Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the difference between a Catcrete Surface Form and a typical concrete stamp?
A: The surface form can be used immediately on fresh concrete as soon as you have floated and edged the concrete.
The surface form and not the concrete is sprayed with liquid concrete release.
Q: Why is a Catcrete Surface Form a better choice for an ADA Detectable Warning Surface application?
A: The Catcrete Surface Form is light weight and easily maneuverable. You can see your results as you
work. You can overlap the formed areas to accommodate short sections or stepped back sections. You can change alignment
to accommodate required travel paths. Ease of use saves time and money.
Q: Does the finish fresh concrete surface have to be higher to accommodate the 5mm truncated domes?
A: No. Catcrete Surface Forms draw the mortar and aggregate up into the form holes with a gentle tapping
on the form or by use of a surface vibrator available. A minimal amount of trowel finishing at the edges is required
after removing the form.
Q: How does Catcrete Surface Form finish surface compare to stamping or pavers?
A: You are assured of 100% of the domes being formed. A textured finish on the domes assures the same non slip qualities
as the adjacent sidewalk.
Q: How much time does it take to surface form and average 5 foot wide ramp?
A: Fresh concrete ramps can be finished in 10-20 minutes depending on the user. Using color integrated concrete
is easy but the total walk away time is longer. Using color hardener takes more initial time but you can open it to
foot traffic sooner. In all cases, you can open ramps to foot traffic after several hours or over night.
Q: Is the Catcrete Surface Form easy to clean?
A: The form is made out of polyethylene. A clear liquid release for concrete is used in all cases of work.
The form can be easily cleaned at the end of the day with a soft brush and soap and water. If a form is allowed
to dry with out cleaning, a little release can be sprayed on the form and washed with a pressure washer.
Q: Is the Catcrete Surface Form durable?
A: When cared for and cleaned as needed, the form will last for many ramps. The up side of the form
may become scratched and rough in appearance over time but the face stays smooth and cleans up easy. We currently have
a set of forms that have been used on 800 DWS ramps and are still in good condition.
Q: Where are the forms currently acceptable?
A: In any specification by any State or municipal agency that is applied to a contract, NONE have approved
stamps on a list. They only approve the results of the work done by the forms. Catcrete Surface Forms have been
used and the finished work produced has been widely accepted by the Cities of Buffalo, Rochester, Batavia, Niagara Falls and
on New York State DOT and New York State Thruway Authority Contracts. A list of locations is available upon request.
