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Impressive Restorations

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There are two types of Concrete Overlay. The first is usually 2 to 3 inches in depth of traditional concrete over pre-existing concrete. This technique is used on driveways, walks, parking lot sections etc. This technique may include steel reinforcement.

The second type of Overlay is a Decorative Overlay. This is also cementitious, using much smaller sizes of aggregate. This method takes advantage of years of polymer technology to strengthen and even make flexible the finished product. A Decorative Overlay is usually from 1/16th of an inch to up to 2 inches in depth. This can be used directly over cleaned and prepared substrates from traditional concrete to tile or brick. Even vertically on walls interior or exterior.

When using a Decorative Overlay, Impressive Restorations can cover repaired existing cracks and other imperfections. The colors, textures and patterns are nearly unlimited. We then use a waterproof sealer to protect our work.

With proper care and maintainence (see below) your decorative overlay should last for many years to come. Once the substrate is properly cleaned and repaired to ensure proper adhesion, the overlay should last as long as the substrate.

Of course, much depends on the care of the protective seal. The seal is the protective clear-coating on the overlay surface. If that protection is lost, damage can occur. With normal indoor care, you should inspect the seal every 5 years, or so. A good coat of floor wax will give additional protection, making the sealer itself last longer. With exterior overlays, depending on the traffic the area recieves, you should inspect the seal every 3-5 years. For minimal cost the seal can be reapplied and will extend the life of the overlay. Like the finish on a car, how long it looks good is up to your continued maintainence and care.

Impressive Restorations uses different sealers for different applications, depending on traffic and conditions. All of our sealers are Water-proof, stain and chemical resistant. Dirt and grime will not build up on our decorative overlays as it would on traditional porous concrete. It will stand up to ordinary household cleaners, should they be necessary. For exterior surfaces, a simple sweep and hose off should do the trick.