What to expect from your concrete
Surface
A common misconception is that your driveway, porch or sidewalk surface will last and hold indefinitely. Unfortunately this is not true. Exterior concrete is subject to inclement weather, sunlight exposure and heavy vehicle traffic. These result in normal wear on the surface of the concrete.
While concrete is a very durable product it is not always without its flaws. Sometimes the surface of the concrete may appear to be popping of flaking off. If this is minimal (a few here or there) it is quite possible that a stone or stone(s) close to the surface popped out. This is nothing to worry about since the integrity of the slab is not compromised. If you experience a lot of popping and/flaking of the surface (more than 20%) then you may have a warranty issue.
While concrete is a very durable product it is not always without its flaws. Sometimes the surface of the concrete may appear to be popping of flaking off. If this is minimal (a few here or there) it is quite possible that a stone or stone(s) close to the surface popped out. This is nothing to worry about since the integrity of the slab is not compromised. If you experience a lot of popping and/flaking of the surface (more than 20%) then you may have a warranty issue.
Cracks
Yes- concrete does crack. We do not like it either but in most cases, it is bound to happen. This is why we install crack control joints where the concrete is most likely to crack. If the concrete cracks in these control joints, this is exactly what we had hoped for.
Typically, concrete cracks very soon after it is poured, often the same day. We do everything we can to control cracking, but there is no guarantee that concrete will not crack in other places.
Cracks that are 3/16” of one inch or less (in height or gap) are considered normal and are within industry standards.
Typically, concrete cracks very soon after it is poured, often the same day. We do everything we can to control cracking, but there is no guarantee that concrete will not crack in other places.
Cracks that are 3/16” of one inch or less (in height or gap) are considered normal and are within industry standards.
Discoloration
Another common misconception is color. It is not possible for us to match exact color of your porch to your sidewalk or to your driveway. Sometimes even your driveway may not match exactly since most driveways need two or more loads of concrete. Most of these color variations are minor and most will fade over time, but it can occur.If you do a addition on drive or replace sections of drive,be aware that the color variation will take years to blend together.
How to take care of concrete
- Do not drive on the “new” concrete for at least 7 days.
- Do not allow water to drain beneath the slab…..settlement cracks may develop.
- Do not apply deicing chemicals (salt) for snow and ice removal the first winter. As an alternative, sand can be used for traction.
- WARNING: Never use deicers containing ammonium sulfate or ammonium nitrate (i.e. fertilizers). Such products are known to aggressively attack concrete.
- Do not use harsh acids for stains.
How Warranty Works
- We will repair or replace a section or sections of your flatwork if it can be defined within our warranty.
- Warranty work will be done during the months of June,July and August. (If we dont get the warranty work done during those months we will honor your waranty work for the following year.)
- All warranty works needs to be reported in the first year
Cracked Concrete
The industry standard for repair or replacement is greater than a 3/16 of an inch displacement (either height or gap). We may warranty cracks that exceed 3/16 of an inch in height or gap.
Popped or Flaked Concrete
- We may repair or replace our work if a minimum of 20% of the total work area is popped or flaking, except for the driveway approach. (Because of salt overspray from road plows)
- Sometimes a crack or some popping/flanking looks better than replacing sections. Remember the discoloration that accures when replacing concrete sections.