FAQs
- What is the CTi concrete system?
- What does it look like?
- What types of finishes are there?
- Over what surfaces can the CTi System be applied?
- Is there any type of warranty offered?
- What if something happens to my concrete after the warranty expires?
- Why should I repair my concrete rather than replace it?
- Will cracks reoccur?
- Will the system fade?
- Will stains damage the system?
- Can you correct drainage and low spots?
- How do you treat cracks in the concrete prior to the system application?
- How do you handle control or expansion joints?
- Can the system be applied to steps?
- Can the system be applied to walls?
- Can you apply the system over painted concrete?
- How long has this product been in use?
- How long does it take to do a job?
- How thick is it?
- How do I clean the surface?
- How does the price compare with removing and replacing old concrete?
- Is it cool to walk on?
- Can I use this product around my pool?
- Is it slippery when wet?
- Will pool water, chlorine, muriatic acid or bleach stain the system?
- Is it Kool deck?
1. What is the CTi concrete system?
The CTi Concrete System is a color integrated, modified acrylic, mixed with Portland cement and polymer that is activated with a modified acrylic resin. This offers an excellent approach and solution for resurfacing and designing concrete with a custom look that lasts over time.
2. What does it look like?
The look is as distinctive as your imagination and personality allows. CTI's systems achieve a pattern, texture and color-scheme uniquely designed for each customer's style. Looks such as tile, brick, natural stones, and marble in a wide variety of standard colors are available. We can custom produce any color you wish for an additional charge. If you choose, we can even add a logo or image to your concrete. Take a look at our photo gallery to see the real deal.
3. What types of finishes are there?
Customers can select from a variety of finishes including color blends, flat floor, stone-trowel, acid-stained, color chip (granite), solid color and even wood.
4. Over what surfaces can the CTi System be applied?
The products can be applied over any porous material both vertical and horizontal. When applied on horizontal surfaces materials subject to traffic, that surface must be concrete, stone, slate, brick, river rock, kook deck or plywood. The wood must be covered with backer board first.
5. Is there any type of warranty offered?
CTi offers a 10-year limited material warranty against check cracking, fading, delamination and general product failures. The warranty is based upon cleaning and re-sealing the area every 3 years. It is also transferable upon the sale of your home or business.
6. What if something happens to my concrete after the warranty expires?
The CTi Concrete System will virtually last a lifetime if it is properly maintained. It is easily repaired to its original state at any time during its useful life.
7. Why should I repair my concrete rather than replace it?
Replacing your concrete means you will pay the price of rip out, disposal, re-form, and re-pour. Since this requires large equipment, there is a greater chance that damage will occur to your landscape and surroundings. When you have new concrete poured, two things will be promised. One, the concrete will get hard and two, it will crack. The new concrete will stain, absorb oil, get damaged by salts and have a strength rating of 3,000 to 4,000 PSI. Repairing concrete with the CTi Concrete System will strengthen the existing concrete to 7,000 PSI; resist stains, oil spills and salt damage. Additionally, you will add beauty to your property and increase its value in the process.
8. 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.
9. Will CTI's systems fade?
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.
10. Will stains damage the system?
No. Mold, mildew, motor oil can be sprayed off with a regular garden hose. A mild detergent can be used to remove the tougher stains.
11. Can you correct drainage and low spots?
Yes. It is important to have concrete sloped to take water away from the foundation. We can generally improve drainage by installing at a different thickness to change the pitch of the existing concrete. The degree of success is contingent upon the pitch of the concrete adjacent to the low spot.
12. How do you treat cracks in the concrete prior to the system application?
Cracks are ground out with a cup grinder to produce a "V". The cracks must be completely free from water and then a two-part epoxy with a chopped fiberglass filament is introduced into the crack and will re-bond. The "V" shape of the channel forces the epoxy to the bottom of the crack providing maximum strength. A tension relief joint is then cut over the crack to control re-cracking.
13. How do you treat control or expansion joints?
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.
14. Can the CTI system be applied to steps?
Yes, CTI's systems can be applied to concrete steps including risers and treads.
15. Can the CTI system be applied to walls?
Yes, however, multiple spray coats are needed to reduce rebound, or waste.
16. 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.
17. How long has this product been in use?
Acrylic decking has been in use since the early 70's. CTi's manufacturing facility has been producing coatings since 1968.
18. How long does it take to do a job?
An average job will take 2 days. Larger, more complex jobs may take longer. Clean foot traffic is usually allowed within the same day. Vehicles are allowed after 7 days.
19. How thick is it?
We generally apply our systems on old concrete between 3/32" to 1/8". CTI's systems are thin layered cements which depend on adhesion through the use of modified acrylics. The same depth, texture and look seen with brick, natural stones, and tiles are accomplished but as a non-porous, seamless system that will last many years.
20. How do I clean the surface?
Usually, normal washing with a hose is sufficient. For stubborn stains, a brush with laundry detergent is all that is needed.
21. How does the price of CTI 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, easier to maintain and longer lasting than the original cement.
22. Is it cool to walk on?
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
23. Can I use this product around my pool deck?
Yes. This is an excellent product for around pools. It is non-skid, cooler than concrete, will not stain or be effected by chemicals and it will convert make your yard more beautiful.
24. Is it slippery when wet?
Depending on the texture selected, the surface is non-skid which greatly reduces the chance for accidents.
25. 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.
26. Is it Kool Deck?
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.