Let me preface this by saying that I truly loathe having to write a negative review. But after my…read morerecent conversation with Mike with A+ Concrete in Margate, I have accepted that the Urotile driveway that Mike did and the problems that surfaced a year later is just a lost cause
In short, Mike installed a Urotile driveway/walkway in late 2018. Urotile is a concrete overlay and very popular with pools and driveways. According to the manufacturer of the product that Mike used, Urotile adds beauty to a pool or driveway and it is "more durable than concrete"
When A+ Concrete completed the Urotile driveway and walkway, it truly looked spectacular. It was stunning and certainly one of the best decisions I ever made for my property.
But about 12-14 months later, I began to see Microcracks in my driveway. I thought it was from an older oak tree that was removed and was willing to accept it. But I soon saw similar microcracks were visible in my walkway. I knew then there was a problem
Mike eventually came out to look at my driveway (in late 2020) At first, Mike was unsure as to what was happening and said he would have to discuss it with the manufacturer (which was Advanced surfaces in Margate, FL.) Months elapsed and no response from Mike. In all fairness to Mike, COVID was likely an issue in getting out to address the problem. But I myself decided to drive down to ADVANCED Surfaces. Since Mike told me he used their Primary product but he used a different resin, I bought this up in a very long conversation I had with Denise at Advanced Surfaces. Denise acknowledged Mike, confirming he is one of her customers and uses her product for Urotiling driveways, pool decks etc. But there was not much she could do and referred me back to him.
I emailed Mike about my conversation with Denise from Advanced surfaces. A Few weeks later Mike said he would meet with me about the matter on March 4 with an Advanced surfaces rep. But mike called me at our meeting time and said the rep cancelled. Mike then said that he didn't think the rep was going to be able to say anything different - which Mike now elaborated to say that my problem is known as "Concrete Crazing". My research on Crazing shows "Crazing in concrete usually occurs because of "wrong construction practices" Crazing also occurs after a concrete pour, in other words a recent concrete application . My concrete is 22 years old. The only recent application was the URO tile overlay.
In addition, some of the white grout has come off (I will add pics). Mike said he would fix that, although, the grout is the least of my issues with this driveway. But sooner or later, that white grout will need to be fixed.
I agree with other reviews that I have seen about A+ Concrete, and think Mike and Lori are good people. They were nice to work with. I think they are honest people. And I also try to be fair. But I dont know how else I should react after spending $5400 for a driveway. I've been very patient through all of this. Im certainly no expert with Urotile or concrete but there is a 14th century adage known as "Occam's razor" which essentially states that when trying to figure out a problem (or in my case, a cause to a problem) "The simplest answer tends to be the correct one". I think something went wrong during the Urotile process or curing and that has resulted in these unsightly micro cracks (they are also occurring in my walkway as well).
One other fact: The owner behind me also has a Urotile driveway which was done in 2015. She does not have my problem. Being I work in academia for over 20 years, I think its important to educate and share info with others. So You may email me at this alternative email if you want more details about my Urotile issue - or even if you wish to come look at it for yourself : hockeyaddict4@yahoo.com. . If A+ Concrete decides to make this right, I will , by all means modify this review. Otherwise, I have no choice but to create reviews with Google, yelp and other sources. Im not trying to hurt anyone. But I paid $5500 for the driveway. It should last for many years, assuming I clean and take care of it
UPDATE March 11, 2021. Mike came out today to speak with me and he acknowledges there is an issue (as it has worsened a bit) and he said he will try to work towards a solution