Tech Lightweight Concrete

Tech Lightweight Concrete, Inc. specializes in using concrete as an art form as well as a durable material for practical daily use. Although we are a second generation business, our company is involved in cutting edge research on the creative use of concrete. Our knowledge allows us to give our clients a unique blend of concrete as a science and as an art. We follow the strictest guidelines known in the industry to insure that your concrete retains its enduring structural integrity in a beautiful surface that harmonizes with your surroundings.

Normally, concrete is subject to variables not within human control. Whenever you incorporate art and creativity to a concrete project, these variables have an even greater impact. We would like to inform you of some of these variables.

To make concrete, a huge amount of water is added to promote plasticity. In a relatively short period of time this huge amount of water dissipates which lends itself to plastic shrinkage cracking.

Hydration and curing: When water is added to cement, it acts as a catalyst, causing the mix to harden and gain strength. This is called hydration. Microscopic fibers begin to grow and inter lock. For optimum hydration to continue, however, the moisture should remain for some time in the concrete to help the fibers to continue to form.

Initial hardening occurs immediately, but a longer process called “curing” is needed for the concrete to gain real strength and ability to withstand more PSI (pounds per square inch) of pressure. Curing also causes the material to shrink slightly. We provide joints so that cracking occurs in predictable places. Please ask for our jointing option sheets if you need more information on this subject. Sometimes the project will dictate that no joints are put in; control joints are a choice, not a requirement. There are carious methods for making joints in concrete to alleviate cracking, which should be discussed prior to pouring. Control joints do not affect durability of the concrete, only the esthetics.

It is acknowledged that color differences may result from repairs. With regard to thin topping overlays, Tech Lightweight Concrete will not be responsible for cracking, de-lamination or discoloration due to contamination by others, by nature, or by unidentified sources.

Color/stain in concrete is not totally consistent. You should expect to find the inconsistencies typical in nature – such as in earth, tree bark, slate, or stone – in colored concrete. This can be due to variations in the cement, sand, and rock used in the mix or variations in finishing procedures. It is not uncommon for ready mix plants, (because of availability), to use different rock, sand, or cement all of which affect the color. Methods for measuring color at ready mix plants can vary (some load color by hand and others use automation) and this can affect the consistency of individual loads of colored concrete. An unexpected rain or heavy mist or a sub grade with uneven or excessive moisture content can adversely affect color consistency and uniformity. Tech Lightweight Concrete will not be held responsible for color variegation due to any of the above conditions. Furthermore, the coloring agents used are translucent, surface imperfections and inconsistencies are not covered, as they would be with paints.

While Tech Lightweight Concrete strives to deliver the requested coloring/staining and shading variations, it makes no guarantee that the coloring agents and texture mats will produce the same uniformity and consistency of paints, machine made tiles or factory pre-cast concrete. This is especially consistent with acid stain projects. Tech Lightweight Concrete must have owner sign off on stain project prior to sealing. In the event that a particular look isn’t achieved after one coat of stain Tech Lightweight Concrete will enter on a T&M basis to produce the desired (client driven) appearance.

Sometimes variability in rate of drying will affect the color and tone. For example, a section that remains shaded throughout the day may be slightly darker than the section that dries in hot sun. Tech Lightweight Concrete cannot be held responsible for this color variability.

Curing affects color as well. If the curing is not uniform, there may be discoloration. Many of the curing techniques used for regular concrete are unacceptable for colored concrete. Water spraying, repeated wetting, burlap, plastic membrane sheets will all cause serious discoloration. Many common curing agents have potential problems. Many times we choose not to use any curing procedures.

Sealers can be just as problematic and are maintenance products. All projects require sealing as a line item that may or may not be part of the Tech Lightweight Concrete contract depending on the circumstances. Successful sealing largely depends on weather (above 60 degrees and below 90 degrees), temperature, moisture, and sometimes – hydrostatic pressure. We can discuss various sealers and how your concrete will be cured and sealed prior to initiating the project or, at the latest, before the pour.

Keep in mind that no two concrete projects are the same and a concrete project can vary from the samples as well. Sand blasting, acid staining, stamping, and acrylic staining can all differ from samples cast. Many of the green and blue acids can blacken in exterior conditions. Our goal with samples is to get in the general arena of color or texture. Exotic colors, special colors, or special techniques will become a T&M item.

Slab on Grade and Hardscape Flatness: All slabs and hardscapes are susceptible to some puddling. If floor flatness or floor levelness is required special considerations must be made prior to the contract and Tech Lightweight Concrete needs to be informed of such. Most slabs and hardscapes have a tolerance not to exceed ¼”, depressions within 10’. Drainage of slabs, patios, pool decks, and walks should consider a 1/8” per foot fall. Many commercial projects ask for ¼” per foot fall, but Tech Lightweight Concrete suggests that using 1/8” per foot fall will accommodate a surface more conducive to the setting or tables and chairs. The flip side is that there may be more “duck ponds” noticeable when it rains or when the patio is washed off. If drainage or ponding is a concern you will need to advise Tech Lightweight Concrete prior to your pour.

Efflorescence is a condition that is beyond the control of concrete contractors. Efflorescence is usually white in color and is on the concrete surface. It is caused by movement of soluble salts from within the concrete or even from the sub-grade. It may appear just after the project is completed or months after. It will not affect the structure or slabs life or integrity and may appear at a later date even after removal. Tech Lightweight Concrete will not be responsible for efflorescence and removal will become a T&M item.

We will be happy to discuss the above limitations with you, or your client, the owner or the owner’s agent. In fact, we encourage discussion. With proper planning and pre-pour discussion, you will get what you specified and know what to expect. Your vision and the finished products should be in alignment.

Our objective is to provide you with friendly service and the best product possible. Our experience will provide you with efficiency and innovation. We try to inform you of the inherent problems of concrete and how we plan to deal with them. We will tell you how long it will take to get a concrete truck to your project and how we adjust the mix design to give us maximum workability. This will increase our ability to produce a quality finish.

We are one of the best when in comes to dealing with adversity and complexity. We aggressively and continuously work at improving our methods. We cannot guarantee perfection, but we do guarantee that we will go to any lengths to bring you and excellent product.

Thank you for choosing Tech Lightweight Concrete, Inc. We hope to bring you a lifetime or satisfaction.

Sincerely,

Terrance Borek

President