Q: What is Concrete
Technology Inc.'s Product?
A: CTI's product is
a color integrated, modified acrylic cement product made of
Portland cement, silica sand and a modified acrylic resin for its
bonding agent.
Q: What warranty is
involved?
A: CTI offers a
10-year limited material warranty against check cracking, fading,
delamination, and general product failure.
Q: How thick is it?
A: We generally
apply our systems on old concrete between 3/32" to 1/8". CTI's
systems are thin-layered cements that depend on adhesion
through the use of modified acrylics.
Q: What does it look like?
A: CTI's systems
achieve a look, texture and color of any type stone or look you
require. A base coat is applied that fixes any imperfections in the
original concrete. A design is then laid over it and a hopper gun
shoots on a textured layer over that. A final clear coat is put
over the system that is nonporous and protects it as well as makes
it very easy to maintain. Mold, mildew, motor oil, etc. can be
sprayed off with a regular garden hose. Common detergents can be
used to remove tough or repetitive latencies.
Visit our Photo Gallery to see some examples!
Q: What colors does it come
in?
A: We have a
variety of standard colors to choose from. However, we can custom
produce any color you wish for a minimal extra charge.
Q: How long does it take to do a
job?
A: An average job
will take 3 to 5 days. Larger, more complex jobs may take longer.
Clean foot traffic is usually allowed within the same day.
Q: Does the pool have to be
drained?
A: No, the pool
should be full. If the pool were empty, the CTI system overspray
would stain the plaster. Full, any small amount of overspray can be
dealt with by allowing the overspray to settle to the bottom,
shutting off the filter, and then pumping the material to waste and
bypassing all filters is recommended.
Q: How do you treat control or expansion
joints?
A: All existing
control joints should remain in the surface to allow for expansion
and contraction of the original concrete. They are not coated with
the CTI system and are masked off. We can, however, work to insure
these joints match the rest of the look of the surfaces.
Q: Is it cool to walk on?
A: Here is how
CTI's systems compare to other coatings as far as heat
retention:
10-40 degrees
cooler than concrete
30%-40% cooler than epoxy stone
50% cooler than vinyl or urethane
40%-50% cooler than wood decks
Up to 40% cooler than carpet
50%-60% cooler than terrazzo
40%-50% cooler than tile
20%-30% cooler than brick
Q: Is it Kool Deck?
A: No. Kool Deck is
a product that must be applied to freshly poured concrete within 5
hours in order to bond. CTI's systems can be applied to new or old
concrete. In addition, CTI's systems are a three-coat system and
are sealed with a finish coat, which makes it impervious to
staining. Whereas Kool Deck is a very porous, non-flexible product,
that has a minimal life expectancy.
Q: Will pool water, chlorine, muriatic acid,
or bleach stain the CTI system?
A: No, the sealer
we apply to our system is not affected by most chemicals.
Q: Will CTI's systems
fade?
A: No, not
dramatically, the CTI product has approximately a 2% fade factor
over seven years, which is undetectable by the human eye; our
warranty covers this.
Q: Can you correct drainage and low spots?
A: We can generally
improve drainage; however, the degree of success is contingent upon
the pitch of the concrete adjacent to the low spot. The low spot
will have to be looked at personally by an authorized CTI dealer to
let you know what you can expect.
Q: How do you treat cracks in the concrete prior to
the CTI application?
A: Cracks are
ground out with a cup grinder to produce a "V". A two-part epoxy
with a chopped fiberglass filament is then introduced into the
crack and will re-bond the crack.
Q: Will cracks reoccur?
A: Though we do
everything possible to treat cracks and do eliminate 90% of them,
it is possible they may reoccur. If they do, it is usually in the
form of a hairline, which is not objectionable as it is largely
hidden in the texture. However, if a crack becomes too
objectionable, it is easy to repair. Proper placement of tension
cuts greatly reduces the chance of the crack returning.
Q: What if something happens to my deck after the
warranty?
A: The material is
repairable to its original state. We service all decks past
warranty.
Q: Can you apply the CTI system over painted
concrete?
A: Yes, though it
generally will need to be scarified or sandblasted to remove the
paint enough to where our product will bond with the original
concrete.
Q: Can the CTI system be applied to steps?
A: Yes, CTI's
systems can be applied to concrete steps including risers and
treads.
Q: Can the CTI system be applied to walls?
A: Yes, however,
multiple spray coats are needed to reduce rebound, or waste.
Q: Do you apply the material to cantilever
faces and coping stones?
A: We do apply
CTI's systems to cantilever faces and coping stones. Though
application over coping stones is a matter of personal preference,
it is often advisable to coat the stones unless they are
exceptionally new. If not coated, they tend to look old and dirty
after the CTI installation is complete. In addition, the older
copings which have deep lips can be filled in so the coping stones
are level with the deck giving a modern cantilevered look.
Q: If the coping stones are not covered, will the CTI
system be higher?
A: No, CTI's
systems are feathered very thin at the joint edge so the coping and
decking will be level.
Q: How long has this product been in use?
A: Acrylic decking
has been in use since the early 70's. Our manufacturing facility
has been producing coatings since 1968.
Q: Can you level heaved
concrete?
A: Yes, quite
easily.
Q: How does the price of CTI's systems compare with
removing and replacing old concrete?
A: The cost of the
CTI system is normally 20%-25% less than the cost of removing
cement and pouring new and is much better looking and much easier
to maintain than the original cement.
Q: What is the cost per square foot?
A: The price
depends on a number of factors, such as the condition of the
original concrete, the patterns chosen, etc.
Q: How do I clean the CTI surfaces?
A: Usually, normal
washing with a hose is all that is needed. For stubborn stains, a
brush with laundry detergent is all that is needed.
Q: I know concrete is strong and durable, how
does CTI's systems compare?
A: CTI's systems
are harder than concrete. Most concrete has a compressive strength
of 2000-2500 psi rating. CTI's system has a 7000 psi rating.
