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Services
Stamp Collection
Warranty, Etc.
Portfolio
About us
More
  • Home
  • Services
  • Stamp Collection
  • Warranty, Etc.
  • Portfolio
  • About us
  • Home
  • Services
  • Stamp Collection
  • Warranty, Etc.
  • Portfolio
  • About us

OUR 1-YEAR WORKMANSHIP PROMISE

Our concrete work is created by humans and even under the closest supervision possible, small imperfections can and should be expected.  Despite the skills of our workmanship, the quality of our materials and the strength and durability of concrete, it is not without its inherent flaws nor is it indestructible.  


All work will be completed in a substantial workmanlike manner adhering to industry standard practices.  We offer a 1 year Limited Workmanship Warranty from the date of completion of the project.    


What we can guarantee is that your project will be unique and one of a kind. It is impossible to create two identical projects, no matter how much planning and thought is invested, no project can be ever duplicated.


We take great pride in our work and will do everything we can to provide you with the best results.  The information that follows provide some of the common issues that you can expect when working with concrete. 


Should you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us. 


Thank you. 


Samuel S Gray, Owner 



WHAT TO EXPECT

Bird baths/Puddles

Bird baths/Puddles

Bird baths/Puddles

 This occurs when slight dips or deeper depressions form during the stamping process. It is a natural outcome of walking on wet concrete during the stamping process.

Bubbles

Bird baths/Puddles

Bird baths/Puddles

It's common for these occurrences to arise in  stamped finishes during the sealing process.  Early communication with us is essential for timely and effective remedies.

Color variation

Bird baths/Puddles

Color variation

 Large projects with multiple pours may show color variation at seams. Despite consistent processes, the unpredictability in concrete may lead to variations. Additionally, new concrete poured against existing concrete may show color variation. Color charts and pictures (computerized or printed), our show area and color samples are ONLY representations and are NOT to be solely relied upon. 

Cracks

Crazing, Spider Webbing or Surface Shrinkage

Color variation

Despite preventative measures and the use of reinforcement, all concrete, whether broomed or stamped, is susceptible to cracking - it's just a matter of when.  

Crazing, Spider Webbing or Surface Shrinkage

Crazing, Spider Webbing or Surface Shrinkage

Crazing, Spider Webbing or Surface Shrinkage

 Thin wet lines resembling a spider web may appear during drying in both broomed and stamped finishes. This is a natural process and usually only shows when the concrete is wet. 

Double lines

Crazing, Spider Webbing or Surface Shrinkage

Crazing, Spider Webbing or Surface Shrinkage

 In stamped concrete, double lines may occur when two stamp mats meet during the stamping process, causing the concrete to push up. While efforts are made to smooth out these lines, they may not be easily visible during the stamping process.

Flaking or Popping

Shallow stamp impressions

Release color unevenness

 Although concrete is durable, surface flaws like flaking or popping may expose stones. There are various unknown reasons, but such exposure does not compromise the slab's integrity. 

Release color unevenness

Shallow stamp impressions

Release color unevenness

 In stamped concrete, the application of a powder release agent may result in uneven coloration throughout the project. This is unpredictable and out of the Contractor’s control.  

Shallow stamp impressions

Shallow stamp impressions

Shallow stamp impressions

 Stamped concrete may show shallow impressions where stamp mats did not depress sufficiently into the wet concrete. Despite efforts to maintain uniformity, these impressions may not always be visible during the stamping process.  

Tears or Crusting

Tears or Crusting

Shallow stamp impressions

 In stamped concrete, small tears near the edge of a stamped pattern may occur due to pressure during the stamping process. While efforts are made to smooth out these tears, however; they may not be easily visible during the stamping process. 

Unsightliness

Tears or Crusting

Unsightliness

 Concrete finishing in restricted areas (under bay areas or steps or within small areas, etc.), around obstacles (deck posts, drainpipes, etc.) against a house or similar, may present challenges, resulting in "areas of unsightliness." This is not due to inexperience but the inherent difficulties in such scenarios.  

Whitening

Tears or Crusting

Unsightliness

In stamped finishes, if moisture becomes trapped beneath the sealer, it can lead to a whitening or hazy appearance.  It's important to notify the contractor promptly if the issue arises so that appropriate remedies can be applied.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How thick should my concrete be poured?

It really depends what kind of weight will be applied to the concrete on a regular basis.  We recommend: Sidewalks to be 4" thick, driveways to be a minimum 5" thick, and anything used for heavy equipment to be 6" to 8" think.  Each situation is different so we will assess each project accordingly.

Does concrete crack?

Yes, unfortunately it is very normal for concrete to crack, it's just a matter of when.  This is not "always" a sign of poor workmanship.  There is no guarantee that your concrete will never crack.

How long will my concrete project take?

Most average sized residential jobs take about two days, at most, to complete for the standard finishes - one day to tear out and one day to pour new concrete and clean up.  For decorative concrete, it could take about four days as we need to return to clean and/or seal.  For more complex projects, it will require additional time. 

What is the purpose of the lines that you saw cut into the concrete?

The lines, control joints, are strategically placed to allow for movements caused by temperature change and drying shrinkage.  When/if the concrete cracks, it is our hope that the crack will follow the course of the joint.

Can I use a de-icer that says it is safe for concrete?

There is no such thing as a safe de-icer; but, if necessary, the best option is Calcium Chloride.  De-icers will cause flaking.   It is best that you use sand for traction.  Road salt from your tires can cause damage to your concrete driveway.  It is recommend that you clean your driveway with fresh water as soon as possible from any possible road salt.  It is also recommended that you clean the snow off your new concrete within a reasonable time period.  The freeze and thaw cycles can cause flaking of the surface of the concrete. 

How often do I need to reseal my decorative concrete?

Your stamped concrete should only be resealed when it's absolutely necessary to help maintain it's beautiful characteristics.  Heavy traffic areas or an extreme winter can create wear on the sealer.   Stained surfaces are sealed; therefore, the same rules apply as for stamped concrete.   Sealer through time does wear off; how frequently is out of one's control. 

Copyright © 2025 Gray Companies - All Rights Reserved.

717.577.3520 / 2035 Mill Creek Road, Dover, PA 17315


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