5 Reasons Why Stamped Concrete is Perfect for St. Louis Homes

Reason 1: Extreme Resistance to Harsh Weather

St. Louis has extreme temperature fluctuations with low winter temperatures below 25 degrees Fahrenheit (F) and high summer temperatures above 90 F. Repeated freeze-thaw cycles due to extreme temperature variations will stress and compromise most outdoor surface materials. However, with proper installation techniques and air-entrainment technology, stamped concrete is extremely resilient to thermal stress. In addition, the monolithic nature of stamped concrete eliminates the settling and shifting common to separate pavers or bricks.

Thermal Stress Resistance

Free-thaw damage is among the greatest dangers to outdoor surfaces. Water entering the material during the winter months expands and causes cracking upon thawing. Each year, St. Louis typically goes through multiple free-thaw cycles. Stamped concrete installed using air-entrainment technology introduces small air pockets into the concrete matrix. When freezing water expands in the concrete, it does so in the microscopic air pocket. The air pocket provides an expansion chamber, which helps to prevent the damaging pressure caused by the freezing water. Proper sealing of the surface will prevent water from penetrating into the concrete and reduce the occurrence of freeze-thaw damage throughout the life of the concrete.

Heavy Rainfall Resistance

The St. Louis area receives about 44 inches of precipitation annually, and heavy rainstorms are common and often overwhelm drainage systems. When installed properly, stamped concrete is designed to have sufficient slope to facilitate the flow of water away from the surface instead of pooling. Pavers, however, contain many joints where water may penetrate and undermine the surface, while stamped concrete’s solid surface contains fewer areas for water to enter. Additionally, stamped concrete’s density prevents erosion of the base surface, a common problem associated with loose stone and gravel.

Reason 2: Aesthetically Unlimited Possibilities

Stamped concrete presents nearly limitless design opportunities that enable homeowners to attain any aesthetic they desire. While popular patterns include slate, flagstone, cobblestone, brick, and wood plank, homeowners can replicate any architectural style using stamped concrete. Stamped concrete offers a wide variety of colors, ranging from soft, muted earth-tone colors that match natural stone to vibrant colors that produce dramatic effects. It is possible to layer various colors in a single job and mimic the varied colors seen in true materials.

Matching St. Louis Architectural Styles

Throughout St. Louis, there are a number of different types of housing stock, including Victorian mansions, Craftsman bungalows, Colonial revivals, and contemporary ranch homes. Stamped concrete can adapt to each architectural style based on the homeowner’s preference for pattern and color. For example, a Victorian home in Lafayette Square would look best with intricately stamped brick or cobblestone patterns that reflect period accuracy. A ranch home in Webster Groves would complement a large flagstone or slate pattern with a warm gray tone. A modern design would utilize a large format pattern with clean lines and limited color variance. The contractor works closely with the homeowner to select combinations of patterns and colors that enhance the existing aesthetic components of the home.

Creation of Outdoor Living Spaces

Homeowners today view outdoor spaces as an extension of their interior living space and, therefore, deserving of similar design consideration. With the help of stamped concrete, homeowners can now create sophisticated patios that rival their indoor flooring visually while providing practical function. Borders and accent patterns that define different outdoor spaces, for example, Dining, lounging, and cooking, can be integrated with seamless transitions between the different spaces to create cohesive designs that maximize the property’s potential. The versatility of stamped concrete allows for the inclusion of curved, radiused, and other complex shapes that cannot be achieved with the fixed paver systems.

Reason 3: The Best Value for Money

When it comes to determining how much to spend on flooring, budget is always a factor; thus, comparing costs is a critical part of making an informed decision. Stamped concrete usually falls in the $8 to $18 per square foot price range, depending on the complexity of the pattern and colors selected. Many homeowners choose to install natural stone, which can run upwards of $25 per square foot prior to considering the long-term maintenance costs. The cost of brick pavers varies from $15 to $30 per square foot, with a greater amount of labor required to install stamped concrete compared to installing concrete.

Long-Term Costs

While the initial cost of the installation is only one aspect of the overall cost of owning a surface for its entire lifespan, there are many long-term costs associated with owning any surface. Stamped concrete requires very little maintenance once it is installed; owners need only periodically clean and re-seal the surface every three to five years. In contrast, individual pavers settle and shift over time and require the expense of leveling, replacing sand in the joints, and controlling weeds. Natural stone must be professionally cleaned and sealed every few years to maintain its appearance and prevent degradation. Decking made of wood must be stained yearly, and boards must be replaced and, ultimately, the deck completely rebuilt. By comparing long-term costs, it becomes clear that the long-term value of stamped concrete is significantly greater than its up-front cost relative to the basic concrete product.

Enhancing Property Value

A well-designed outdoor space enhances the curb appeal of a property and adds value to it. Realtors consistently say that attractive hardscaping influences buying decisions and increases asking prices. Well-installed stamped concrete looks more expensive than it actually is and produces a high-end aesthetic that appeals to potential buyers. Homes with outdated or deteriorated exterior surfaces are difficult to attract buyers and are usually sold for less. The investment in quality stamped concrete will protect and potentially increase your property’s equity while also giving you immediate gratification.

Reason 4: Minimal Ongoing Maintenance Needs

Many busy homeowners want materials that keep looking great without requiring a lot of effort. Stamped concrete requires an incredibly low level of ongoing maintenance compared to other paving options. Periodic sweeping will remove debris that could scratch the protective sealers applied to the surface, while periodic power washing will restore the surface to its original appearance. Sealing the surface every three to five years will preserve the colors of the concrete and protect against stains and weather damage.

Eliminating Maintenance Problems

Paver installations develop persistent problems, including weeds growing through the joints, ants digging tunnels and undermining the pavers, and individual pavers sinking or leaning. Homeowners spend a great deal of time and money trying to solve these ongoing problems throughout their ownership of the property. Natural stone requires special cleaning products to prevent discoloration and etching from environmental exposure. Wood surfaces require annual refinishing and regular inspections for signs of decay, insect infestation, and structural failure. Stamped concrete eliminates all of these concerns by being a monolithic surface that resists biological growth and structural deterioration.

Repair Methods for Damaged Stamped Concrete

While stamped concrete can develop cracks over time, the process of repairing them is relatively easy when done by experienced professionals. Small cracks are filled with specialized compounds that blend with the surrounding surface. Larger damaged sections can be removed and replaced,d but if a new section is to be colored to match the original, the installer must have the skill to do so. If the homeowner performs preventative maintenance, including re-sealing the surface and dealing with minor issues immediately, the likelihood of needing repairs is greatly reduced. Due to the inherent strength of the material, catastrophic failures are rare except in cases of severe structural instability, such as massive foundation movement or root intrusion.

Reason 5: Safety and Functionality

Safety factors should be considered when selecting an outdoor surface because wet conditions can make surfaces slippery. The textured surface of stamped concrete provides natural traction that is superior to a smooth finish. The texture of the pattern also creates irregularities on the surface that improve grip even when the surface is wet or has fallen leaves on it. Non-skid additives can be added to the sealers used on areas that require maximum traction, such as pool decks.

Benefits of a Solid Surface

The fact that stamped concrete is a solid surface eliminates the trip hazards presented by uneven pavers or individual stones that have lifted. Children can safely ride bicycles and scooters across a solid stamped surface without encountering the edges of the individual pavers that can catch the wheels of the vehicles. Individuals with mobility limitations can walk across a solid surface of stamped concrete more easily than those with multiple joints and varying heights of pavers. Snow removal in the winter is also easier across a solid surface than it is across a surface with individual pavers that equipment can get caught on, or displaced stones that create holes for water to collect in. The fact that stamped concrete is a solid surface also reduces the opportunity for water to accumulate in the joints, where mosquitoes can breed during the humid Missouri summers.

Properties of Heat Management

During the summer months, St. Louis’ high temperatures often exceed 90 F, and, thus, surface heat absorption is a legitimate concern. Light-colored stamped concrete absorbs and reflects more of the sun’s radiation than darker asphalt and some types of stone. Stamped concrete has thermal mass properties that moderate temperature extremes by absorbing heat slowly during the day and releasing it slowly at night. Strategically chosen colors can minimize the surface temperature and create more comfortable outdoor spaces during the hottest summer months. Proper installation techniques involve adequately preparing the substrate to avoid heat-induced expansion problems.

Professional Installation Provides Results

To realize the full benefits of stamped concrete, homeowners must hire a professional who has experience in preparing materials, applying patterns, and completing the finishing techniques. The time frame for the installation must be carefully managed as the concrete must remain workable long enough to apply the stamps without compromising the structural integrity of the surface. Contractors who have worked in St. Louis know the local soils, the correct preparation methods for the substrates, and the necessary reinforcements for successful installations of stamped concrete. Professionals also know the techniques for applying colors that result in the desired appearance and the degree of detail needed to accurately replicate the textures of the real materials.

Selecting Quality Products

All concrete mixtures are not created equally, especially in a harsh climate like Missouri. Professional contractors know what type of concrete strength, air entrainment, and admixture to specify to provide optimal durability for the surface. High-quality stamp patterns are able to accurately reproduce natural materials by incorporating detailed impressions and realistic texture variations. High-quality sealers will protect the surface from UV degradation, chemical exposure, and moisture longer than the lower-cost alternatives.

Transform Your Outdoor Spaces

Stamped concrete provides the ultimate combination of beauty, durability, and value for St. Louis area homeowners seeking to enhance their properties. Whether homeowners are looking to build a beautiful patio in Kirkwood, a functional driveway in Webster Groves, or a stunning pool deck somewhere in the area, this versatile material will surpass expectations. At St. Louis Concrete Works, we specialize in building stamped concrete projects that will withstand the extreme conditions present in Missouri while creating outdoor spaces that you’ll enjoy for decades. Our experienced staff will guide you through choosing a pattern and color scheme, handle all of the installation details, and ensure the final finishing is done correctly to provide the longest-lasting results. We understand the specific needs of St. Louis area homes and provide stamped concrete solutions that will enhance both the functionality and curb appeal of your home, regardless of the time of year.