HOW FAR OUT DO I NEED TO SCHEDULE MY PROJECT

It is a busy world out there. Concrete companies are no exception to this fact. Most concrete contractors plan the following year’s schedule in the fall and winter of the previous year and spring of the current year. Don’t let this deter you from contacting us though. It’s never too late. One never knows if a project can be squeezed in. It is always worth calling anytime of the year.
 

HOW LONG DOES THE PROJECT TAKE

It really varies from project to project. I know that isn’t quite the definitive answer you’re wanting; however, it is true. I can tell you that a typical driveway takes approximately 2-5 days, if the weather cooperates. The latter part of the previous statement is key. Two days of rain can set a job back 3-4 days, or more. With Cincinnati’s median precipitation per month of eleven days for the months of March through December, this calculates to approximately a third of each month. That’s a good amount of rain. It is the reason I look daily at weather forecasts and radars; and work weekends.

HOW MUCH DOES CONCRETE COST

I’m not going to spin concrete’s premium cost. It is true; you get what you pay for. In the long term, the price tag is much less than asphalt or pavers as is concrete’s upkeep. Just so happens, this is a great segueway to the next frequently asked question.
 

WHAT IS THE MAINTENANCE AND UPKEEP FOR CONCRETE

There is some. You should seal concrete about 5-10 years. All new concrete, I seal after initial pour. If a previous client calls me wanting this service, I will come out and do this for a fee. If a client calls me and would like to do this application himself/herself, I will direct him/her to the materials one needs and guide through the process. A huge piece of advice I give clients, salting concrete in the winter isn’t a good idea. It compromises the integrity of the material resulting in spalling. Ice is a formidable opponent to humans. Who wants to slip and fall on ice, right? Who wants to have a guest visiting our home to slip and fall on ice? Certainly, you have an obligation to yourself and your guests. I get it. Spread sand as an alternative, especially, during new concrete’s first year.
 

HOW LONG DO I HAVE TO STAY OFF OF MY NEW CONCRETE

Concrete has to cure. It takes time. You can walk on your new concrete, typically, after three days. Driving on it takes longer. I tell clients to wait to drive on your new concrete for at least seven days.
 

WHAT IS THE LIFE EXPECTANCY OF CONCRETE

Dependent on the design, placement, and skill of the contracted concrete company, concrete can last a lifetime. It’s not a perfect material. It is solid, hard, dependable, low maintenance, and timeless. It’s the reason I’m in the concrete business. Wholeheartedly, I believe in the product. I love the durability and beauty of it. Personally, I have it outside and inside my own home; exposed aggregate driveway, stamped front sidewalk/front step/front landing/front porch, traditional-finished public sidewalk, stone retaining walls, stamped rear patios, concrete and stone fountain, rear stone steps, interior concrete countertops and floors. My home is my showroom. My wife would like a built-in fire pit. Her request will have to wait a little while longer.