Fiber Mix
Fiber mix fibers are 100% virgin polypropylene, multi-filament, fibers specifically engineered and manufactured for use in concrete for reinforcement. Fiber mix reduces segregation, plastic settlement and shrinkage cracking. They increase abrasion resistance, add impact and shatter resistance, and reduce permeability. Progressive Concrete uses fiber mix in approximately 90% of all concrete.

Water-Reducers
Water reducers are used for two different purposes:
1. Lowers the water content, therefore increasing concrete strength.
2. Increases a higher slump by using the same water content.

Water reducers will generally reduce the required water content for a given slump as much as 25%. This increases the strength and allows the cement content to be reduced therefore maintaining the same water-cement ratio. Water reducers are used to increase slump for pumping concrete, as well as being used in hot weather to offset the increased water demand. Although water-reducers are not free, they are worth every dollar spent on them.

Slab Thickness
Most decks, patios, walks and driveways are constructed approximately 4" thick unless vehicles heavier than cars frequently pass over the concrete. If the slab is subjected to heavier loads, a thickness of 5-6" is usually recommended.

Slip-Resistant Surfaces
With stamped concrete, sealers are necessary in order to protect the surface. When wet, it can create a slippery surface. To overcome that, Progressive Concrete recommends the use of agents that are added to the sealers and create a "tacky" surface so as to prevent slipping. This is HIGHLY recommended around pooldecks and any sealed concrete that is prone to getting wet. Progressive Concrete can clean and reseal the surface of an exisitng concrete and add the slip-resistant additive into the sealer.

Joints
Concrete shrinks as it dries out and therefore will crack. In attempting to direct cracks into straight lines and to minimize the occurrence of cracks, "contraction" and "isolation" joints are cut, or tool grooved, into concrete slabs. "Joints" are simply weakened cross sections in slabs resulting in good-looking, preplanned cracks.

Sub-Grade Preparation
It is important that the soil beneath the slab is cut uniform and compacted. Expansive soil when wet will expand and when dry contracts. If the underlying soil expands under the concrete, it will move with the substrate, therefore causing expansive cracks. It is always advised to install an unexpansive material prior to placing concrete.

Big Rock Concrete vs. Pea Gravel Concrete
Progressive Concrete advises the use of large rock, usually referred to as 1" minus concrete, in place of pea gravel, or 3/8" minus concrete, due to the lack of tensile strength, high cement content and the amount of water needed for pea gravel mixes. With the high cement content plastic shrinkage is likely to occur.

Reinforcements:
Fiber Mix - Fiber mix fibers reduce segregation, plastic settlement and shrinkage cracking. They add impact and shatter resistance, and reduce permeability. This does not stop all cracking, but certainly helps.
    Wire Mesh - 6X6X4X4 This is commonly used because it is economical. This helps reinforce the concrete, but rebar is found to be much more efficient.
    Rebar - Superior to Wire Mesh, it gives the concrete added reinforcement, in the natural event of expansion and contraction of slabs.
    Sealing - when regularly maintained, sealing protects the concrete and color from abrasion, weather, and wear.