HALLMARK SYSTEM  
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
   
   
Q: What is Concrete Technology Inc.'s Product?
A: CTI's product is a color integrated, modified acrylic cement product made of Portland cement, silica sand and a modified acrylic resin for its bonding agent.
 

Q: How thick is it?
A: 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.
 

Q: What does it look like?
A: CTI's systems achieve a look, texture and color of any type stone or look you require. A base coat is applied that fixes any imperfections in the original concrete. A design is then laid over it and a hopper gun shoots on a textured layer over that. A final clear coat is put over the system that is nonporous and protects it as well as makes it very easy to maintain. Mold, mildew, motor oil, etc. can be sprayed off with a regular garden hose. Common detergents can be used to remove tough or repetitive latencies.
 

Q: What colors does it come in?
A: We have a variety of standard colors to choose from. However, we can custom produce any color you wish for a minimal extra charge.
 

Q: How long does it take to do a job?
A: An average job will take 1 to 2 days. Larger, more complex jobs may take longer. Clean foot traffic is usually allowed within the same day.
 

Q: Does the pool have to be drained?
A: No, the pool should be full. If the pool were empty, the CTI system overspray would stain the plaster. Full, any small amount of overspray can be dealt with by allowing the overspray to settle to the bottom, shutting off the filter, then pumping the material to waste and bypassing all filters is recommended.
 

Q: How do you treat control or expansion joints?
A: 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.
 

Q: Is it cool to walk on?
A: 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

Q: Is it Kool Deck?
A: 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.
 

Q: Will pool water, chlorine, muriatic acid, or bleach stain the CTI system?
A: No, the sealer we apply to our system is not affected by most chemicals.
 

Q: Will CTI's systems fade?
A: 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.

Q: How do you treat cracks in the concrete prior to the CTI application?
A: Cracks are ground out with a cup grinder to produce a "V". A two-part epoxy with a chopped sand filler is then introduced into the crack and will re-bond the crack.
 

Q: What if something happens to my deck after the warranty?
A: The material is repairable. We service all decks past warranty for a fee.
 

Q: Can you apply the CTI system over painted concrete?
A: 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.
 

Q: Can the CTI system be applied to steps?
A: Yes, CTI's systems can be applied to concrete steps including risers and treads.
 

Q: Can the CTI system be applied to walls?
A: Yes, however, multiple spray coats are needed to reduce rebound, or waste.
 

Q: Do you apply the material to cantilever faces and coping stones?
A: We do apply CTI's systems to cantilever faces and coping stones. Though application over coping stones is a matter of personal preference, it is often advisable to coat the stones unless they are exceptionally new. If not coated, they tend to look old and dirty after the CTI installation is complete. In addition, the older copings which have deep lips can be filled in so the coping stones are level with the deck giving a modern cantilevered look.
 

Q: If the coping stones are not covered, will the CTI system be higher?
A: No, CTI's systems are feathered very thin at the joint edge so the coping and decking will be level.
 

Q: How long has this product been in use?
A: Acrylic decking has been in use since the early 70's. Our manufacturer has been producing coatings since 1968.
 

Q: Can you level heaved concrete?
A: Yes, this can be taken care of either by having a subcontractor repair major problems or we can correct smaller heaving.
 

Q: How does the price of CTI's systems compare with removing and replacing old concrete?
A: 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 and much easier to maintain than the original cement.
 

Q: What is the cost per square foot?
A: The price depends on a number of factors, such as the condition of the original concrete, the patterns chosen, the size of the job, etc.
 

Q: How do I clean the CTI surfaces?
A: Usually, normal washing with a hose is all that is needed. For stubborn stains, a brush with laundry detergent is all that is needed.
 

Q: I know concrete is strong and durable, how does CTI's systems compare?
A: CTI's systems are harder than concrete.  Most concrete has a compressive strength of 2000-2500 psi rating.  CTI's system has a 7000 psi rating.