I was unable to get through to talk to you, we live in the Christchurch area, I am currently getting new concrete laid. It is an insurance claim. The insurance will only lay similar concrete to what is currently there. Is it worth trying to get the contractor to add colour to the concrete or can I seal it later, I gather from comments made it will be more expensive to seal later. The area being laid is very large and I was hoping to have something a little different. Are there any web sites I can visit to see what is available. They will lay the concrete early this week so I will need to something quickly if sealing later is not the best option.

Describe the characteristics that should be stipulated when ordering concrete for the following purposes: a) Footings in sandy soil b) Core filling of 200mm block retaining wall c) 300m² Slab being poured in hot, dry and windy conditions d) 300m² Slab being poured in cold, cloudy to damp conditions

We are in Christchurch and will be having our stamped concrete replaced with coloured concrete on our patio. I would like the concrete cut into 900x900 squares to form a large tile pattern but was told that they would be unable to cut right to the edge where the patio meets the house foundation which would mean the concrete would just crack instead there and would look unslightly. Is there anyway around this? Also the colour is to be trowled into the surface, is this acceptable or should the colour go right the way through the concrete?
Many thanks in advance for your advice.

In Reply to Kerry Fm Nelson: The only way to truly fix this problem is to dig out a drain on the outside of the wall and apply waterproofing to the wall. This is usually prohibitively expensive. To try and mitigate as much as possible, prevent water getting to the wall through ensuring gutters and downpipes are clear, keep surface water away. Unfortunately coatings won't work as the water will be soaking through so the dehumidifier will be busy for a while yet. (note you don't see a damp spot as the moisture is coming through slowly and the rate of evaporation is faster than the rate of soak)

In answer to J Wooton: As a general rule, if your concrete has a coating you should recoat with that coating. If you have lost faith in that, then the your only real option is to get a contractor in to grind the surface (to remove the existing coating, then apply one of our clear coat sealers - the PFL Epoxy would be best as it is the hardest wearing. This will cost you $50/m2 minimum.

In reply to Jan Tyler: Prepare for sealing with the PFL Surface Preparation, which will remove surface build up, followed by PFL Neutraliser and Cleaner to clean, then apply PFL Glaze Sealer with some PFL Anti-slip included to seal and increase slip resistance. Note that sealing pavers can sometimes result in a circle forming in the paver where moisture gets in and underneath the sealer

In answer to Michael Doliveira; The best solution is to add the colour to the concrete when you pour, then apply a clear sealer when the weather warms up to keep it looking good. See colours here: http://www.peterfell.co.nz/colours. We are more than happy to send you samples as required When the time comes for sealing you will need the PFL GLaze, which you can order direct through us

In answer to Michael Doliveira; The best solution is to add the colour to the concrete when you pour, then apply a clear sealer when the weather warms up to keep it looking good. See colours here: http://www.peterfell.co.nz/colours. We are more than happy to send you samples as required When the time comes for sealing you will need the PFL GLaze, which you can order direct through us

I have a new concrete paver patio which has become very slippery due to all the rain we have had. It was not sealed. What is best to clean it with? Preferably an organic material. If I have it sealed in the summer, again how to clean it first? Kind regards, Jan

i have a big in-door concrete area which i have painted twice in 5 years combining the cristals with the paint. I have not been happy with the result each time,it seams to wear very quickly.I have thought about painting it with a different paint (i have been using a Durapave)