After the emulsifiers have a chance to react, cool, low-pressure water is pumped to the mounted service equipment, where it is pressurized and then forced through heating coils where it is heated to a high temperature, pumped to the hard surface cleaner, and applied under high pressure to clean the surface.

The heat and pressure activate the emulsifying chemicals and create a “steam bath” that scours the concrete pores clean, bringing dirt and debris to the surface, where it is vacuumed and returned to the service vehicle for filtering and proper disposal. The concrete is left virtually dry and ready for sealant or other treatment. Other cleaning methods can take up to 48 hours to dry sufficiently for safe sealing, and even then, the sealant may fail to penetrate adequately due to remaining dirt clogging the pores. The lengthy drying time can also allow recontamination of the surface.

The extraction equipment is self-contained and mounted on a service vehicle that is specifically designed to ensure environmentally safe filtering and sanitary disposal. The water used for cleaning is immediately extracted and directed through a four-stage filtering system. Upon completion of this process, the wastewater can be safely disposed of, with no threat to the environment.

Extraction cleaning, then, is an ideal solution for nearly any concrete or masonry product cleaning problems, with its exceptional cleaning ability and environmental friendliness.

The advantages of extraction cleaning are:

• Thorough, deep-down cleaning of all concrete surfaces

•  Vastly superior to traditional pressure washing

• Excellent preparation for sealing, staining or coloring, and resurfacing

• Environmentally sound technology

Proper preparation of the surface is key to achieving not only a deeper penetration for sealers, stains, dyes and other coatings but also for excellent bonding between substrates and toppings for decorative designs.  The surface, therefore, must be sound and free of oil, grease, wax, dirt, asphalt, curing compounds or any contaminant, which might act as a bond breaker. Ensuring quality at this phase will go a long way toward successful installation.

The whole process is designed to build up to the end result, beautiful and durable concrete!  Now you can let your imagination run wild knowing the concrete is cleaned and ready to go. You know your investment will be a safe one for years to come.  Go to www.concretescience.net  to learn more or to see more pictures showing the extraction cleaning process.

 

2.    What is chemical or acid staining?

Acid staining is a decorative art form used to create a wide variety of artistic effects to concrete surfaces.  Its design capabilities are limitless and architects are becoming partial to it, both in the commercial and the residential arenas.  Acid staining is rapidly gaining popularity with homeowners to beautify and improve their properties.  They love the unique look and its low maintenance qualities. 

  

Chemical staining, or acid staining, refers to the use of acids combined with metallic salts to alter the color of concrete through chemical reaction, producing a rich, variegated finish unique to each surface, and a finished product with a natural “timeworn” appearance. The stains form permanent precipitates and actually become part of the concrete. This means that the color will not chip, crack, fade or peel as can be the case with sealers, paints or other surface applications.  Acid stain is neither a paint pigment nor a tinted coating agent, which forms a film on the surface of the slab.  Paints contain pigments and resins that are opaque when applied, whereas acid stains are translucent.  Stains were developed with metallic oxides in suspension, which bond chemically with the lime in Portland cement.  If the surface is properly cleaned, the stains should penetrate the top surface of the slab.  With proper sealers and maintenance, the color should last the life of the concrete itself.

Chemical staining can be used to achieve special artistic or graphic effects, decorative accents, or custom designs on concrete surfaces (patios, pool decks, driveways, walkways, entries, plazas, common areas, courtyards, lobbies, interior flooring, and other residential and commercial spaces).

Eight standard colors are available, and the color palette can be expanded/enhanced through use in conjunction with other products. The natural variations in the character of concrete substrates are reflected in the coloring of the finished product, resulting in an aesthetically and architecturally pleasing “mottled” effect, as opposed to the flatter, more consistent appearance of surface applications.

Chemical staining is an exciting, creative, durable, and cost effective way to improve the appearance of your new or existing concrete surfaces.

 • Innovative and cost effective alternative to other coloring methods
• Broad range of color shades available
• Permanent coloring method that will not chip, crack, fade or peel
• Appropriate for new or existing surfaces
• Reduces glare and provides a warm, appealing surface.

 

 3.  What are sealers and should I seal my concrete?

You do not need to seal your concrete surfaces but to maximize the appearance and utility of new and existing concrete surfaces, high quality sealing is essential, as it offers resistance to weather, water, stains and abrasives, and makes future clean-up easier.

Sealant should always be applied to thoroughly clean, dry surfaces so that the sealant can penetrate and protect, and can form a breathable surface layer. Existing stains, grease, oil and dirt must be removed, or the sealing process will make those marks more obvious. The process of extraction cleaning is an excellent method of preparing a surface for sealant application.

A wide range of sealing products has been formulated to meet specialized requirements. It is important to select the appropriate sealing product, and to ensure that the entire sealant application process is performed according to the highest professional standards.

Quality sealing compounds will provide tough, chemical-resistant and long-lasting protection. Sealants are available for use on a wide variety of exterior and interior surfaces, including concrete, masonry, stucco, tile, pavers, brick, terra cotta, terrazzo, cast stone, limestone, marble, and other polished and non-polished stone surfaces. In addition, some sealing products provide enhanced water-repellency, crack, stain and weather resistance, or non-yellowing characteristics, and some are formulated to create either a natural or a glossy finish. Regardless of the specific construction material, location and function of the surface, there are appropriate sealing products available.

One type of sealant penetrates and seals the internal structure of the concrete. With pore-clogging dirt removed through thorough cleaning, the water-repellent sealant can penetrate deep into the concrete, filling in the pores and preventing the entrance of damaging dirt and water.

Another sealant can be applied that protects the surface, creating a breathable layer on top of the concrete surface. Water vapor from underground sources can pass through and escape, but rain droplets are too large and bead up on the surface like a freshly waxed car.

Once a quality, appropriate sealant has been professionally applied, the surface is prepared for normal usage without fear of damage.

 

4.  When should I schedule my acid-stain work?

There are two theories as to best time to acid stain.

First, stain the floors right after the framing is completed.  That way you don’t have to charge for masking (walls, doors, and trim) which is a tedious task.   You also wouldn’t have to remove drywall mud and paint when cleaning – which would be a big benefit to the staining crew.  However, the general contractor or construction supervisor would have a nearly impossible task to keep the floor from being damaged during the work of all the subcontractors.  Damage could come from painters, plumbers, electricians, heating and air contractors, carpenters, and movers.  And one of the most destructive of all is adhesive tape, which can pull up sealers.

Secondly, the one we prefer, is to stain the floors towards the end of the building process, after the walls have been primed and painted but before the baseboards are installed.  Please call us for more detail.

 

5.  How long does the process take from start to finish?

Allow approximately 4-days no matter how small the job is.

It’s always best to allow sealers ample time to cure and harden before moving furniture & items back on the floors.  The timing will be influenced by type of sealer applied, whether it’s indoors or outside, humidity, and temperature.  Usually for foot traffic one day is adequate, but for vehicle traffic that may be 3-7 days.  Call to get more information.

 

6.  Estimating Cost

Cost is based on many different criteria.  Industry standards range from $2 to > $12 per square foot for stain and sealer application.  Below are considerations that will add to the final cost of your project:

·          Size of the job

·          Condition of the existing surface (excessive cleaning, crack-filling)

·          Number of rooms (more rooms means more time)

·          Multiple colors, textural patterns

·          Detailed artistic effects (boarders, special designs)

·          Decorative saw cuts

·          Distance to the job site