Concrete is its own worst enemy

Concrete is not all it is cracked up to be (pun intended). Concrete has a rock-solid (I'm on a role here with the puns) reputation for being a long-lasting durable surface. The reputation is well deserved. People expect that if concrete in the Hoover Dam can hold back the waters of the Colorado River for the last 75 years, then it should surely make a long lasting surface for a cafeteria floor. The problem is that a lot of times it does not live up to these expectations.

It's Official! Pervious Concrete will last at least a year

I need to admit I am one of the skeptics. I've been unsure if the words "PERVIOUS" and "CONCRETE" belong in the same sentence. Concrete is supposed to be dense and resist water infiltration. Besides the "regular" reasons to be skeptical that we all ask ourselves, I just plain don't care for its' appearance (concrete "rice crispies" is too generous). That being said I've been keeping a skeptics eye on the biggest pervious job M&H has ever installed (31st & Troost). I know there are bigger/older jobs out there, but this is the one I am most familiar with in terms of design and installation.

Well.... One year (and one winter) later it still looks really good. As you can see in the picture, there are a few loose pieces of the gravel here and there, and I doubt the stain will last forever, but overall I don't see any signs of deterioration. If you want to see more pictures Click Here.

I will check it again next year and post an update. If it holds up and stays pervious I may abandon the skeptics camp. I may even be able to get past the appearance. I'm pretty sure a parking lot wasn't going to make the cover of Landscape Architecture magazine regardless of surface material.

How not to apply Color Hardener

I consider Color Hardener to be superior to Integral color. Not only does it provide a harder more abrasion resistant surface, it also comes in about any color of the rainbow. If you need pink concrete for some reason you can get it done with color hardener.

Unfortunately it is much harder to install properly and the above picture is what happens if it isn't.

The lesson to be learned here is that if you have the ability to control the quality of the installer; stick with color hardener. If you don't have control, or know that the project will be awarded to the lowest bidder, you better stick with integral color.

CONCRETE IS BEAUTIFUL

Need AIA Continuing Education Credits?

I officially have zero lunch and learn presentations scheduled for July. I must have not mentioned that they include free lunch in last months newsletter. I can take a group from 2-12 people. Just email me to setup a time.

Dexter Phillips

Architectural Concrete Manager

Musselman & Hall Contractors, LLC

Phone:  816-861-1234

Email:   This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Kansas City:
Musselman & Hall Contractors
4922 E. Blue Banks Ave.
Kansas City, MO 64130
(816) 861-1234

M&H Showroom
2518 Holmes Rd.
Kansas City, MO 64108

St Louis:
801 Westwood Industrial Park Dr.
Weldon Springs, MO 63304
(314) 739-1142

Services:
Architectural Concrete
Traditional Concrete
Asphalt Paving and Maintenance
Railroad Maintenance