Frequently Asked Questions

What warranty is involved?

CTI offers a 10-year limited material warranty on its Hallmark System against dramatic fading, delamination, and general product failure.

Is CTI’s Hallmark product the only product it manufactures?

Concrete Technology Inc. manufactures a full line of concrete beautification and restoration products for both residential and commercial use. CTI has different products that can be used over concrete floors, existing countertops, and even walls. In the commercial setting, Concrete Technology manufactures a line of tough, durable epoxy and urethane floor coatings that can protect concrete even in the harshest of environments.

How thick is it?

We generally apply our systems on old concrete between 3/32″ to 1/8″. CTI’s systems are thin-layered cement which depends on adhesion through the use of modified acrylics.

What does it look like?

CTI’s systems achieve the look, texture, and color of any type of 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.

What colors does it come in?

We have a variety of standard colors to choose from. However, we can custom produce any color you wish for a minimal extra charge.

How long does it take to do a job?

An average job will take 1 to 2 days. Larger, more complex jobs may take longer. Clean foot traffic is usually allowed on the same day.

Does the pool have to be drained?

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, then pumping the material to waste, and bypassing all filters is recommended.

Is it cool to walk on?

Here is how CTI’s systems compare to other coatings as far as heat retention:

• Up to 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

Colors of the product and texture chosen will affect the overall temperature of the surface.

Will pool water, chlorine, muriatic acid, or bleach stain the CTI system?

No, the sealer we apply to our system is not affected by most chemicals.

Will CTI’s systems fade?

No, not dramatically. The CTI product has approximately a 2% fade factor over 7 years, which is undetectable by the human eye; our warranty covers this.

Can you correct drainage and low spots?

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.

How do you treat cracks in the concrete prior to the CTI application?

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.

Will cracks reoccur?

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. Check cracking is a natural phenomenon that occurs in rock, dried-out mud flats, paint, concrete and ceramic coatings.

Cracks in the concrete may be structural or surface cracks. Surface cracks are generally less than a few millimeters wide and deep. These are often called hairline or check cracks and may consist of single, thin cracks, or cracks in a craze/map-like pattern. A small number of surface or shrinkage cracks are common and do not usually cause any problems.

Surface cracks can be caused by freezing and thawing, poor construction practices, and alkali-aggregate reactivity. Alkali-aggregate reactivity occurs when the aggregate reacts with the cement causing crazing or checking cracks. Structural cracks in the concrete are usually larger than 1/8 inch in width. They extend deeper into the concrete and may extend all the way through a wall, slab, or other structural member.

Structural cracks are often caused by settlement of the fill material supporting the concrete structure, or by loss of the fill support due to erosion. The structural cracks may worsen in severity due to the forces of weathering

Can you apply the CTI system over painted concrete?

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.

Can the CTI system be applied to steps?

Yes, CTI’s systems can be applied to concrete steps including risers and treads.

Can the CTI system be applied to walls?

Yes, however, multiple spray coats are needed to reduce rebound, or waste.

Do you apply the material to cantilever faces and coping stones?

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.

If the coping stones are not covered, will the CTI system be higher?

No, CTI’s systems are feathered very thin at the joint edge so the coping and decking will be level.

How long has this product been in use?

Acrylic decking has been in use since the early 1970s. Our manufacturing facility has been producing coatings since 1968

How does the price of CTI’s systems compare with removing and replacing old concrete?

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.

What is the cost per square foot?

The price depends on a number of factors, such as the condition of the original concrete, the patterns are chosen, etc.

How do I clean the CTI surfaces?

Usually, normal washing with a hose is all that is needed. For stubborn stains, a brush with laundry detergent is all that is needed

I know concrete is strong and durable, how does CTI’s systems compare?

CTI’s systems are harder than concrete. Most concrete has a compressive strength of 2000-2500 psi rating. CTI’s system has a 7,000 psi rating.

What is Concrete Technology Inc.’s product?

CTI’s main product line called the “Hallmark System,” is a color integrated, modified acrylic cement product made of Portland cement, silica sand, and a modified acrylic resin for its bonding agent.

Contact JP Concrete Designs  today at (402) 699-7764 for more information!