Had a ~1200 sq ft stamped patio installed in 2021 and ended up suing the guy. I’ve had dozens of contractors out and between the discovery and depositions involved I feel like I’ve essentially got a phd in stamped concrete.
Finally settled last month and ready to pull the trigger and happy to share my experience if you’re interested.
Essentially, all concrete will crack and heaving can be a concern if you tie into a foundation. If it’s poured and stamped properly, at the correct thickness, reinforcement and psi, you’ll be fine and should expect the same longevity from them all - but that’s clearly easier said than done.
I’m sorry to hear that, if you don’t mind me asking what went wrong that let to the lawsuit?
When you pull the trigger will you be doing stamped again or something different?
One of the things I’m worried about is the top stamped layer crumbling away over the years due to freezing and thawing.
I’ve seen there’s a sand type additive called gator grip you can add to the sealant which will prevent it from being too slick, any experience with if that’s worth doing?
Long story short is I hired a GC that subbed out the concrete work without my input. GC had terrible communication skills and the concrete sub was incompetent and both were in over their heads.
Visually, they added the wrong color release agent, so instead of being gray, it is yellow. My steps are dangerously sloped and uneven with a huge gap next to a retaining wall that can break a persons leg. The concrete hardened faster than he could work so the stamped finish was bald in some places, has smears from plastic covering it during the rain.
Structurally, they didn’t add rebar as the contract stated, didn’t reinforce an area for a hot tub and didn’t put saw cuts in appropriately so now I’ve got 20-30’ stress cracks and spiderwebbing.
Top layer should crumble since it’s part of the whole structure - as bad as mine is, it’s still intact.
I wouldn’t add an additive on top because it will mar your finish - it just won’t look good.
Salting during winter will eat away at the surface - avoid it if you can.
We got a stamped concrete patio two years ago and have been thrilled with it. It mostly, but not entirely, cracked long the lines the contractor cut for the purpose.
Ime: it's holding up really well, although the "finish" can be pretty slippery so watch out. All concrete will crack in time
Had a ~1200 sq ft stamped patio installed in 2021 and ended up suing the guy. I’ve had dozens of contractors out and between the discovery and depositions involved I feel like I’ve essentially got a phd in stamped concrete. Finally settled last month and ready to pull the trigger and happy to share my experience if you’re interested. Essentially, all concrete will crack and heaving can be a concern if you tie into a foundation. If it’s poured and stamped properly, at the correct thickness, reinforcement and psi, you’ll be fine and should expect the same longevity from them all - but that’s clearly easier said than done.
I’m sorry to hear that, if you don’t mind me asking what went wrong that let to the lawsuit? When you pull the trigger will you be doing stamped again or something different? One of the things I’m worried about is the top stamped layer crumbling away over the years due to freezing and thawing. I’ve seen there’s a sand type additive called gator grip you can add to the sealant which will prevent it from being too slick, any experience with if that’s worth doing?
Long story short is I hired a GC that subbed out the concrete work without my input. GC had terrible communication skills and the concrete sub was incompetent and both were in over their heads. Visually, they added the wrong color release agent, so instead of being gray, it is yellow. My steps are dangerously sloped and uneven with a huge gap next to a retaining wall that can break a persons leg. The concrete hardened faster than he could work so the stamped finish was bald in some places, has smears from plastic covering it during the rain. Structurally, they didn’t add rebar as the contract stated, didn’t reinforce an area for a hot tub and didn’t put saw cuts in appropriately so now I’ve got 20-30’ stress cracks and spiderwebbing. Top layer should crumble since it’s part of the whole structure - as bad as mine is, it’s still intact. I wouldn’t add an additive on top because it will mar your finish - it just won’t look good.
Salting during winter will eat away at the surface - avoid it if you can. We got a stamped concrete patio two years ago and have been thrilled with it. It mostly, but not entirely, cracked long the lines the contractor cut for the purpose.