Article

Surfacing Solutions: From Driveways To Highways, New Business Can Cover It All!

Originally Printed in the Grand Junction, CO Business Times
July 28, 2004

Costa Manos says there are two types of concrete. There's concrete that's cracked. And there?s concrete that's about to crack.

That means there's a large market out there for the products and services Manos and his partner, Kurt Heister, offer through their new Grand Junction, Colorado business called Surfacing Solutions.

Manos and Heister are authorized Dealers and installers for PermaCrete products, a durable concrete resurfacing material that can be used for everything from driveways to highways.

And repairing and resurfacing cracked and damaged concrete is a far less expensive option than replacing cracked and damaged concrete, Manos says. This product is perfect for our climate and the ugly concrete syndrome seen throughout the area.

A versatile compound of cement and plastic, PermaCrete also can be used to resurface patios, swimming pools and warehouse floors. And it offers an alternative for stucco.

The residential and commercial applications, Manos says, are endless.

Manos and Heister bring to their new venture decades of experience in the construction industry. Manos has worked for years buying houses and condominiums, rehabilitating them and then reselling them. Heister was worked in the construction and painting business off and on for about 20 years.

Manos and Heister started Surfacing Solutions earlier this year and completed training at PermaCrete headquarters in Nashville, Tennessee.

The two hold the dealership for PermaCrete products for both Mesa and Pitkin counties in Western Colorado, but hope to extend their service to the entire Western Slope.

Asked specifically why he started Surfacing Solutions, Manos replies, I was tired of ugly concrete.

As concrete ages, it tends to crack and spall, a process in which the smooth surface chips and crumbles, leaving a rough surface behind.

It's nasty, Manos says.

One option is to simply tear out the damaged concrete, install forms and pour new concrete. Another option is to resurface damaged concrete with PermaCrete, he says.

Manos says the process starts by assessing the condition of the concrete and repairing cracks. In some instances, new expansion joints are cut into the concrete.

A skim coat of PermaCrete is applied to cover spalling and level and smooth out the surface. A second, texture coat is applied. As a final step, a stain sealer is applied to provide additional protection.

The process is quick and simple using spray guns and trowels. A typical driveway can be resurfaced in a matter of days and will be ready for vehicular use within three days.

PermaCrete is actually stronger than concrete, with compressive strength of up to 6,000 pounds per square inch, Manos says. Moreover, PermaCrete is nonporous, meaning it resists the oils and chemicals that can stain and damage concrete.

PermaCrete is so durable, in fact, that it's been applied to interstate highway bridges and airport runways.

The only thing that will outlast it is the pyramids, Manos says. PermaCrete's durability is exceeded only by its versatility, he adds.

For starters, the product is available in 166 standard colors. Special colors can be matched to order. As a former painter, Heister says he can usually blend colors to match.

In addition, PermaCrete can be applied to create a wide variety of designs, including tile, brickwork and flagstone. Custom designs also are possible, including monograms and corporate logos.

It's easy. You can put anything in there, Manos says.

The applications for PermaCrete extend beyond just driveways, patios and sidewalks, he says. PermaCrete also can be used in such commercial applications as hotel foyers and warehouse floors.

The products can be used to resurface everything from swimming pools to the exterior walls of homes and businesses. There even are products that can be used for countertop surfaces that resume marble and granite, he says.

Given the potential market for his new business, Manos hopes the operation quickly will grow and he can hire additional employees to serve customers.

After all, he figures there's a lot of cracked concrete out there. And if it hasn't cracked yet, it ultimately will.