Frequently Asked Questions

What is PermaCrete?
In what colors are PermaCrete surfaces available?
In what textures are PermaCrete surfaces available?
Is PermaCrete waterproof?
Is PermaCrete fireproof?
Where can I get PermaCrete?
On what type of surfaces can PermaCrete be applied?
Can I use PermaCrete on my pool or patio areas?
Does PermaCrete take the place of concrete?
How long will PermaCrete last?
What makes PermaCrete's vertical surface better than other stucco-type products?
How is PermaCrete applied?
What are some of the commercial applications for PermaCrete?
Can PermaCrete be applied over cracked, chipped or worn concrete?
How difficult is it to install patterns in a PermaCrete surface?
What surface cleaning steps are needed?
How much does PermaCrete cost?
How can I find a Dealer in my area?
Why isn't a Dealer Locator on the PermaCrete website?
Are Dealers or their companies associated with Quality Systems, Inc.?

What is PermaCrete? Back to Top
PermaCrete is a versatile and unique resurfacing product that can be applied to concrete, masonry, foam, steel, stucco and aggregate surfaces. PermaCrete is an architectural, chemical-concrete with twice the strength of standard concrete. PermaCrete provides a fire and water-resistant product that can be used in a variety of applications, both commercial and residential. PermaCrete's product line also includes acrylic sealers, epoxies, urethanes, caulks and cleaning agents.

In what colors are PermaCrete surfaces available? Back to Top
PermaCrete is available in over 170 standard colors, and custom-ordered colors are also easily available for any project.

In what textures are PermaCrete surfaces available? Back to Top
A Dealer can provide virtually any texture or pattern of his choice with PermaCrete to the surface. However, a number of standard pattern templates, such as basketweave, flagstone, cobblestone, ashlar stone and many other different type patterns are also available.

Is PermaCrete waterproof? Back to Top
PermaCrete, with it's exclusive urethane coating, not only provides a waterproof surface, but also withstands harsh chemicals that are used underwater in pools, spas, water park rides, commercial sewer systems, and many other, similar-type applications.

Is PermaCrete fireproof? Back to Top
PermaCrete's unique, polymer cement surface has passed the ASTM E-119, NFPA 285 (ISMA), NFPA 255, NFPA 259-98 and NFPA 268-01 Fire tests, as well as the ASTM E-84-95 Flame & Smoke Spread tests, which were conducted by Omega Point Laboratories and Southwest Research Institute, both located in San Antonio, TX. Omega Point Laboratories has even recommended PermaCrete being used as a fire retardant material!

Where can I get PermaCrete? Back to Top
PermaCrete products are only sold to independent PermaCrete Dealers worldwide who, in turn, resell the installed products to end-users, e.g. residential and commercial customers.

On what type of surfaces can PermaCrete be applied? Back to Top
PermaCrete can be applied to pool decks, pool interiors, water park rides, driveways, sidewalks, patios, warehouse floors, all types of vertical building surfaces, and even interstate bridges and airport runways over such surfaces as steel, concrete, foam forms(ICF), masonry, and aggregate.

Can I use PermaCrete on my pool or patio areas? Back to Top
Yes. PermaCrete's ideal for use on pool decks, pool interiors, patios, driveways, garage floors and other common residential areas. With its waterproof characteristics, durability, beauty, and additional, slip-resistance qualities, PermaCrete is ideal for nearly any residential surface application.

Does PermaCrete take the place of concrete? Back to Top
No. PermaCrete doesn't replace concrete but rather resurfaces, strengthens and protects concrete, as well as enhances the beauty of its appearance. It's also ideal for repairing or resurfacing concrete that is broken, cracked or spalled. It's designed to be applied at a thickness of approximately 1/8" up to a maximum of 2", depending upon the surface condition or type of project.

How long will PermaCrete last? Back to Top
PermaCrete's unique characteristics, incredible toughness, and long-lasting durability separate its products from all others with assurance of lasting performance when properly applied and maintained.

What makes PermaCrete's vertical surface better than other stucco-type products such as Dryvit, Sto or Synergy? Back to Top
Although PermaCrete can be easily applied in a stucco finish, Dryvit and other synthetic stuccos are merely low strength, cosmetic coatings of about 500 PSI compressive strength versus PermaCrete's 6,000+ PSI compressive strength over some surfaces. As a result, Dryvit and other synthetic stuccos can easily be damaged or penetrated with sharp or blunt objects. By comparison, some PermaCrete's surfaces are so strong and exclusively tough that they've even withstood ballistic penetration tests!

How is PermaCrete applied? Back to Top
It can be hand-troweled, squeegeed or sprayed onto the surface with a standard spray-hopper gun assemby. It's very easy to apply.

What are some of the commercial applications for PermaCrete? Back to Top
PermaCrete is used regularly in many commercial applications including: corridors, bathrooms, exterior plazas, walkways, bridges & crosswalks, pools, patios, building exteriors, loading docks and industrial floor surfaces; and, anywhere else that concrete, stucco or tile is used.

Can PermaCrete be applied over cracked, chipped or worn concrete? Back to Top
PermaCrete excels when being used to refinish weathered or deteriorated concrete due to its ability to strengthen, protect and provide lasting beauty. Inlaid brick, tile patterns, and other designs are very popular PermaCrete applications over worn concrete surfaces.

How difficult is it to install patterns in a PermaCrete surface? Back to Top
PermaCrete patterns, textures and multi-color designs are easy to apply and are visibly demonstrated in the Product Demonstration Class.

What surface cleaning steps are needed? Back to Top
PermaCrete recommends its Blue Nitro Cleaner for most surfaces, which is a heavy-duty biodagradeble liquid, industrial cleaner formulated for cleaning all type substrates before resurfacing. Blue Nitro should be applied from the bottom up before scrubbing the surface and then rinsing from the top down using a pressure washer. NOTE: Do not allow Blue Nitro to dry on the surface before thoroughly rinsing.

How much does PermaCrete cost? Back to Top
PermaCrete, which is only sold to independent Dealers worldwide at wholesale prices, is usually sold as installed to end-users for approximately $3 - $8 per square foot, depending upon the type of application and the condition of the surface.

How can I find a Dealer in my area? Back to Top
Go to our Find a Dealer section of the website and complete the Locate-A-Dealer form. An email response with a local Dealer's address and phone number will be sent to you as soon as possible.

Why isn't a Dealer Locator on the PermaCrete website? Back to Top
Currently, Quality Systems, Inc. does not provide an online Dealer Locator. This is because PermaCrete products are quite diverse with a wide variety of applications and procedures. Not all PermaCrete Dealers install all products for all applications. QSI wants to make sure that Consumers locate a Dealer that's suitable for their needs thus ensuring customer satisfaction.

Are Dealers or their companies associated with Quality Systems, Inc.? Back to Top
All PermaCrete Dealers are independently owned and operated, and all product installations are the sole responsibility of the independent Dealer.