Prime Builders offers a complete line of concrete products
| We offer a unique line of stamped concrete patterns from natural rock or slate texture to brick. We can add multiple colors to the surface to give warmth and a natural look.Regular gray concrete can be dressed up by using random joint patterns and free form edges instead of the traditional straight edges, as done in the past. Topped off with a light broom, rock salt, or acid wash to name just a few of the final finishes to give boring concrete an exciting and new look.I am proud to put name on every job.The Brenner family has been in construction for over 80 years. My grandfather built many of the sidewalks and public works in the Tampa Bay area of Florida. The picture is of a sidewalk that was saved from a recent renovation site, dated 1927. My grandfather put his name on his work as a mark of pride. I was honored with his name and carry on the family tradition of excellence. Every job my company builds, I am proud to put my name on. Bernhardt David Brenner Prime Builders, Owner |  |
Services |
Special Surface Finishes and Colors |
| Pool and Spa Decks Patio Slabs Driveways Sidewalks and Paths Fire Pits Block and Retaining Walls RV Access Boat Pads Basketball and Tennis Courts Stamped or Textured Concrete Mow Curbs and Stem Walls Water Features |
Stamped Textured Colored Acid Wash Acid Stain |
Often asked questions
Questions answered by David Brenner C.E.O. of Prime Builders
Q, What concrete do I use? Is there one kind fits all or are there different kinds for different purposes?
A. This is a complicated question, so I will keep it simple. There are many types of concrete as well as additives that are designed for various purposes. The concrete products that Prime Builders uses are the best available for home improvement projects. Concrete is a composite material, using Portland cement, sand, gravel, pot ash, and water as the basic materials. Other additives such as color, accelerators, or retarders for curing, fiber, wire or steel re-bar are also used. The concrete hardens by a process called hydration. There are two very important issues you should be concerned with, (1) is how it is mixed and delivered, and (2) the mixture quality of the concrete. All of our concrete comes from Robertson’s Concrete. This a ready mix from the factory. Concrete mixed on a job site is a cheaper process, but the quality is not consistent and the mixes are not time sequenced for an even cure, causing potential cracking. The concrete in most cases is pumped to the job site, as opposed to wheel barreling. This again will give a more consistent pouring which results in a more even cure. The standard in the industry is 2,500 psi concrete which is 5 sack concrete with a small rock aggregate or gravel. We use 3,000 psi with the small gravel mix that is 6 ½ sacks of concrete per square yard. This is the optimum mix for most projects. We cannot guarantee against cracks in the concrete, but we do all we can to minimize it.
Q. Should I use reinforcement in the concrete?
A. Yes, absolutely in almost all cases. The standard reinforcement materials are fiberglass, plastic fibers, wire, and wire mesh and steel re-bar. Prime Builders uses wire mesh in patio decks, walkways, pool decks. Wire mesh is fine for driveways, but steel re-bar is the best if cost is not prohibitive. As a rule we have found that the fiber additives do a minimum job of reinforcement. Around pool decks we install a bond beam which is re-bar in a grid pattern.
Q. How long for the concrete to cure?
A. After three days it is safe to walk on with care! The slab will be 90% cured in three weeks and will gain strength for years. Wait at least two weeks to drive on the new slab.
Q. What do I do for maintained of my new concrete deck?
A. After the slab has been installed for 24 hours, moisten the slab twice a day for two days to remove the heat caused by the chemical process of hydration. The concrete deck will be in full use after three weeks. Simple washing is all that will be needed. If the deck is stamped and colored, you may want to seal the concrete with a concrete sealer. Caution: once you do this, you will have to continue this every six months as a maintenance schedule.
Q. What are expansion joints and what is the purpose?
A. Expansion joints are a controlled break. We install a minimum of eighty square feet sections. We can install a free form design, straight lines, or a saw cut pattern.
Don’t hesitate to give us a call! Our friendly staff will be glad to answer your questions and give you detailed information on our concrete services and products. Click on the link below to get started today!
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