Concrete Project FAQs
1. What does it mean to “cure” concrete?
Curing concrete is one of the most important steps in concrete construction. Proper curing greatly increases the strength and durability of your concrete. Curing concrete is the process of maintaining the moisture in concrete while it hardens. Proper curing also helps prevent cracking, dusting, and other surface defects. During the curing period – between 5-7 days after placement for conventional concrete, the concrete surface needs to be kept moist to permit the hydration process. New concrete can be wet with soaking hoses, sprinklers or covered with wet burlap. Another option is to opt for a coating with curing compounds, which seal in the moisture.
2. Are concrete and cement the same thing?
No, they are not the same thing. Although the terms concrete and cement are often used interchangeably, cement is used to make concrete. Cement is mixed with other things including water and then it turns into a mass that becomes hardened and that is called concrete.
3. Can it be too hot or too cold to place new concrete?
Extreme temperatures can make it difficult to properly cure concrete. On the hot days, too much moisture is lost by evaporation from newly placed concrete. When the temperature drops too close to freezing, hydration comes to nearly a standstill. Under these extreme conditions, concrete ceases to gain strength and other desirable properties. Ideal conditions for curing new concrete are to not have air temperatures fall below 50* Fahrenheit during the curing period.
4. Why does concrete crack?
Concrete cracks due to a variety of reasons, including shrinkage as it dries, temperature changes, poor installation, or the presence of too much water. Concrete also cracks when it is exposed to extreme pressure or weight, either from physical loads or from the ground shifting beneath it. In some cases, concrete can crack due to chemical reactions between the concrete mix and its environment. The reason contractors put joints in concrete pavements and floors is to allow the concrete to crack in a neat, straight line at the joint when the volume of the concrete changes due to shrinking.
5. Why do concrete surfaces flake and spall?
Concrete surfaces can flake and spall due to inadequate curing, improper finishing, or damage from freeze-thaw cycles. When concrete is poured, it is important to cure it properly to ensure that it reaches its full strength. Improper finishing can cause the surface of the concrete to be too weak and unable to withstand the elements. Damage from freeze-thaw cycles can cause water to penetrate the concrete, which can cause the surface to become brittle and flake off. If excess water is worked into the concrete because the finishing operations are started too soon, the concrete on the surface will have too high a water content and will be weaker and less durable.
6. Do I need a concrete contractor for my project?
Concrete work requires knowledge and skill. There are fundamental skills that the average homeowner/do-it-yourselfer does not have. Some basic skills that are required are using a hammer, chalk lines, and saws; however, more specialized skills include the use of a straightedge, a concrete edger, a hand float and others.
Besides the use of tools, other areas of expertise include site excavations, preparing the subgrade, and putting in concrete forms. These areas and the work of placing and finishing concrete is very difficult work. Also, concrete is quite heavy and the timing of the finishing of the project is critical to your finished product being durable and strong. For all of these reasons and more, most homeowners feel it is best to leave this type of project to the experts.
7. What are the decorative finishes that can be applied to concrete surfaces?
There are many different finishes that can be applied to concrete surfaces to make them unique. Color may be added to concrete by adding pigments before or after concrete is placed. For this process, white cement is used instead of the conventional gray cement. Chemical stains, textured finishes including making concrete slip resistant and exposing colorful aggregates at the surface also offer a decorative finish to any concrete project.
Geometric patterns can be scored, stamped, rolled, or inlaid into the concrete to resemble stone, brick, or tile paving. Other interesting patterns are achieved by using divider strips to form panels of various sizes and shapes (rectangular, square, circular, or diamond).
8. Can I drive on stamped concrete?
Yes, you can drive on stamped concrete. We recommend waiting 3-7 days to allow the concrete to properly cure before driving on the new surface.
9. How thick is stamped concrete?
Our standard slab is a minimum of 4 inches. Some situations require us to pour 6 inches. This situation would be discussed before starting your project.
10. How do I maintain concrete?
Concrete needs to be frequently cleaned by sweeping and hosing it every so often. Try to keep wet leaves off of the concrete surface as they main stain the concrete.
