Concrete Services FAQ
What’s the difference between asphalt and concrete? Asphalt is a pavement structure consisting of aggregates, fines and a binder of liquid asphalt. The material is applied hot and is cured once it cools. Concrete is a pavement structure consisting of cement, aggregates, water and chemical admixtures. The material is applied cold and is cured once the water evaporates out. Generally, concrete is more expensive to install, but it also will have a longer lifespan. Temperature extremes make it difficult to properly cure concrete. On hot days, too much water is lost by evaporation from newly placed concrete. If the temperature drops too close to freezing, hydration slows to nearly a standstill. Under these conditions, concrete ceases to gain strength and other desirable properties.
Can it be too hot or too cold to place concrete?
What does it mean to “cure” concrete?
Curing is one of the most important steps in concrete construction, because proper curing greatly increases concrete strength and durability. Concrete hardens as a result of hydration: the chemical reaction between cement and water. However, hydration occurs only if water is available and if the concrete's temperature stays within a suitable range.
Generally, concrete is cured enough for walkability within one day and for driveability within 3 days. Depending on thickness, concrete can take weeks, months or years to be fully “cured” from a technical perspective.
Yes.
Broom finish, smooth (trowel) finish, exposed aggregate finish, stamped finish, etched finish.
For residential or sidewalk applications, concrete pours should be a minimum of 4 inches. For commercial or weight-bearing applications, it should be a minimum of 6 inches.
For most medium- or light-duty commercial applications, a sub-base of 5/8 minus crushed rock properly compacted is appropriate. The greater the weight-bearing capacity required at the surface, the larger the sub-base aggregate should be.
The factors that affect the cost of a concrete job are: (1) preparation time and removal of existing concrete, (2) total job size (larger job, smaller unit prices), (3) concrete thickness, (4) detail work required and (5) the finish type. The costs of various finishes are in increasing order: Broom finish, smooth (trowel), exposed aggregate, stamped, and etched.
The most common factors contributing to concrete decay are sub-base or sub-grade erosion, roots, vehicle traffic (in particular heavy or high-volume traffic) and moisture penetration.
These are the most common type of concrete mix we use in our jobs: extruded curb, exposed aggregate, ¾ minus and 7/8 minus. Mixtures with a larger number have a larger aggregate and consequently a larger weight-bearing capacity.
Our primary material suppliers are Cemex, Cadman, Miles Sand & Gravel and Stoneway.
