Concrete and cement are not the same thing, although many use the terms interchangeably. Cement is used to make concrete – an "ingredient in the cake." Cement is mixed with other things, including water, and it then turns into a mass that becomes hardened and is called concrete. Call our concrete contractors with more questions like this!

Slump is the amount of water in concrete mix which shows its consistency. The lower the slump the dryer the mix will be. If water is added to the mix past what is specified, it can result in reduced strength and the possibility that the surface will deteriorate. Our expert concrete contractors don't let that happen.

Topsoil does need to be removed before concrete contractors place the first layer. Topsoil and other organic material are too unstable to support slabs of concrete. The subgrade of concrete should contain no organic material and this is very important for having a quality concrete slab.

Concrete is available in almost any shape, pattern, and color. There are many specialty materials available, such as concrete forms, stamps, dyes, texture patterns, and stains. These applications can be used both inside and outside of your home. If you can imagine the decorative finish, it can be done by our skilled concrete contractors.

Concrete work requires knowledge and skill. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the top-employing industry for cement masons and concrete finishers was foundation, structure, and building exterior contractors, with 103,490 jobs as of May 2023. There are fundamental skills that the average homeowner 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 excavation, preparing the subgrade, and putting in concrete form. These areas and the work of placing and finishing concrete are very difficult. Also, concrete is quite heavy, and the timing of the finishing of the project is critical. For all of these reasons and more, most homeowners feel that it is necessary to hire concrete contractors to do their concrete project.

The recommended time can be any time from three to seven days, depending on the load that will be on it. Ask your concrete contractors for specific directions on when your driveway can be put back in service.

It is recommended to seal your concrete initially and every 2-3 years, depending on sun exposure. A sealer prevents moisture from entering the concrete, which helps keep the concrete from deteriorating during weather cycles of freezing and thawing. Sealers are usually effective for a couple of years, but ask your concrete contractors for specific application rates.

Curing keeps your concrete at the appropriate moisture content. If the curing is not done correctly, it can cut the strength of your concrete by a large percentage. Proper curing from concrete contractors also keeps your concrete from cracking and shrinking.

Concrete needs to be frequently cleaned with sweeping and hosing it every so often. Keep wet leaves off of concrete as they may stain the concrete. In the winter, never use salt as a form of ice melt. Calcium flake or non-chloride is the preferred form of ice melt. Our concrete contractors can help with any other questions!

The colder months add additional variables that need to be considered when installing concrete. Depending on the concrete contractors, the advancements in concrete should allow for all-year-around service and installation.