FAQs

CTi Frequently Asked Questions

The CTi Concrete System is a color integrated, modified acrylic polymer, mixed with portland cement that is activated with a modified acrylic resin. 

The CTi manufacturing facility has been producing resurfacing products since 1968. Acrylic resurfacing has been in use since the early 70's. A polymer was added to the process in the 80's to provide a superior bonding process to add strength. 

We acid etch and power wash the existing concrete to clean off dirt, remove loose aggregate and open the pores. Next, a hand troweled skim coat of polymer and portland cement is applied to the surface as thin as possible. This allows maximum absorption of the polymer into the existing concrete. When the polymer dries it becomes part of the existing concrete because the polymer is absorbed and dries as part of the old surface. The polymer strengthens and makes the existing concrete more dense as the new application and old surface become an integrated piece. 

The thinner we can apply the mixture the better. Usually between 3/32" to 1/8". The skim coat can be applied up to 2" thick to fill in low areas, level areas, and fill holes. Areas that require fill greater than 2" can be filled with a portland cement gravel mix over a coat of epoxy prior to the skim coat application. 

Concrete heaving cannot be eliminated. However, once your existing concrete is surfaced with CTi, the Surface will be denser and less porous. Less water will be retained by the concrete and therefore, lessen the effects of the freeze thaw cycle.

This CTi system was ASTM tested by subjecting it to a 60 day freeze thaw cycle. This means that it was frozen and thawed 60 consecutive times with no adverse effect. It is stronger and denser than standard concrete and will hold up to cold weather much longer. 

No, because there is no water used in the process and the polymer dries in approximately 60 minutes. To speed up the drying process in colder weather heaters are used to warm the surface. 

Once the skim coat is troweled on and the colored decorative coat is sprayed, the surface is sealed with an acrylic sealer. This sealer is non-porous and UV protective. 

This surface will not show wear provided the acrylic sealer is reapplied occasionally. We estimate this to be needed no sooner than 3.3 years under normal traffic conditions. 

It's economical. If you choose to replace concrete you will incur the cost of rip-out, disposal, forming and the pouring of standard concrete or Paterned Concrete. Standard concrete will again, over a short period of time, absorb oil stains, show salt damage. With CTi, existing concrete is strengthend and the surface is beautified at a great value. 

CTi surfaces will virtually last a lifetime when properly maintained. In addition it can be easily repaired during its useful life. 

No, the control and expansion joints are there to permit the concrete to move. If the existing control and expansion joints were not properly placed when the concrete was poured, we will cut the necessary joints into to reduce random cracking. 

Yes, cracks are repaired by "V" grinding the cracked areas and filling them with a special fiber reinforced epoxy. A tension relief joint is then cut over the crack area.

Yes, it can be installed in varying thickness to change the pitch of existing concrete. 

An average job will take one to three days depending on the condition of the concrete. If new concrete is poured a part of the repair of enlargement prices, the standard concrete will required a 7 days cure before CTi can be applied. As with all exterior surfacing, CTi can not be applied in the rain. 

Foot traffic can begin, excluding high heels, when the acrylic sealer is dry which is at minimum 24 hours. Vehicle traffic can begin after seven days. 

Yes, this is an excellent product for pool decks and copings. It is non-skid, cooler than standard concrete and resists stains and chemicals while also attractive is color and design. 

CTi products can be applied over an porous material, vertical or horizontal. Surfaces should be concrete, stone, slate, brick, river rock, cool deck or plywood.