Busy summer for the concrete crew

Every time summer comes around we get so busy that it's hard keeping up with the "paper work", well in our case it is actually the blogging, vlogging, social media.

 ... But do our best to take pictures of our work so when the opportunity's here get right back in the groove as you can see. So the days, weeks, months go by fast while we concrete contractors keeping busy placing, finishing a large variety of concrete works.
Sidewalks, patios, driveways, stairs, walls, house floors, foundations,crawl spaces, agilia super flat topping floors, so on. Each also can have different finish like:

The elegant stamped concrete which in itself has a large variety of surface finishes and colors.

Exposed aggregate once popular still looks great combined with the recent favorite smooth surface.

For sidewalks patios driveways the good old broom finish still loved in the residential neighborhood.

 Sure it's easy cleaning it up but gets slippery in the rain and especially in winter the impressive smoke color smooth troweled finish

For more information about us and to get a free quote please visit :
Stamped Concrete

5 Problems Everyone Has With STAMPED CONCRETE – How To Solve Them

1,  After a long cold winter you notice some deep peeled off areas
     with regular color concrete of the otherwise beautiful stamped
     concrete driveway :

Solutions:  Don't use Salt to melt ice or snow.
                  Using sand will give you enough traction to drive,
                  or walk on it.

2, There is no way that you gonna get off easy without getting
    cracks in your stamped concrete. It just the way concrete is, and
    yes even despite the most careful preparations it does happen,
    don't panic. ...So what to do!?!

Solutions: get a chisel and a hammer widen and clean the crack
                 to 1/4 inch.
                 Than use matching color quikrete polyurethane concrete
                 crack sealant.

3, Fading stamped concrete: Is it fading? You perhaps forgot the 
    regular maintenance which includes periodic sealing to regain
    that shiny new look that you've fallen in love with.

Solutions: First clean it nicely, let it completely dry.
                 Get sufficient amount of concrete sealant, a paint roller,
                 perhaps a mask too and make it come back to its glory.

 4, Wrong Color: After the job is done you just don't like the color.

Solutions:  By applying different stains, dyes or tints, one can
                  accomplish the change For a minor change use diluted acid stain.
               
                 use full strength for medium color change, and for complete color                         change use solid color change or acrylic.

5, Let me see what you came up? ...and send me an email, or call
 
    John  604 377 3657 Vancouver, BC

    for more information visit  Stamped Concrete

The Reason Why we Love Stamped Concrete

Have a look and let me know your thoughts I'm curious of your opinion.
Can concrete really be loved? In other words, what is it about Decorative, Stamped Concrete that make it rise above the rest.

Main entrance smoke color stamped concrete sidewalk with saw cuts

From the beginning it is not an easy process getting it all in order, but with many years of experience, talents and a bit of hard work it'll all be done to your satisfaction. 

Stamped concrete sidewalk with three risers

One might say it is the related challenge that makes us love placing and finishing stamped concrete, others like the color, or texture, the over all nice finished

look. 

Back patio with sidewalk

Regardless of what in particular you love about the unique look of stamped concrete works, when its properly done it will for many years will enhance your quality of life.

for more information visit our webpage:   Stamped Concrete

or Call John, for a free estimate on your upcoming project

in the Greater Vancouver area B.C.     604 377 3657

Stamped Concrete with Exposed Aggregate Borders

You probably have heard the expression re and re, this is one of those jobs.

We have taken out the cracked exposed aggregate driveway, formed up, leveled the ground, installed the rebar for extra strength, than poured the borders and exposed them. on the picture below the borders are covered by poly for protection before the next pour.

A week later poured the area for stamping

After letting it cure for a few days, came to cut it than sealed
 it. As you can see it below its all done 3 -4 weeks from now
it can be driven on.

for more information visit our webpage  Stamped Concrete

for an estimate on similar projects call; 

 John at 604 377 3657

or Oliver at OA Concrete LTD  604 880 2873

Stamped Concrete, Changing Climate

After record setting temperatures in February, we are having record setting temperatures in March also.





 You might say so whats the big deal these sort of things happen right. ...yes sure but the freaky thing
about it that in February it was all about snow and below zero -5, in March the opposite warmer than average
like up to 21 celsius.













 How did the weekly snowfall affected the residential concrete works, simply put, it came to a complete halt.
only the scheduled highrise floors were poured with heaters underneath.

 We are back and happy to serve the greater Vancouver area since the nice weather hit the lower mainland in all March 




visit us at Stamped Concrete  Call John for an estimate at: 604 377 3657

Residential, and Commercial Stamped Concrete Finishes

2019 march 5 th This is the first week over freezing temperatures in Vancouver BC. Finally we can start working again without the worries of the frost. ...Yes Cement finishers in the greater Vancouver area, and we do residential concrete mostly, not shying away from commercial jobs eighter. Our specialty is beautifully placed and finished Stamped Concrete. We have been serving the lower mainland for decades bringing our best daily to the general public, and commercial interest to their full satisfaction. Working on driveways, patios, sidewalks, stairs, walls, house floors, garages, etc. are on our daily routine. Weather it be simple broom finished smooth surface exposed aggregate, fancy stamped concrete, finish or combination of these we do it well. for more information pictures, and videos visit our webpage at: Stamped Concrete and for an estimate call John at 604 377 3657

Concrete Wine Cellar

...Yes we've done it poured a concrete wine cellar, I mean what's the big deal? It's a concrete structure it eventually will hold Wine we do concrete works daily to us a job like this is is no different, some body says don't edge the top so we did not, today I find out it was suppose to be edged.

...So listen if you want it edged let me know ahead of time ok, cause it wont help if I find out next day right.

Other than that I gave it 3 nice hit, so now it's nicely done, I hope you like it. by John Tar, Stamped Concrete

Broom Finished Sidewalks, Patios, Stairs, Driveways vs Smooth

Lets face it, you've been asking for nice smooth finished patios stairs, sidewalks and driveways for the last couple of years.... Now be honest and tell me how many close calls you've had last winter because subzero temperatures and extremely slippery conditions on the surface of your concrete you like so much. Now think of having the same concrete but with some traction for a rainy,or winter day, like these beautifully broom finished surfaces.

You can still clean it, wash it clean and will look fine, and most of all will be safe to use it. so be smart and get a grip. for all our concrete products, more information visit: Stamped Concrete call for an estimate: 604 377 3657

Local Concrete Contractors

There is a simple way to get a great looking concrete drive way, a patio,
a carefully designed walk way ending in a set of stairs leading up to the
main entrance of your house, to compliment the look of your home.




To start pick up the phone and call your local stamped concrete specialist.
Look under the keyword concrete contractors on your favorite search engine.

...You are gonna get the most competitive names of the concrete contractors
or companies you're looking for most likely on the first 3 pages.

By checking their website familiarize yourself with them to get a feeling of
who they are, call and get them to come and give you an estimate.

The deal can include much work like preparation, breaking and removal  of
old cracked concrete landscaping forming, than steel reinforcement before the
actual concrete pour... than sealing to get that great classy look of stamped
concrete.

Explain what type of design you like and hear out the concrete contractor and
see his input for the best outcome. His many years of experience and expertise
will work for you to get the best results.

In Vancouver BC  (the lower mainland)
call us for an estimate at  604 377 3657  (John)

for more information visit our secure web page at :
Stamped Concrete

Garage Floors A-Z by Stamped Concrete

Once the foundation is done fill it with "road base" gravel to the desired level leaving enough space for concrete an average of 4 inches. Than start drilling the two inch deep holes in the foundation every 2 feet for the half inch rebar. (make sure its couple inches below the desired concrete height) (You also can go with wire mash which gives extra strength to the concrete floor) Insert the rebar in the wholes than tie them together to give extra strength to the garage floor.

Pour the concrete preferably use a concrete pump, than finish the surface smooth either by hand trowel, or for long lasting hard polished product, use a power trowel.

for more information on garage floors, and stamped concrete relater projects call John at 604 377 3657 or visit

Stamped Concrete

by John Tar

Crawl Space Concrete Contractors

Crawl space an area under or in your house that just about useless
space.
...But if you cover the let say dirt under your house with a thin layer of  concrete than trowel finish it it can become useful space like a storage.










 
This particular crawl space was done by Vancouver concrete
contractors. 3-4 inches thick concrete on a slight slope placed
than 2 hours later hand troweled.

If you have a similar type of crawl space ready to be covered
with concrete, let us know. For decorative, and Stamped concrete
works call concrete contractors for an estimate at 604 377 3657  John


John Tar
Stamped Concrete

Concrete Works Spring Cleanup, Vancouver Concrete Contractors Update

Concrete Works Spring Cleanup, Vancouver Concrete Contractors Update If you're anything like me you can't wait to clean up the house at the end of long grey, rainy winter in the Greater Vancouver Area. ...And as you're power washing your walkways, driveways, and patios start noticing some sinking, or new cracks, pealings, and chippings in your concrete. With the spring, and warm temperatures just around the corner this is the time to take care of all that getting in touch with your local concrete contractor to fix, recreate the new look of the raggedy old looking surfaces. The fixing, or removal, of old concrete could be a question of looks, and also a safety issue in some cases. The pouring of new sidewalks, stairs, walls, driveways, patios, will put your mind at ease using reliable long lasting concrete products. Wether plain broom finished, nice looking exposed aggregate, or the exlusive stamped concrete, these, and related concrete works can be done within days ahead of the busy summer season. for more detailed information call John at: 604 377 3657 or visit


Stamped Concrete  

by John Tar




Labels:concrete,concrete contractors,concrete placing,concrete finishing, stamped concrete,exposed aggregate,broom finished,concrete repair, concrete restoration,concrete finishing,cement finisher,john tar, vancouver concrete,vancouver concrete contractors,concrete works

Contractors choice, Universal Concrete Accessories, Vancouver Concrete

If I'm not mistaken,7851 Enterprise st Burnaby, BC confortably located near the Lake City skytrain station, at the corner of Enterprise st and Lake City way. The new home and Adress of Universal Concrete Accessories. Yes they have just moved from 2450 Alpha Avenue office. But to make sure, to confirm you still can call their old phone number: 604.299.8551 By now I'm sure they're out of the boxes,and nicely layed out on the shelves, in the new show room, so us, Greater Vancouver area Concrete Contractors can enjoy picking up our favorite concrete related tools, and all accessories.

by John Tar   604 377 3657

Stamped Concrete

Vancouver Contractors: A Lesson From Fred Roselli

One of the trades of construction of the Greater Vancouver Area,
is being one of the concrete contractors.

Somehow when it comes up talking to people, that I'm working
in the construction industry as a cement mason, one of the
Vancouver concrete contractors, I always add
that it's a nice, and easy job. ... But guess what, folks don't
believe my tease knowing that it's not so.

So... what makes concrete work so difficult to do?

One of the facts that concrete is extremely heavy, and it really
takes some will power to move it around, so eventually gets it's
desired shape. Yeah...TLC!

No matter what, it will dry, and believe me it's better later, than
now. So you gotta use the time wisely in between, in other words
know your concrete, and work with it.

Fred Roselli, my boss in around 1993 owner of Roselli Concrete was
right when once he told me after I called him boss,
"John I'm not the boss, ...concrete is"

Even though you are in charge of it, concrete dictates the speed
you're working it, and that made Mr Roselli an even better boss in
my book bringing it to my attention, giving an advise like that.

by John Tar

Stamped Concrete

Concrete Works in Winter (Greater Vancouver Area, Lower Mainland)

Concrete Works

This sort of cold weather with sub zero temperatures gives us the
opportunity to look after most of the indoor concrete works, for
example the leveling of uneven floors, applying a thin layer of strong,
fast drying self leveling concrete.

Crack repairs, the pouring of small, or big patches of indoor concrete
to cover up plumbing or related holes, and areas.

We are here to provide great fast reliable service in all concrete
related works.

We have for the last two decades been working in the booming
construction industry of Greater Vancouver, and the Lower Mainland
area, B.C. Canada.

Our job is the placing and finishing of high quality concrete slabs!

Sidewalks Garages Plano (self leveling topping)
Patios Stairs Agilia floors
Driveways Floors walls, tranches


We are specialized in top quality workmanship of broom, exposed
aggregate, colored stamped, and hard polished power trowel
finished floors, and panels.
We also do Repairs, Restoration, and Resurfacing.Removing, and
replacement of old cracked concrete, landscaping, and forming for
concrete pours. Aqua Plugging cracks of foundations walls ceilings
dripping leaking surfaces stopping the drippind, and the leaks
immediately.

by John Tar, Stamped Concrete

To get an estimate call 604 377 3657

How Do I Get Concrete Done In The Vancouver Rain?

I personally do not recommend placing any concrete in the Vancouver rain,
but never the less if you must, you better be ready to deal with it.

If you happen to have a roof over the slab that helps. Now all you got to
pay attention is to drippings, and the side openings like windows, and doors.
poly, and plywood are your friends, so use them to protect your concrete.

(By the way never mind placing stamped concrete under any circumstances
in the rain, not a good idea unless you're completely covered and no drips.)

An outdoors pour is a different story, you can prepare in advance to a certain
level to cut damages while placing, and finishing covering everything up with
tarps, and poly, but remember do it before hand, because if rain hits your
slab you're set back hours finishing.

by John Tar

For an estimate, and to find out more about us Call 604 377 3657

Stamped Concrete

Vancouver Concrete, "La Niña" Winter.

I hear that the winter this year gonna be very cold in the greater Vancouver, BC
area.

Well if I think of it it was a "weird" winter season last year messing up the 2010
winter olimpic with mild temperatures and a little snow. interesting enough a few
weeks after the olimpics were over we had freezing temperatures, and snow fall
on the local mountains.I figure that was when the "La Niña" a coupled
ocean-atmosphere phenomenon was taking over the boy: El Niño bringing lower
than normal temperatures to our coast.

How does this effects my life as a Vancouver Concrete Contractor? Simply
transferes to less opportunity to place, and finish concrete under the sub zero,
and snowy conditions in Vancouver, and the Lower Mainland area.Never the
less life goes on, and we are open for business as usual.

for more information about Vancouver Concrete, please visit:
http://vancouverconcretecontractors.com

John Tar
604 684 1529

Vancouver Concrete, Freelancing Contractors

Let me ask you a question...
How long have you been working as a cement finisher
in the Vancouver concrete construction industry?

If your answer is 10-20 or more years, than again I
wonder why are you working for the same company
day in and day out for years after years when your
boss just like you don't know what tomorrow might bring,
never mind next week, and your salary is limited to
what they can afford .So why not take charge and start
lining up work for yourself.

With your concrete related experience, and expertise,
you can be confident to be able to do great work,
and appreciated the way you want to be payed.

...As a Vancouver Concrete freelancer you are arraigning
your work week, at least can get payed the way you want
to be and the wages you find reasonable.All you need is
a reliable vehicle to get to any job site, and your own
tools to be able to get the job done.

So what are you waiting for, there is lots of work in
the greater Vancouver area right now, get on the horn,
and drum up some concrete work to start with.

by John Tar

Stamped Concrete

Vancouver Concrete, at Fraser Valley Real Estate Board

Yet another project has began by Vancouver Concrete...

Namely a wide, nicely cut, broom finished concrete
sidewalk, with borders in front, and the parking area
side entrance of the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board
in Surrey, BC on the corner of 154a 104A Avenue.

For additional information,and an estimate visit

Stamped Concrete webpage

by John Tar

Vancouver Concrete Contractors: The All You Can Place And Finish Concrete

You do want to have a job in Vancouver?

Are you looking for work in the lower mainland
in the construction industry as a cement finisher?

Welcome to my world, where we never run out of
concrete, and if the weather is good we don't
stop placing and finishing it.

...But there is an other reason to be working as
a cement finisher, or a concrete contractor.
It is the money: with some experience and
willingness to work hard, anyone can quickly
advance making more of it.

So if you like what you hear get ready to get
pumped, 'cause you'll be moving tons of concrete
around before you know it. (literary)

John Tar
Stamped Concrete

Why Do I like My Job As A Vancouver Concrete Contractor?

Vancouver Concrete

You kidding me, it's plain and simple: The hours are great!

You never know where, when, what, or for how long you'll be
if working any given day as oppose to a 9-5 job.

No work when it's raining, and believe me there is a lots of
those in the winter time in Vancouver. (unless you're pouring
a suspended slab or wall not needed to be finished, or indoors).
Think positive, and go fishing you'll have a great fun filled
day catching salmon, or trout.

Have I mentioned that the pay is great, and the work is easy,
well after you've put in your time becoming an "all knowing,
and strong" cement finisher, and some days you can work more
than 24 hrs at once.

What else?

I meet new faces every day, and the frequent change of scenery
is something that I like.

So if you like what you're reading and would like to become a
cement finisher, why not give me a call

If you're interested to get some concrete works done,
for more information and for an estimate visit:
Stamped Concrete


by John Tar

Vancouver Concrete, Crack Repair

No matter how strong, thick your concrete sidewalk, driveway,or patio,
it is eventually could get hairline cracks that grow wider leaving you
with an ugly crack, and an uneasy feeling.

This problem can easily taken care of with the proper tools, and right
material cleaning out than feeling up the crack, and finally even the
resurfacing of the entire area for a brand new look.

Vancouver concrete contractors have the experience, tools, and manpower
to do an up to the highest standards quality job, repairing cracked
concrete sufaces to your satisfaction.

To contact us call for an estimate 604 377 3657


by John Tar

Stamped Concrete

Why Do Concrete, Vancouver concrete.

Why Do concrete?

One of todays best building material is concrete.
It has been in use for a long time, a very strong,
lasting, reliable, product.

You can make endless sidewalks, nice big patios,
solid driveways, stairs, walls, and even high rise
buildings, as you can see them in Downtown Vancouver,
BC.

When it comes to pouring concrete on a regular basis,
you can forget about steady hours, like 9-5 but
rather be ready to get out to any job site in your
city receiving a call letting you know the time,
and place of the pour, and of course one have never
an idea when the day might end.

Some people can't get used to these kind of
working hours, but cement finishers, Vancouver
concrete contractors like getting well paid for
the hard work they do daily.

by John Tar

For more information, and an estimate call 604 377 3657 
Stamped Concrete

Vancouver Concrete Contractors Finally Got Busy

After the long rainy winter in Vancouver
finally we are on a roll.Since it cleared
up and the average daytime temperature has
reached 15 Celsius contractors are happy
to be back in business. There couldn't have
been a rainier place than Vancouver, BC last
Winter.

Now already for the 2011 concrete season,
and I hear everyone saying "this is gonna
be a great year", ...so be it I don't mind.

We have had a slow down related to the global
economical situation, which has been showing
some improvement since, but nothing significant.

In the meantime we keep working, waiting for
your "orders". Let us know what kind of
concrete works

you want done this year.

John Tar, Stamped Concrete

Vancouver Concrete Contractors

Vancouver Concrete Contractors: Getting Through Downtime

This past winter sure was like a roller
coaster ride when it comes
to the weather. Rain, more rain, drizzle,
rain sideways, heavy rain,
freezing temperatures, snow, rain, you
got the hint.

So what do you do as a Vancouver contractor?

Well obviously over the years you have
learned to deal with it, and thanks to
friends, professional concrete contractors
that offer you
work in your downtime like: Danny Roselli,
Chris Cotchea of Select Concrete, Allen
Evans, Arcon Enterprises, Rene Aguilar,
George at Coden Concrete, Johnny Catano,
Joe Esposito at Calabria Concrete.

Now that the good weather is just around
the corner, and the swallows are already in
the greater Vancouver area, concrete
contractors are looking forward to a better
balanced season of repairs,concrete placing,
and finishing.

For more information call 604 377 3657

John Tar
Stamped Concrete 

Vancouver Area Concrete Contractors

The lower mainland area has been a great place
for concrete contractors. The small Canadian city
Vancouver has became a globally known place
of natural beauty, and a residing place for the
Canadian upper class.

Thanks to developers, investors, and of course
the hardworking concrete contractors of the
greater Vancouver area, the last 20 years has
brought a a big change to this city in size.
Not only our city, but the local economy also
has benefited from it tremendously.

Each one of the condominium apartments requires
a solid basement for storage, parking areas, strong
columns, and walls to support all the weight
above and they're made of concrete. The highrise
buildings are obviously made of steel reinforced
concrete and the high standards of today’s seismic
standards in mind .

Nova days the building contractors have to take
care of the sidewalks, and curbs front of of the
property of the new building which adding more
work to the concrete contractors “repertoire”.

In Vancouver today there are large number of
highly trained, and qualified concrete
contractors to take care of our cities needs for
building development, and also repairs, and restoration.
by John Tar


For more information and an estimate call 604 377 3657

or visit Stamped Concrete

Vancouver Concrete Business, Concrete Contractors

The greater Vancouver commonly known as the lower Mainland
has been an incredible source of ongoing construction projects.

Big, small and in between, even now in the worldwide economic
slamp Vancouver concrete contractors are managing to survive.

Concrete has been a good investment to both the custumer and the
contractors,it is one of the hardest jobs out there, but it still work
doing it.

Inspite the “hard winter” this year we still have made out ok.
Now that the good weather is coming everybody's hopeful, and
many are saying that it's going to be a very good year.

Interesting enough, I got the same exact feeling about this one too.
...but of course only time will tell.

John Tar
Concrete Works

Vancouver Contractors: Concrete

There are large number of contractors in Vancouver BC.
For the last 20 years this city has gone through a
real face lift.
The number of new buildings are literary in the thousands.
Vancouver is one of the worlds most beautiful cities, and
the richest province in Canada. No wonder that Canadians
want to move here.

Because of all this Vancouver contractors are keeping very
busy for the last two decades, and we are not complaining.

As Tradesmen we are happy to have such abundance of
work going around giving us the feeling of long term job
security.

As a concrete contractor I have noticed a degree of slowing
since the global economy’s slump, and I can positively say
that it has an effect on consumer confidence....but on the
other hand it also created opportunities for the "bargain hunter"
who now is being able to find great deals when it comes to
finding contractors and competitive prizes.

John Tar
Concrete Works

Vancouver Concrete, Concrete Repair.

Much concrete is surrounding us in and around our houses,and living areas.
Unfortunately even strong concrete needs attention over time, as part of
it's ageing process cracking, or breaking away, need to be fixed, or
replaced.

Sure you can go to home depot and pick some of the bagged material, and
try to repair the concrete yourself with some degree of success, but to get
the job done professionally give us a call, we come to estimate the damage
and suggest the right, most cost effective solution, to your concrete,
and your needs.

With our experience, we can in most cases take care of your concrete within
a day. Depends on the size and complexity of it, we can solve your concrete
related problem within a couple sort days, leaving you with a reliable, long
lasting product to your satisfaction. by John Tar

call us for an estimate call 604 377 3657

Stamped Concrete

Vancouver Concrete, Farewell Winter

It's sure has been a long and grey winter in Vancouver, BC
which slowing us down placing, and finishing concrete.

We do go through this every year mainly because of our
geological location, we get hammered by rain all winter long.
It is a well known fact that you can't finish concrete in
pouring rain.

Never the last, Vancouver Concrete Contractors live true it.

This past winter has been difficult because when it wasn't
raining we've had freezing temperatures omitting us from
being able to work, so we just had to sit it out.

It is the end of March now, and most of us picked up part
time work with other local contractors to give boost to our
income for the slow season. We are working on high rise
buildings where the concrete pours are on regardless of the
falling rain, and as the weather is improving, so is our
chance for being able to complete more of our residential
concrete work under sunny skies.

by John Tar

Stamped Concrete

Concrete Contractors Taking Pride In Their Work

Imagine having your concrete works done by
dedicated cement finishers working in the
construction industry for the last 20-30
years day after day.

These concrete contractors, might not be
leading some fancy lives,
but the hard work they're doing speaks for
itself as it is their every day lives.

Making of driveways, sidewalks, patios, stairs,
floors, and garages, and all type of residential
work. The pouring of huge commercial parking areas,
and suspended floors are parts of their daily
routine.

Spring is just around the corner, and the concrete
contractors are ready to serve the
Greater Vancouver, BC. area.

for more information and estimate Call 604 377 3657

John Tar
Stamped Concrete

Vancouver concrete contractors: The weather's improving, let's go.

While you're worrying how you make ends meet, I'm hading off to work.
You see, with me is very simple, I work therefore I receive payments,
and can deal with the bills.

...So if i'm not getting phone calls from anyone in the morning,
I get on the phone and make sure to get the word out:

"We are Open for Business"

Do you have any concrete needs in the Greater Vancouver Area?
If your answer is yes than give me a call and I'll take care of the
rest.

Concrete placing and finishing what we do we are cement
placers, finishers, and concrete contractors, most of us around 20,
but some of us over 30 years of experience in the field.

No job is too small or too big, residential, or commercial.

for more information, and an estimate call 604 377 3657

by John Tar

Stamped Concrete

Concrete Contractors, Damage Control in Rain

...So you started to pour the slab, all though the
weathermen are saying there is an 80% chance for rain
that day, and as a concrete contractor you gotta do
your job that day.Living in Vancouver, BC.this could
happen to you often, mainly in the winter, which is
rainy, and mild.

And guess what... while working wouldn't you know?!It
has started to rain.Well if you're smart, you already
have enough poly with you to cover the whole slab,
or have made arraignments to deal with it beforehand .
In case if you didn't know, as soon as water hits the
concrete,you start loosing time, and the chances of
getting aquality finish deteriorating by every drop
of rain falling on your concrete.

So my advise to you is to cover it as soon as possible
to control the damage to a minimum, unless you're into
much concrete repair..., or don't take a chance,
unless it's an absolute must to get the job done.

You can still make the cuts, edges, and broom a
sidewalk with your college lifting up the poly, while
you working underneath, but with a patio, or bigger
driveway, it gets tricky.

Let suppose you're pouring a big slab on grade in the
rain, and it has to be machine finished. there is no
way covering a large surface like that.the best next
thing is for damage control is to wait until is hard
enough to machine without mixing in the water, than
sweep trowel it as you go.

As an experienced concrete contractor,and a cement
finisher I could go on about details for a while...

by John Tar


Stamped Concrete

Concrete Contractors Working in Subzero

Yes... even Vancouver concrete contractors finding themselves
working in subzero temperatures.

Our city is known of the amount of rain and mild temperatures
we're getting in the winter, but occasionally the cold spell
takes over, and it goes below zero.

...so what do you do?

First of all put some dry warm layers on, than...
Bring out the accelerators! Calcium chloride is the main,
most cost efficient and popular accelerator for
unreinforced concrete.Sidewalks, patios, driveways can be
poured without any steel reinforcement on well tampered
base.

For reinforced concrete, contractors use non chloride
accelerators like:
sodium thiocyanates and other thiocyanate salts
triethanolamine and other alkanolamines products based
on sulfates, nitrates and formates.

Concrete accelerators intervene in the setting procedure
of two mainly cement phases:

Tricalcium silicate and Tricalcium aluminate

Accelerated hydration leads to faster heat release,
and to earlier strength development, in other words your
slab will take off in a real hurry, and gotta work your
butt off to keep up with it if you want a nice finish,
and that should keep you warm on a cold Vancouver winter
day.  by John Tar

Call us for an estimate at 604 377 3657


Stamped Concrete 

Vancouver Concrete Contractors, Timing Is Everything

Let say you have decided to place a concrete slab yourself with no,
or very limited previous experience.My first thought would be:it's
a bad idea, don't do it, you're risking the money you invested in
the cost of the ready mix concrete ( about a $1,000 a mixer full).

...But I'm a positive thinker and not gonna discourage you, but rather
assist you with your plan of getting the job done well.

You see it takes many years of experience making a great looking
high quality concrete driveway, patio, or sidewalk,and Vancouver
Concrete Contractors, know that when it comes to concrete, timing
is everything.

Don't misunderstand me were not checking our watch every 5 minutes
to know what's happening with the concrete, but rather "keeping an
eye" on it.

As soon as the individual parts or ingredients of concrete are mixed
together in a drum,(cement, sand, aggregate, small stone or
gravel coarse aggregate and water) a chemical reaction start taking
place, in other words the concrete is starting to set up, and it's
only a matter of time before it turns solid.

Summertime is when concrete sets faster because the worm Vancouver
temperatures, and if there is no shade over the slab, the sun will
speed things up real fast.So what ever you do, make sure you do it
fast, your timing is going to affect everything until the final out
come.

...But if you want yourself saved from some major headache, hire us
Cement Contractors, you'll be getting the great looking quality work
you're looking for.

For more information about us, and an estimate visit our webpage.

John Tar 
Stamped Concrete 

Stamped Concrete

When it's done properly Stamped Concrete looks beautiful.

...But first you have to place the right type of concrete
and get a pattern and color that looks best with the
surroundings to get the desired look.

Without the experience of seasoned cement finishers,
stamped concrete would not turn out nice, but using
dedicated professionals the whole process is a breeze.

Don't forget to wash, and seal in a couple of days!!

John Tar
Stamped Concrete

Concrete Contractors Working in the Rain

I guess the job had to be done ,so we were called in to do it today in the steady rain.
Normally we would not bother,but the customer needed it to be done ASAP,so we got it for him.

We wheeled it in from the back-alley!

All was nicely covered up,so the top did not get saturated with water,and of course 32mpa with 1% Calcium made it kick in.
...So now he has a nice quality broom finished concrete sidewalk,ready for traffic.

...You See concrete contractors Can Work in the Rain


by John Tar
 Stamped Concrete

Concrete Contractors

Amongst many Concrete Contractors of the Vancouver,
and Greater Lower Mainland area in BC Canada
can be found the company called Concrete Works,
owned and operated by John Tar.

We are specialized in the placing and finishing of concrete slabs!

Including:
Sidewalks, Patios, Driveways, Stairs, Walls, Garages,
all in a variety of high quality finishing!
Broom, Exposed  Aggregate, Stamped Concrete,
and power-troweled hard finish.

The repair and or replacement of cracked floors.
The leveling of floors, also resurfacing of old concrete.

for more information and pricing, Stamped Concrete