GOLD AWARD: DESIGN EXCELLENCE
Builder’s Instructions
1.A quality batch of concrete should consist of at least 5 sack mix with no fly ash, retarders, curing compounds or chloride accelerators. The residential slab should be hard troweled by machine to a slick, mirror finish. “Burning” the slab creates nice shading and depth of color. However, “burrs” or trash caught under the blades cut unfavorable swirls.
2.It is important that the concrete be thoroughly finished with hand tools where needed around plumbing, risers, floor outlets, or any other element which is not accessible to the machine.
3.Silicone chalks should not be used if possible. The red and yellow chalks are permanent dyes. Do not over mark for the framing. Do NOT use silicone or other sprays to “hold” the lines. The sprays repel the stains and leave harsh, permanent scars in the final floor.
4.It is imperative that wood, sheet goods, sections of framing and the like not lay on the slab for extended periods. They can transfer resins and tannins. They alter the moisture content in the slab which leaves a like pattern in the finished floor.
5.The floor should be protected from the following: Plumber’s glue, foam insulation, bond release agents, flux, oils, grease, polyurethane, paint, markers, grease sticks, spray paints, crayons, muratic acid and other chemicals both before and after staining and or sealing and or waxing. MURATIC ACID prevents the concrete from reacting to the stains and should NEVER be used on the concrete at all!
6.The framers should brace the wall to the outside and not to the slab. The door plates should be cut away immediately.
7.The floors should be clean and the rooms empty with absolutely nothing on the floors prior to the arrival of our crew. Our fees do not include removing the paper, moving furniture, tools, equipment, fixtures, building materials or otherwise. There should be no other trades on the floors or scheduled at the same time as Concrete Stain Designs.
8.It is extremely important that you do not tape to the floor. When covering the floor, overlap sheets of builder’s paper from Home Depot. Tape the first sheet of paper to the wall. Then overlap the second sheet over the first and tape the paper to the paper. DO NOT TAPE TO THE FLOOR. Duct tape, masking tape, packaging tape, strap tape, blue tape, green tape and electrical tape, there are no exceptions. The tape alters the natural curing process and transfers chemicals to and from the slab. This WILL SHOW in the finished product. If you intend to use 24 hour tape for less than 24 hours, please call first to discuss the situation.
9.When covering the floor, you may use sheets of masonite or single face cardboard, on top of the builder’s paper. However, do not cover the slab with plastic at any time. It does not allow the slab to breathe which inhibits proper curing. It can result in efflorescence. Prevent excessive vapor transmission. Concrete Stain Designs can not prevent and is not responsible for moisture or related concerns.
10.There must be two 110 volt outlets on two separate 20 amp breakers not more than 150 feet from the furthest point of the slab available to our crew alone. Additionally, running water and trash receptacles must be available.
11.We make every effort to provide beautiful and cost effective floors. Our prices do not include excessive cleaning, samples, post construction cleaning, protective covering, or any other service not itemized in the proposal. Our prices are based upon actual square footage. Just as the architect and appraiser measures, so do we- wall to wall. We do not credit for cabinets, built-ins etc. This is industry standard.
12.Touch ups are often needed and should be expected following stain, seal and/or wax work. Schedule the touch up painters after our work is completely finished.
13.Acid stains are chemically reactive metallic salts which seek out and react with the lime in the concrete. As such, they can be manipulated but not controlled and anticipated but not guaranteed. Our color chart shows typical color reactions. However, every slab is different. Every pour of concrete will react independently to the stains. All elements and circumstances affect the outcome of the floors. Temperature, humidity, age of concrete, batch of stain, batch mix design of concrete, accelerators, fly ash, wind, instructions listed herein and the like all contribute to the outcome of the floors. Exact colors and stain patterns cannot be achieved. It is fundamental that all parties involves understand this.
14.We prefer to cut the slab 3-4 days after it is poured and before the framers set the walls. Then we will return to stain and wax or seal the slab when the project is “dried in” (framed with doors, windows and water tight, no insulation or sheetrock). After the project is dried in, the floors should be covered as directed above. Should additional wax be needed post construction, the cleaning crew should thoroughly clean the floors (sweep, vacuum, mop), then schedule our company. The touch up painters should follow. An alternate schedule is to wait until the final stage of construction to stain. Please call to discuss the scheduling options.
15.To insure proper scheduling, please contact us at least 3 weeks in advance. We work diligently to accommodate many schedules. Please assist us by communicating your project status as well as any questions or concerns you may have. We are committed to the outcome of the floors. We appreciate that you are too.
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3317 Melanie Lane Plano, Tx. 75023 214.546.4400
www.concretestaindesigns.com Copyright 2008
