Spruce Things Up

IA Refines Strategy, Standards

The Irrigation Association has refined its mission statement and strategic initiatives following its July meeting of the Board of Directors. This includes the addition of “standards” as a new strategic initiative, which will focus on establishing product and practice standards that drive efficient irrigation.

Mission Statement:  Promote efficient irrigation technologies, products and services.

Strategic Initiatives:  Education, certification, government/public affairs and standards.  

“At its core, the Irrigation Association is a trade association, so the mission statement was refined to ensure it reflects our industry knowledge and expertise,” said IA President Mike Harrington. He emphasized that the organization’s unifying statement – to ensure water is available for irrigation for future generations – remains the same.

IA’s Board of Directors also updated the organization’s strategic initiatives, defining a new focus on standards.

“Government entities, businesses and the public are becoming increasingly cognizant of water’s value and finite state, so the ability to prove our industry’s efficiency is going to be pivotal in our continued growth,” said Harrington. “Therefore, IA has chosen to add a strategic focus on establishing product and practice standards that drive efficient irrigation.

“Our strategic focus on influencing public policy remains unchanged; because certification and education have increased in importance, the Board felt that each category should stand alone as a strategic initiative.” IA’s marketing/communications efforts will continue to support all initiatives

Ground Cover

 From a purely practical point of view, groundcovers offer alternatives to turf in hard-to-mow sites and reduce the need for watering and other maintenance. Groundcovers conserve moisture, maintain even soil temperatures and stabilize soil in erosion-prone areas.

Groundcovers can create visual pathways to help direct foot traffic and can help link ornamental plants or provide transitions among outdoor spaces. Many groundcovers spread quickly to form dense plantings, which can help to inhibit weeds.

Selection

When selecting groundcovers, consider their spread, height, location, function, foliage texture and color. Since no single species of plant works for every landscape situation, pay attention to soil conditions, light and moisture requirements. Some plants prefer partial shade, while others thrive in deep shade or full sun; a few tolerate a wide variety of light conditions. The most effective selections are chosen with an eye for how plant sizes relate to the intimacy or expanse of particular landscape sites. When groundcover will be used to prevent soil erosion on a steep slope, it should have an extensive root system and vigorous growth habit. Some groundcovers do not withstand excessive foot traffic. Before planting anything, create a walkway through areas intended for pedestrians

 Soil Preparation

A key to successfully establishing groundcovers is proper soil preparation. Before planting, eliminate weeds and turf from the area. For large areas, use a sod-stripping machine to clear turf. For weed control, consider a glyphosate herbicide or soil solarization. The process of solarizing uses the heat of the summer sun to raise soil temperatures high enough to kill harmful organisms and seeds in the ground. Solarize soil by laying strong transparent plastic over cleared and moistened soil. Seal the edges with soil and leave plastic in place for four to six weeks.

Free Design Counsulaton

Not a paint or stain, our product is formulated using tough acrylics, color pigments and cementitious materials. Time tested since 1972, we can transform your plain old gray concrete surface into a colorful, textured finish that will retain its elegant appearance year after year. We have many colors and patterns to choose from.

Concrete Resurfacing is a process by which a thin layer of acrylic modified cement is added to the top of an existing concrete slab to create a new surface. This process is also called a concrete overlay.

Dirty, stained, or cracked concrete doesn’t have to ruin the appearance of your home or business. The STARDEK resurfacing system can renovate your unsightly concrete surface into something beautiful and more durable. Our coatings systems are made of the highest quality materials. Top grade Acrylics, Binder Resins, Cements, and Epoxies make STARDEK's slip resistant surface cooler than concrete. The ideal application for Driveways, Sidewalks, Garage Floors, and Patios.

Whether it's your patio, walkway, garage, or driveway, home or business, count on ACME Restoration and the Stardek system by ColorCrown® for long lasting beauty and reliability. Not a paint or stain, our product is formulated using tough acrylics, color pigments and cementitious materials. Time tested since 1972, we can transform your plain old gray concrete surface into a colorful, textured finish that will retain its elegant appearance year after year.

Options for Concrete Surfaces

Multiple coating options are available, depending on the surface to be coated. You may also choose any pattern below for your design, or you may choose two, such as an overall pattern and combine it with an accent border pattern. We can also install a custom pattern. Your imagination is the limit! There are two color charts shown below. The Stardek I color chart shows the available colors of premixed colored concrete sealers that are used during the application of Stardek I and Stardust coatings. The Stardek II color chart shows the available colors of pigment that are mixed into the resin-bonded sand during the application of StardekII, StardekIII, Stamped Overlay, and Wall System Overlay coatings.

We are an Authorized Applicator

ACME Restoration is an Authorized Applicator for STARDEK resurfacing products in Suffolk, VA. Concrete restoration is now an option; you can now have the pool deck or patio etc. that you have dreamed about. We also have rubberized non-slip coatings for asphalt and wood decking. Whether a hotel, condo, business or your home, count on STARDEK for long lasting beauty and reliability. Not a paint or stain, STARDEK Coatings are formulated using tough acrylics, color pigments and cementitious materials. Time-tested since 1972 STARDEK coatings will withstand sun, salt, rain, heat and cold. Unlike a paint or stain, STARDEK's tough acrylic surfaces are oil, grease, rust, mildew and even acid resistant. This unique coating system is an excellent sealer which prevents foreign substances from penetrating the surface. Combine these qualities with a slip resistant finish and you have the perfect solution for driveways, pool decks, walks, etc. Stamped overlays are used to create the look of random stone, London cobblestone, sidewalk slate, etc. Trowel down overlays can be used to create the look of flagstone and slate. Splatter textures are used to create stenciled pattern designs and create a skid–resistant surface perfect for pool decks, walkways, driveways and patios. Spruce up your concrete surface with a broom finish resurfacing job at a 60% discount over ripping out and re pouring your driveway, giving it the look of new concrete. Products also available for indoors to cover drywall, linoleum, wood, and tile floors.

Here's what you get

A FREE professional written estimate of all work to be performed and an explanation of all repairs that may need to be made. NO HIDDEN COSTS!!  A 4000 p.s.i. pressure washing of the surface for exterior projects. Acid-etching of the surfacing to provide a proper profile for the base coat. Paper masking and/or plastic masking of unprotected areas and laying out of mats for grassy areas and covering of foliage for exterior projects.

 Our seven step process:
1. Grind uneven areas and/or open up cracks for epoxy repairs.
2. 4000 p.s.i. Pressure Wash-exterior.
3. Acid-etch surface to open up concrete pores, neutralization of acid and vacuuming of floor for interior projects.
4. Apply base coat to the concrete with squeegee or trowel.
5. Shoot and/or trowel down the top/finish coat.
6. Stain the surface if necessary, acid stain or water color.
7. Apply two coats of premium Xylene based sealer.