Clean Cut Concrete

Beyond its strength, concrete boasts impressive versatility. It can be molded into intricate shapes and adorned with textures and pigments, making it extremely functional and aesthetically appealing. Be it sturdy walls, decorative walkways, or eye-catching countertops, concrete adapts to the diverse needs of your outdoor spaces!

Ultimately, the answer to "how long does concrete last?" isn't a simple one. It's a combination of the inherent strength of the material, the quality of its creation and care, and the environment it faces. By being mindful of these factors along with following best maintenance and use practices, you can ensure your concrete remains a reliable and durable asset for decades to come.

Concrete alone has incredible compressive strength but it lacks tensile strength. Concrete with rebar reinforcement has both. Rebar comes in 2 varieties. Steel and Fiberglass. The specific job requirements will determine which material to use. “Rebar schedule/placement” refers to how much rebar is used and in what pattern.

Slump rafters to the “thickness” or “stiffness” of the concrete. This is altered by adding or subtracting water. The water/cement ratio is very important in creating long lasting concrete. “Lazy man’s concrete” is concrete that has had far too much water added to it, greatly reducing its durability and longevity. While adding extra water makes it much easier to work with during the pouring/finishing process, cutting this particular corner will come back to bite you. Concrete that is pitted and flaking on the surface is generally due to a top layer that has been weakened with too much water.

Chemical curing is a step that is often overlooked. Concrete does not simply dry, it cures. The longer it takes to cure, the stronger it has the potential to become. Chemical curing is achieved by applying a liquid that coats the surface of the concrete preventing the moisture within from escaping, prolonging the curing phase. This is why we ALWAYS chemically cure our projects.

Sure as death and taxes, concrete is going to crack. It’s just a fact. However, there are good and bad cracks. Bad cracks run randomly across slabs and floors. Good cracks happen in the seams or lines that we put in during construction. Most people see these lines and assume they are simply for decoration, however these lines are added to encourage cracks to form in ways that are predictable and out of sight.

For residential applications, 4” is the general standard. The thickness may increase depending on the specific use of pad or floor. However, no matter how thick the concrete is, it is only as strong as its base.

We suggest waiting 2 days to walk on your new concrete and 2 weeks to drive light passenger cars on it, longer for heavy trucks and equipment. This can vary with certain projects and weather. Concrete actually takes about a month to fully cure but reaches roughly 70% of its strength in 1 week.

One of the best ways to maintain the condition of your concrete is to seal it. Sealing concrete protects it from water and chemicals and keeps it from retaining stains. One of the best ways to maintain the condition of your concrete is to seal it. Since concrete is naturally porous, it absorbs liquids. When water gets inside the concrete, it can damage it. Freezing temperatures can cause the water within the concrete to expand, leading to cracks and fissures. The end result is a costly repair or sometimes a complete replacement if the concrete becomes too damaged. Sealing your concrete protects it from water along with other chemicals and stains. It’s best to apply a concrete sealer while the concrete is still curing. We suggest sealing your concrete annually. Ask us about our annual concrete sealing services!