Glossary of Decorative Concrete Terms

Provided by The Concrete Network

www.concretenetwork.com

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G

gauge rake - A tool with an adjustable depth gauge designed for application of high-build coatings or cementitious toppings at a preset, uniform thickness.

glass-fiber reinforced concrete (GFRC) - A portland cement - based composite containing glass fibers for reinforcement. Substantially lower in weight than plain concrete, with higher flexural and compressive strengths. Often used in the production of faux rock formations and concrete countertops.

granulated blast furnace slag - A glassy, granular material formed when molten blast furnace slag is rapidly chilled. Ground granulated slags are sometimes used in concrete mixtures as a cement replacement to help reduce permeability and improve durability. May also slow setting and extend the working time of the concrete.

grinding- A mechanical surface preparation method using rotating abrasive stones or discs to remove thin coatings and mastics or slight flaws and protrusions.

groover - A tool with a V-shaped bit used to create control joints in plasticconcrete.

grout - A mixture of cementitious materials and water, with or without aggregate, proportioned to produce a creamy consistency. Can be purchased preblended in a multitude of colors to define joints and sawcuts in decorative concrete slabs or walls, especially those with stone, brick, or tile patterns.

H

hand float - A smaller handheld version of the bull float, ranging in length from 12 to 18 inches. Especially useful for floating along the perimeter of forms or to work in tight spots.

hard-troweled finish - Surface finish obtained by using a trowel with a steel blade for final finishing of concrete. Often used where a smooth, hard, flat surface is desired.

high-build coating - A protective or decorative coating that produces a thick film (usually greater than 10 mils) in a single coat.

high-pressure water blasting - A process for cleaning or roughening concrete surfaces using a stream of water delivered at high pressure.

high-volume low-pressure (HVLP) sprayer - A spraying device that applies high-solids paints and coatings at low pressure and low velocity, to reduce overspray.

hopper gun - A gravity-fed system for spray application of coatings or toppings. The material is placed in a hopper attached to a spray gun, which is powered by an air compressor. Often used to apply spray-down systems.

HoverTrowel - A patented lightweight power trowel developed specifically for precision finishing of epoxy, polymer modified, and cementitious overlay systems.

hydration - The chemical reaction between cement and water that causes concrete or other cement-based materials to harden.

I

integral color - A coloring agent premixed into fresh concrete or cementitious toppings before placement.

iron oxide - An inorganic pigment often used to color decorative coatings and toppings.

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