining, stamped concrete, exposed aggregate concrete, cement driveways, patios, sidewalks, swimming pool decks.

Here is stamped concrete, that we resealed for this client.  Check out those views?!?!  

This is why all the local's love to call the Okanagan 'home.'

Here is some stamped concrete, that we resealed and maintained for our Kelowna client.  

This is the perfect time to maintain your concrete... before winter sets in.

Exterior Concrete Repair and Maintenance Tips

• To extend the life of concrete, you’ll want to keep it well-maintained. After your concrete is poured and cured, applying concrete sealer to the surface is the final step (sealing usually done 1 or 2 months after pouring). Concrete sealer cost is not cheap but this final stage will vastly improve the durability of the driveway. Expect to pay $0.50 to $0.85 per square foot for one application or coating of sealer (which usually includes the cost of pressure washing the surface).  Anti slip additives or repairing chips and cracks can increase this cost a little. 
• Sealers will keep your concrete protected from moisture by creating a barrier between the environment and the concrete. Without a protective sealer, moisture will penetrate the cracks and freeze in very cold weather, which will eventually deteriorate the concrete and increase the size of any cracks or chips.
• Not all concrete sealers are alike (even those in the same product category), and no sealer will last forever. Depending on the type of products used and exposure conditions, a sealer should last anywhere from 1 to 3 years. 
• If you have a sealer buildup on the surface from multiple sealer applications over the years, stripping the sealers may be required periodically.  We would recommend stripping your concrete if your sealer is flaking in spots, holes are developing, you have a cloudy appearance throughout the sealer, there are dull spots, blistering or bubbles.  The best way to assess any of these symptoms, is to call a concrete sealing professional in your area to come check out the situation in person. Stripping sealers is a messy process and can either be done chemically or mechanically.  
• Be careful with ice-melting salts as this may create a chemical reaction and eat away at your sealers and stains.  Read the labels of any products you use, or reapply sealers every year if you are using melting salts regularly.  
• Concrete naturally shifts, moves and cracks with environmental changes, the temperature and with age. Easily repaired, patched, or filled, these cracks are usually only cosmetic and not structural or unsafe (but every project is different). An experienced concrete contractor should easily be able to assess your project, give you options, show you samples and work with you to achieve the results you desire.  A concrete professional can help talk you through all the options available to you depending on the state of the concrete and your budget.

When you hire Mode Concrete, you hire a professional contractor that always stays on budget and on schedule! From the moment you hire Mode Concrete, you'll notice why our clients give us amazing referrals and recommendations.  

MODE CONCRETE specializes in high quality concrete design, fabrication, finishing, repair, maintenance and luxury outdoor living spaces. Contact us today for a free design consultation and written estimate (for Kelowna area clients)!

• References:
• Concrete Driveways: Poring Over the Pros and Cons - Houzzhttp://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/2459366/list/Concrete-Driveways--Poring-Over-the-Pros-and-Cons
• 2012 Concrete Driveway Cost Guide for Repair or Replacement - Driveway Guidehttp://www.drivewayguide.com/guides/cost-of-concrete-driveway-repairs-and-replacement/
• Pros and Cons of a Concrete Driveway - About.com http://garages.about.com/od/buildingagarage/a/Pros-And-Cons-Of-A-Concrete-Driveway.html

Concrete Restoration, Sealing and Repair - servicing Kelowna and the Okanagan

Properly maintaining, sealing, repairing, and protecting your concrete will increase the longevity of your concrete and resale value of your home.  Many times when new or existing concrete cracks or needs a repair, our clients are discouraged because they aren't aware of the many options available.  They usually assume the worst, and think that replacing the concrete is the best option.  Concrete naturally shifts, moves and cracks with environmental changes and with age.  Easily repaired, patched, or filled, these cracks are usually only cosmetic and not structural or unsafe (but every project is different). An experienced concrete contractor should easily be able to assess your project, give you options, show you samples and work with you to achieve the results you desire.

MODE CONCRETE specializes in high end decorative concrete applications, concrete sealing, concrete restoration and concrete crack repairs.  We have been trusted by many people in the Okanagan for their custom concrete needs over the years.  We only use high quality products and whether you have a concrete repair, or you want your aged concrete refinished and rejuvenated, MODE CONCRETE can help.  

For this client (pictured above), we were asked to come in and repair all the cracks in this architectural wall, of this modern custom home in the Okanagan.  We were able to color match the concrete perfectly, and fill all the cracks and chips.  We then applied a matte sealer on the walls, to make sure there was a protective barrier on the concrete before the homeowners moved in.

We service the Okanagan and always make sure our customers love us, and refer us to their friends.  If  you want to hire the best quality concrete contractor, contact MODE CONCRETE, for a new level of service and customer satisfaction.

Add Excitement to a Beautiful Fireplace with a Concrete Hearth

Concrete has become the new material of choice for designers around the world.  Custom concrete is leading the way in design, innovation, longevity and style.  If you are looking to add some style to your home, office or exterior living space, concrete can add a punch of personality to any space.  From hearths to furniture, concrete is the perfect solution for many people.

Inside or outside, the strength of concrete easily stands up to weather and the intense heat of fire. All custom concrete hearths and fireplace mantles are sealed with top quality sealers which protects against staining and porosity.

The best thing we have noticed about concrete around a fire feature is that it embraces the heat, ash, wood, and gains character over time.  With concrete we embrace the freckles, veins and imperfections that naturally occur as the concrete ages.  It is totally raw, one-of-a-kind, incredibly strong, hand cast, hand honed, and 100% customizable.  If you want to use the best and most innovative decorative concrete contractors in the Okanagan, call us today for a free estimate.

A curved concrete hearth that MODE CONCRETE recently completed.

Concrete Patios, Concrete Stairs, Concrete Slabs and Forming - We are Concrete Experts Servicing Kelowna and the Okanagan

A recently completed concrete patio slab and custom concrete stairs.

MODE CONCRETE cares about the little details.  We bring the latest European concrete techniques, concrete products and  concrete design ideas to the Okanagan.  

We travel often to educate ourselves and source products worldwide, keeping us ahead of the trends and competition.  If you hire MODE CONCRETE for your next custom concrete project, you will be impressed immediately with our knowledge, quality of workmanship and customer dedication.  

We are available for free onsite estimates.  Contact us today to make a booking!  250.864.6566

Concrete Patios, Driveways and Floors - created by the MODE CONCRETE experts

This broom finished concrete patio slab, is a project that we recently completed for a client in Lake Country. 

 MODE CONCRETE can help you redo or construct your concrete slab, patio, or pool deck.

MODE CONCRETE SERVICES INCLUDE

Exposed Aggregate: 

Exposed aggregate concrete has a concrete finish, then pressure cleaned to expose the stone at the surface. Great for driveways, entertainment areas and footpaths. 

Stamped, Coloured and Stained Effects:

Stamped concrete, commonly referred to as patterned concrete or imprinted concrete is designed to resemble brick, slate, flagstone, stone, tile and even wood. Stamped concrete can be used for pool decks, driveways, entries, courtyards, and patios. 

Concrete can assume nearly any shape, design, pattern or texture, one of its most distinguishing features of decorative concrete is colour and sheen, whether used subtly to blend with nature or boldly to make a dramatic design statement.  

Acid Staining concrete is a popular application for transforming concrete slabs. Unique outcomes can be achieved by combining colours and application techniques on cement flooring.

Sidewalks 

Concrete walkways or sidewalks can provide curb appeal to homes and buildings, and are becoming a point of artistic expression by way of a multitude of decorative concrete options. Plain gray concrete is still the most common surface installed; however, we can personalize anything to match your house or personal style. 

Driveways

Deciding on driveway material is easy: asphalt or concrete. Concrete choices have expanded to include an array of decorative options. Decorative concrete is one of the most reasonable ways to spruce up the entrance to your home.  Although plain gray concrete is still installed most often, more people are catching on to the alluring effects possible with decorative concrete - especially acid staining (our favorite)!

Patios and Floors

Outdoor patios and floors, concrete pool decks, a coloured, textured and inviting area, a safe, slip-resistant deck can be designed for you.  Our decorative specialist can help give as much detail and attention to your patios and floors as the interior design of your home.  

Decorative concrete has allowed home owners to create exteriors that can complement their homes, bond with the outdoor environment, and imitate traditionally expensive materials such as slate, stone or even wood - endless options for your space! 

Engineered Slabs and Curbing

There are many variations of concrete slabs depending on the purpose of the slab.

Residential, Commercial and Industrial

All of our stunning concrete services are available for residential, commercial and industrial properties.

Acid Staining and Sealing Concrete

We specialize in acid staining and sealing concrete surfaces.

Concrete acid staining is an exciting medium with a hidden natural beauty revealed spontaneously by reactive chemical stain. Each concrete pad will stain uniquely according to variations in surface density, texture, porosity, and composition.  Observe beautiful patterns of marbling, mottling, veining, speckling to resemble stone, leather, clouds, etc.  Our preferred method of coloring concrete, the acid stain penetrates and becomes integral to the concrete, so it will never fade or peel. We have many great dyes and pigment options available.  Acid staining is great for driveways, patios, concrete floors (garage, basement), concrete slabs or anything concrete.  We can also etch a pattern into the concrete - endless design options!

MODE CONCRETE can apply a wide range of concrete sealers.  Concrete walls, driveways, patios, sidewalks, floors, any concrete surface.  Different sheens available (matte or glossy), protects your concrete, and adds years of life to your concrete. 

We service both residential and commercial clients.  We are an Okanagan owned company, and our goal is to exceed our customers expectations every time!  Contact us for more information or for a free estimate.

Outdoor Living Mini Expo - Kelowna BC - June 23 2012

Outdoor Living Mini Expo

Tired of making the rounds to find pieces for your outdoor living space? Sun Country Furniture and Mode Concrete are hosting a one stop shopping expo on June 23 that will save you time and inspire your outdoor living decisions...

We have assembled artisans and suppliers of unique and inspired outdoor living products that will change the way you look at your outdoor space, including...

· A taste of Clementi Italian outdoor wood ovens  - a chef will be firing up a Clementi oven and showing us how to cook pizza and bread, the Italian way!  Can you say delizioso?!

· Sun Country’s latest shipment of  stunning outdoor furniture and accessories

· Mode Concrete’s concrete furniture line

· Outdoor grills from Luxor Outdoor Kitchen Products

· Brazilian Grills custom stainless outdoor kitchen kits

· Modfire  a modern take on outdoor fireplaces, custom made by Arizona artisans

· Granite Outdoor lighting and speaker systems

· Mode Concrete’s luxury custom outdoor kitchens

Giveaway  draw – Acid Stained Grape Scene (17” x 33”) by Mode Concrete—$700 Value

Entrants are encouraged to make a donation to Kids Care upon entering draw.

For additional information, please contact:

Gareth Tyrrell - modeconcrete@shaw.ca