Question 1

What is concrete? Is it the same thing as cement?

Accepted Answer

No, cement and concrete are not the same thing. A lot of people have the tendency to think that they are the same because they are closely related, but they mean two different things. Cement is the gray powder that results from burned clay and lime. Concrete, on the other hand, is composed of several materials like water, sand, stone, other aggregates, and cement — cement is simply the ingredient that sticks everything together. The moment water and cement come in contact, it begins to form a paste-like consistency, sticky enough to bind the aggregates together. There are also different kinds of concrete mixes, including lightweight, precast, reinforced, high-density, glass-reinforced, and prestressed concrete, each suited to different needs.

Question 2

Are there different kinds of concrete?

Accepted Answer

Yes, there are different kinds of concrete. Some common types include lightweight concrete, precast concrete, reinforced concrete, high density concrete, glass reinforced concrete, prestressed concrete, and ordinary concrete. These types differ in size, durability, workability, and strength, each with unique characteristics suited to different needs. We strongly urge our clients to look for concrete with the best composition, since strength greatly relies on the mixture of ingredients. It must also contain enough paste to make sure all components stick well together.

Question 3

Do I need a concrete contractor?

Accepted Answer

If you are looking into getting concrete work done on your property, we would definitely recommend hiring a concrete contractor. Aside from handling most of the work for you, it's also a good guarantee of quality. Hiring a credible concrete contractor gives the assurance of properly finished work. Since they have the expertise and experience, you can leave the work to them — concrete is a special material that requires skill, and a legitimate contractor will ensure the best outcome for your property in a timely manner.

Question 4

Can concrete set in the rain?

Accepted Answer

Although concrete can set in the rain, we do not recommend it. Concrete and rain are not a good mix and can lead to adverse outcomes that may not meet your expectations. If concrete is poured in the rain, you may see scaling, dusting, and a decrease in strength. We schedule your pour when no rain is forecast for your location. In case rain suddenly arrives during pouring, plastic sheeting can be placed over the concrete to protect it, and removed once the rain has passed.

Question 5

Can concrete be painted?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can paint concrete for an improved appearance. For the best results, check the type of concrete you have, since paint adheres better to some types than others (like outdoor concrete, for example). We often recommend masonry paint for concrete because it has binders that expand and contract with the concrete — this helps prevent the paint from peeling or cracking over time. Before painting, make sure the concrete is clean and free from debris.

Question 6

Why does concrete crack?

Accepted Answer

There are several reasons concrete cracks, and understanding them can help you avoid it. Temperature is a major factor, especially in colder regions — concrete cracks are common in freeze-and-thaw climates or locations with extreme hot and cold swings. Cracking also happens naturally as concrete dries and cures: as water evaporates from the mix, the concrete shrinks slightly (an average volume change of roughly 1/16 of an inch for every 10 feet), and that shrinkage shows up as surface cracks. While minimal shrinkage cracking is normal, it can largely be controlled and evened out with properly placed concrete control joints.

Question 7

How long must my concrete driveway cure before I can drive on it?

Accepted Answer

It's ideal to wait seven days before driving on a new concrete driveway. This gives the concrete time to sufficiently cure and reach the strength needed to support the weight of a vehicle — driving on it sooner can permanently damage the surface. If you'll be parking heavier equipment on the driveway, we recommend waiting at least 30 days before use.

Question 8

What is concrete sealer and how often must it be applied?

Accepted Answer

Concrete sealer protects your concrete by keeping moisture from penetrating the surface, while also helping prevent salt penetration that can cause deterioration over time. We typically recommend applying sealer about 30 days after the concrete is poured, once it's mostly finished drying, and only once the surface is fully dry. Since sealer thins out over time, it needs to be reapplied periodically — we recommend every 2 to 3 years for best results.

Question 9

Is the concrete affected by weather?

Accepted Answer

Yes, weather does affect concrete, especially extreme conditions. Humidity affects the concrete's compressive strength development, while rain can cause scaling or a decrease in strength during drying. Wind can also make concrete crack, and temperature is a significant factor to manage — in colder climates, ingredients can be heated before use or the concrete covered to prevent freezing; in warmer temperatures, cooling the ingredients helps control the cure.

Question 10

Why should I choose concrete over asphalt for my driveway when asphalt is less expensive?

Accepted Answer

Asphalt has a significantly shorter lifespan than concrete, which leads to quicker deterioration and more frequent, ongoing maintenance costs. Concrete, by comparison, can last as long as 50 years with minimal upkeep. When you consider total cost of ownership over the life of the product, concrete is the far superior option both as a material and economically.

Question 11

What are recommended mix proportions for good concrete?

Accepted Answer

Concrete is available in different mixes, and density options vary by use case, but most mixes follow the basic "rule of 6s": use a maximum of six gallons of water for each bag of cement, six bags of cement per cubic yard of concrete desired, allow at least six days of rest before use, and maintain at least 6% air content in the mixture — especially important in locations that experience freezing and thawing.

Question 12

Why test concrete?

Accepted Answer

We recommend testing concrete to check its strength, which helps ensure the toughness, durability, and stability of the material. Beyond strength, testing also helps gauge consistency, unit weight, air content, and temperature — overall, it's a measure of quality. Concrete tests can be performed on both freshly mixed and hardened concrete, and several standardized test types exist, some used specifically by organizations like the Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration.

Question 13

How do you remove stains from concrete?

Accepted Answer

There are two main ways to remove stains from concrete: a dry method or a wet method. Dry methods involve mechanical work such as scabbing, scouring, grinding, sand blasting, shotblasting, flame cleaning, or planing — if using a steel brush, make sure no metal debris is left behind. Wet methods use a combination of water and chemicals, such as bleach, to dissolve the stain.

Question 14

Why is concrete gray?

Accepted Answer

Concrete gets its gray color from its primary ingredient, cement. Cement is gray because of iron ore, one of its main components — though iron ore is originally black, it turns gray once it mixes with the other cement ingredients. Since gray can feel plain, property owners have the option to have it colored to better suit their property. We offer a wide variety of color options, along with stamped concrete and concrete staining, for a more elevated look.

Question 15

Does concrete gain strength by drying out?

Accepted Answer

Drying out has nothing to do with concrete's gain in strength. Concrete is the result of combining water, cement, and aggregates, and it's not the drying process but hydration — the chemical reaction that happens when cement contacts water — that allows concrete to gain strength. During hydration, new compounds form and crystals lock together, strengthening the concrete. This process typically happens over the first 30 days.

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