ARP Hardscape provides a wide range of concrete services for residential and commercial clients in Alameda and Contra Costa Counties. The company works with all types of concrete (including exposed aggregate) to build retaining walls, fire pits, countertops, sidewalks and other products, and it can also use paving stones to create unique backyard and front yard elements.
Owner Alex Ramirez says ARP Hardscape’s ability to communicate with its clients has been a key factor in its success. “Before we do any work, we go over the details with the customer and make sure they know exactly what to expect. We only use the best materials to ensure long-lasting results, and if we think a certain aspect of the job should change because it will improve the overall product, we’ll let them know.”
ARP Hardscape maintains a staff of highly skilled technicians, which Mr. Ramirez says is important for ensuring consistently positive results. “Our clients know that when they start a project with us, they won’t be dealing with a bunch of subcontractors—they’re getting experienced professionals who will be onsite every day to answer questions, explain their work and ensure everything goes according to plan.”
“Our number one goal is to make our clients happy, so we work hard to meet their needs and provide them with beautiful concrete products that will last for years. We take the time to confirm that every phase of our work is being done correctly, and if there’s ever an issue, we’ll find a way to make it right.”
Keep your colored concrete looking like new with proper maintenance techniques.
Regardless of its quality, all colored concrete starts to fade over time—black concrete tends to fade fast and turns into plain colored concrete within five years, while more pastel shades of concrete hold color better and last longer. Keeping your colored concrete looking like new is dependent on three things: periodic pressure washing, resealing and recoloring.
Pressure washing removes any mold and other buildup that can accumulate on concrete surfaces in the shade. For homeowners who like a glossy look to their concrete, pressure washing is recommended every two years. Sealing is also recommended every two years to make the color last longer and protect it from the elements. There are several different options available when it comes to resealing concrete, from clear sealants to tinted sealants that enhance color vibrancy. Recoloring is usually reserved for concrete that has already faded.
If you’re installing colored concrete, it’s important to make sure your contractor has the right experience to work on your project. Inexperience can lead to poorly mixed concrete that’s the wrong color or areas that fail to dry completely. “Another issue is when the contractor doesn’t clean their truck properly between jobs, which leaves behind grease or differently colored concrete,” adds Alex Ramirez, owner of ARP Hardscape in San Leandro. “That can ruin your concrete installation and lead to an expensive repair.”
As an alternative to concrete, consider using paving stones for your driveway or walkway—they’re more resistant to fading and cracking than concrete, and their relatively small size makes them difficult to crack. The main issue that can arise with paving stones is settling, but that can be fixed by removing settled stones and adding more base underneath.
When paving stones are first laid, the gaps are filled in with fine sand and the whole system is sealed to lock it in place. However, if the area doesn’t get resealed every two years, weeds will start growing between the gaps. This can be remedied by pressure washing, followed by resealing. Resealing not only inhibits the growth of weeds, but it also retains the aesthetic qualities of the paving stones, contributes to their longevity and keeps water from penetrating them.
Maintaining customer satisfaction is a crucial aspect of any business, but it’s even more important for concrete contractors that have earned the prestigious Diamond Certified award. For ARP Hardscape, the key to keeping clients happy is simple: use top-quality materials and techniques to give them the results of their dreams. “We work hard to meet our clients’ needs and provide them with beautiful concrete products that last for years,” says owner Alex Ramirez. “By listening to their ideas and being respectful of their wishes, we’re able to make sure they have great experiences.”
ARP Hardscape has been providing concrete services for residential and commercial clients in Alameda and Contra Costa Counties since 2018. The company work with all types of concrete (including exposed aggregate) to build everything from retaining walls and fire pits to countertops and sidewalks, and it can also use paving stones to create unique landscaping elements.
Unlike concrete contractors that hire inexperienced day laborers to handle most of their work, ARP Hardscape maintains a team of highly skilled and experienced technicians who have been with the company for years. “I’m also on every jobsite working alongside my crew, which gives our clients more peace of mind,” adds Mr. Ramirez. “If I make a promise, they can trust that it’ll happen because I’m right there making sure everything is going according to plan.”
Another distinguishing attribute of ARP Hardscape is its dedication to implementing industry-best installation methods on every project. For example, its base material is always at least three inches of base rock without wires, which makes it more durable and prevents it from cracking. “We’ve done a lot of work with pavers and concrete, so we know how to give our clients the best results,” affirms Mr. Ramirez. “We take the time to make sure everything is being done correctly, and if there’s an issue, we’ll do what it takes to make it right.”