Homeowner's Corner
Do'sÂ
- Locate a quality contractor; a good contractor is critical for a successful project. By choosing a quality contractor you can be assured that proper drainage and cracking will be addressed. Contact us so that we can provide you with a list of quality contractors.
- Request that your contractor utilize concrete containing recycled material, by doing so you will receive the best quality concrete available, and will be doing your part to help save the environment.Â
-Â Provide proper curing of your freshly placed concrete, either by water curing or the application of curing compound. By providing a good cure you will help the concrete gain strength, and make it more durable.Â
- Request that your concrete contractor return at the proper time and apply a good quality sealer to your concrete. If you prefer you may purchase sealer from us and our staff can instruct you on how to apply it yourself. Sealer will protect your concrete from salt damage, aid in strength gain, and also protect concrete from staining.Â
- Prepare the ground properly to prevent settling and cracking.Â
- Plan for drainage, this makes sure the water has somewhere to go and doesn't collect against your home or on the concrete.
Dont'sÂ
- Drive on concrete for 7 days after it is placed.Â
- Place concrete when temperatures are expected to freeze within 7 days unless proper planning is in place to protect the concrete. Strength gain of concrete is the result of a process called "hydration". Temperature of the concrete must remain above freezing for hydration to take place. If the concrete lacks this protection it will not gain adequate strength and be prone to surface failure.Â
- Allow ice or snow to accumulate on concrete less then 1 year old.Â
- Apply salt or ice melting chemicals to concrete less then 1 year old. New concrete can be greatly damaged by these products. Use sand during the first year to minimize this problem.Â
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By following these guidelines you can avoid problems in the future and look forward to long lasting concrete.Â
