Frequently Asked Questions
Q – Why is an eliteCrete system franchise better than the others ?
A – 1st, we’re not a franchise but fully licensed factory-trained eliteCrete installers & artisans; 2nd, after searching industry-wide for 3 yrs, we chose to eliteCrete because their complete line of compatible quality products are industry leaders; 3rd, there is ongoing education, updating, research, new products & methods, & refresh training; & 4th, eliteCrete has the best distributor/factory support in the industry – fine people with hands-on experience who are available nites, weekends, & even holidays! ALL GREAT reasons for choosing itsreallyconcrete & eliteCrete systems.
Q - What concrete did my builder use ?
A – More than likely, it was probably 3,00# to 3,500# compressive strength – that's common here for footings, sidewalks, & driveways & it's a good choice. But problems with concrete start during the placing, finishing, & curing. Builders subcontract concrete as it's a specialty item but the subs can't see your house from their house nor do they have a financial interest in your home. So, rather than have enough finishers, some try to get by w/adding extra water to the mix so it won't harden prior to placing & finishing; or maybe they don't apply curing compounds – even incorrectly. If you've noticed fine cracks (crazing) in the surface, that's probably why. Sometimes they've added so much water the floor's always 'dusting' & you can't fix it - but we can.
Q – Doesn't pressure washing help concrete ?
A – Of course but after removing the dirt, concrete should be sealed to prevent soil buildup again. If you should seal it, why not seal with color? Call us!
Q – What about the cracks in our floor, driveway, sidewalk, pool, etc ?
A – eliteCrete has developed the industry standard for crack filling - 1st, we v-cut them with diamond blades. After proper cleaning & preparation, we’ll fill them with an epoxy mortar. There's no charge for this service when you have us do the work. Call us!
Q – Why can't we just stamp the concrete ?
A – That must be done when the concrete is first placed & the builder didn't so it's too late now. Doors are hung & treads installed. That's why we offer a thin-stamped overlay option to upgrade your home among many other available choices. Call us!
Q – Is eliteCrete concrete ?
A – Yes but 1st let’s have a clear understanding of ‘ concrete ‘ ingredients – ( fine aggregate [ typically sand ], coarse aggregate [ typically crushed stone ], grey portland cement, & water. eliteCrete substitutes white cement for grey prtland, hybrid-polymers for coarse aggregate, & 7 different shapes & sizes of silica quartz fine aggregate for the sands. This mix design results in consistent quality control, predictable field results, AND a much higher compressive strength concrete coating.
Q – Can eliteCrete be used inside as well as outside ?
A – Did you look at the pictures? Yes, of course!!!
Q – How does cold weather affect the eliteCrete process ?
A – We don't work, as Company policy, when the temperature's below 40F. The American Concrete Institute has specific guidelines for cold weather concreting & we concur. We stay home when its cold rather than take chances with our guaranteed work. After all, why should we jeopardize our warranty? Thankfully, it doesn't stay cold down here for long. eliteCrete's VERY popular in northern climates so its even better down here.
Q – What advantages does eliteCrete offer compared to concrete ?
A – Our methods & products are very forgiving to our trained artisans. eliteCrete bonds chemically & mechanically to properly prepared surfaces. Typically, eliteCrete has higher compressive, tensile, & flexural strengths when compared to usual residential & commercial concretes.
Q – Are eliteCrete floors slippery ?
A – No, however there are some things to consider. 1st, we never run around pools. That’s fine for adults to say but we know young tots don’t always speak our language so It's Really Concrete adds non-slip aggregate into sealant coatings to promote safe traction. It won’t eliminate an occasional skid or slip but it will help. We also have the knowledge & experience to foresee problems before they occur AND we’ve got the method to mitigate them in advance. Since the final coat of any eliteCrete architectural floor is sacrificial wax, it will promote safe traction.
Q – Can all concrete by overlaid, stained, or engraved?
A – Short answer, yes. But It's Really Concrete inspects & evaluates every project before giving a long answer. Sometimes the concrete's so deteriorated even we can't help. We do, however, have strategic partnerships with qualified contractors who remove & install to our exacting specifications under our supervision & control.
Q – Do you work in other environments beside residential?
A – Yes! Institutional, industrial, & commercial – private owners, developers, general contractors, DOT's. municipalities, counties, state, & the Feds! We're comfortable with these particular owner requirements. Just call & ask us!
Q – Tell us more about the It's Really Concrete warranty?
A – We typically offer a 5-year warranty against delamination. Unlike other practioners & franchisees, who discover less expensive materials & mix them into the system, we use the complete eliteCrete product line. Therefore, the It's Really Concrete warranty is comprehensive.
Q – Are It's Really Concrete floors expensive?
A – That's a relative term – we're tile-competitive if you pick out a decent tile - much less expensive than slate, stone, marble, or granite – think of It's Really Concrete floors as 'art you can walk on - at a reasonable investment!' Call us!
Q - How long does this process take ?
A – We have no idea until you call It's Really Concrete for a personal inspection & evaluation. The average project lasts 3 or 4 days. You'll find our telephone number on the website. Use them! Call us!
Q – Is the eliteCrete process messy or hazardous to family or pets?
A – No hazardous materials are used in our work. We now have dust-free equipment including 10 micron vacuums so inside work's never an issue.
Q - Where can I get more information about eliteCrete ?
A – Elite Crete Homepage is our primary source. For general information on concrete overlays, acid-staining, & polishing, we can recommend: International Concrete Repair Institute and American Concrete Institute.
