Yeah, that's why my pool builder suggested against it. Instead all of my hard surfaces around the pool is all poured concrete base and natural stone on the top. More expensive but hassle free.skoalman123 wrote: ↑ That's from the combination of freeze thaw and a poor install. In a couple of the pictures you can see holes, where the surface wasn't closed off properly. Water gets into the holes, freezes, expands, and this is the result. Biggest issue with stamped concrete is the water sits in the uneven surfaces, and causes all kinds of issues.
That’s the route I went when choosing between stamped and basic sidewalk design. While the look of stamped was a huge plus....the cons of cost, discolouration, slippery, etc.... brought me back to basic sidewalk.. And you can add color (which they mix in the truck) so the color isn’t just in the surface as the top color on patterned has. Also can go with a fanned look finish as opposed to straight broom to dress it up a little more. I went with straight broom to maximize winter grip. Mind you a basic sidewalk can still spall if not maintained correctly. I just use sand, no salt.
Often it’s contractors not using the proper concrete. “How about the air entrainment”?. It’s adds about $12 per m3. Or 8% to concrete cost. Not a lot of money for a better mix!skoalman123 wrote: ↑ That's from the combination of freeze thaw and a poor install. In a couple of the pictures you can see holes, where the surface wasn't closed off properly. Water gets into the holes, freezes, expands, and this is the result. Biggest issue with stamped concrete is the water sits in the uneven surfaces, and causes all kinds of issues.
No concrete company would allow someone to pour an interior mix outside, especially with colour added. Unless you are buying it from Joe Blow that isn't part of the RMCAO, or whatever other Provence.cartfan123 wrote: ↑ Often it’s contractors not using the proper concrete. “How about the air entrainment”?. It’s adds about $12 per m3. Or 8% to concrete cost. Not a lot of money for a better mix!
“The primary benefit of entrained air in hardened concrete however is the resistance it offers to freeze-thaw damage and scaling caused by de-icing salts or chemicals. Most concrete contains some moisture which expands during freezing temperatures. Without room for this expansion, large forces develop that can rupture the surface causing what is commonly called surface scaling. The small, entrained air bubbles serve as reservoirs or expansion chambers to relieve these pressures. Research has shown that the spacing and size of air bubbles are important in assuring their proper action. To be effective, bubbles must be spaced not more then .01 inches apart throughout the cement paste.”
