If you have been walking around Mississauga recently, then you might have bumped into an emerging trend. Jewel Stone overlays are being used to enhance the visual appeal of existing concrete surfaces such as porches, driveways, recreational flooring, and pool areas.
Once applied and sealed, it creates a slip-resistant surface and offers a luxurious and classic beauty that resembles natural stone, tile, or wood plank walking surfaces. It’s known for outstanding abrasion resistance qualities and supports the structural integrity of your surfaces, which makes it perfect to withstand heavy foot traffic.
Instead of tearing out old, deteriorating concrete, many are discovering that jewel stone concrete overlays offer a visually stunning and very affordable way to transform everyday concrete into beautiful and durable surfaces.
However, the decision to hire a competent professional can significantly influence the outcome of each individual project when done right from the outset. Before you employ anyone, there are several important considerations, particularly if this is your first experience with Jewel Stone.
What Jewel Stone is and why hiring the right person matters
Jewel Stone is an extraordinary cement mix of resins and decorative bits that develops a smooth, stylish finish. It’s applied over worn-out concrete to give it a brand new appearance, and when it’s applied and covered, it ends up as real stones, tiles, or even wood planks. It stands the test of time in areas that are exposed to high traffic activity, such as patios and driveways.
Jewel Stone is a great alternative that exceeds concrete's economical costs compared to other solutions like stamped concrete or pavers. It is an attractive choice because it makes the old concrete look new.
The durability of the overlay is dependent on the workmanship of the installation. Even good material will not be of any help in a poor job, so experience can make or break the results. That is why the choice of the right specialist is important. Seasoned Jewel Stone installers are experienced enough to know how to cope with everything that Mississauga’s weather will throw at them as they lay a strong Jewel Stone surface without cracking and fading.
Qualities of a reliable Jewel Stone contractor in Mississauga
It is not enough to simply search and choose the first name of a contractor that you see. A reliable jewel stone contractor in Mississauga must demonstrate that he or she has done this job previously and take the work seriously. Look out for such qualities:
- A good portfolio of completed projects.
- Positive testimonials by other local homeowners who have
- Experience in different jewel stone concrete resurfacing projects.
- Is open about things and keeps them clear at the first stage.
- Quality and customer satisfaction
- Still there if the issues arise later on.
Questions to ask before hiring
When communicating with probable jewel stone contractors, write a few questions to ask before you call. They don’t have to be very technical, just enough so that they can get a good sense of how comfortable they appear to be explaining their process.
- For how long have you been doing jewel stone concrete overlays? Do they have sufficient experience? Suspending oneself in the business does not equate the equivalent of knowing this particular job. You need a person who has to deal with this material exclusively and knows how to manipulate it.
- What are the things that you do to prepare the surface before you install jewel stone? The manner of prepping has a significant influence on how it will age with time. Their response should consist of elements such as cleaning, crack repair, and it should make sure the surface adheres properly.
- Do you have a current portfolio of work to look at, ideally local? It is easier to trust a person when you know what he has done.
- How do you go about it from the time of consultation to completion? They ought to be able to guide you by their process stage by stage. A good answer should have everything to do with the first visit and final cleanup.
- What do you do to make my garden or other premises safe? This is important, especially in the vicinity of gardens or walkways.
If they are having problems answering any of these quite clearly, it may be advisable to look elsewhere.
Red flags to watch out for
Some warning signs are quite easy to spot once you know how to do it. If a contractor avoids answering your questions or stumbles on easy installation steps, that is a big red flag. You don’t want them learning on the job using your property.
Another red flag will be a contractor who is not willing to put anything down in paperwork. A contract should clearly describe the type of work that will be done and the things that have been incorporated. This document is a deterrent to any ambiguities on the scope of work.
Proceed with care with estimates that are greatly lower than average. Although low estimates are attractive, they might mean that the contractor is cutting corners to save on costs, whereby cheap materials are used, repair work on the surfaces that are required is not done, or low-quality sealers are applied.
Perhaps the biggest red flag of them all is a lack of communication. If the quoting phase is already difficult to navigate due to a lack of clear communication, it will only get worse. You want a contractor who answers his phone and has the schedules of his appointments, and takes your inquiries seriously.
Comparing quotes and proposals
Don’t just go for the cheapest quote. Ask what’s included and compare the full picture. A reasonable estimate should include clear breakdowns of the payment for labor, materials, and finishes.
Make sure to analyze what each contractor includes in their pricing. Other contractors may charge additional fees for things like surface extras or adding a second coat of concrete sealer; this could be extremely beneficial if it preserves the slip-resistant surface and extends the longevity of the finish.
A higher price can sometimes reflect a smoother experience or better results. Think about value, not just cost.
Benefits of choosing a local Jewel Stone contractor in Mississauga
Choosing a jewel stone contractor in Mississauga has several advantages:
- They understand the local Mississauga climate.
- They’re easier to reach.
- They care about their reputation.
Final tips for a smooth project
When undertaking a concrete repair project, begin at the right time and do not try to lay jewel stones during the cold or wet times. This is not just a question of comfort because temperature and humidity have been known to influence curing, and this could also affect how it adheres to the surface paste.
Recorded everything right from the onset, including start date, costs, and clean-up expectations. This makes it easy and avoids a mix-up between all involved parties.
Ask for the regular re-sealing of the surface and the cleaners to avoid. Proper maintenance increases the life of the exterior concrete finish.
Final thoughts
Completing the Jewel Stone project can change your home in every aspect. However, this depends heavily on whether or not you set up an expert. Be careful when getting the first quote. Consult jewelry experts, seek enquiries, assess and request work history, and look at some of the previous work.
Thinking about resurfacing your old concrete to improve its curb appeal? We’d be happy to chat, answer questions, and walk you through what’s possible.
Our jewel stone specialists' goal is to help you get something that looks sharp and lasts, at a very affordable price.
