* What type of concrete mix should be used?
Depending on the application and durability requirements, concrete psi can range from 3000psi - 5000psi  An assessment will be made during our discovery phase and addressed with the potential customer.

* What is psi?
Psi, or pounds per square inch, is a unit of measurement that indicates force per unit area and is used to measure the compressive strength of concrete. Exterior concrete in Wisconsin must have a minimum compressive strength of 4500 psi.

* What does Portland cement mean?
Portland cement is an industry term, defined by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) C 150, that refers to the type of cement used in most concrete.

* How thick should a concrete driveway be?
Thickness is a significant factor in determining a driveway's structural capability. A standard driveway intended to support cars and light trucks will require a minimum of 4 inches, whereas a slab supporting oversized loads should be 5 inches or more.

* What kind of base and subgrade preparation needs to be done?
Base refers to the material underneath the concrete. Depending on soil conditions and stability, usually compacted gravel or crushed stone will be installed. Before placing base materials, remove organic material and soft pockets of subgrade to protect the structural integrity of the driveway. The base and subgrade should be uniform in firmness, grade, and dampness and must slope away from structures, allowing for proper drainage, with a minimum slope of ¼ inch per foot.

* Should there be reinforcement in my driveway?
Depending on subgrade conditions, wire mesh, rebar or fiber mesh additive will be installed prior to placement of concrete.

* What should the surface texture be on the driveway?
A broom finish for exterior concrete is ideal, providing a slip-resistant surface. Concrete can also be stamped to achieve a custom appearance.

* What causes concrete to crack?
The leading culprit of cracking is improper design and construction practices; however, proper joint spacing is also a contributing factor.

* Should there be joints in a concrete driveway?
Install control joints at a spacing of 10'x10' and to a depth of no less than 25% the driveway's depth. Spacing joints that exceed these parameters are more prone to random cracking. These cracks impact the driveway's aesthetics more so than its structural integrity.

* Why must driveways be cured?
Curing is essential to the construction process, as concrete strengthens with time. Allow freshly poured concrete to cure for at least one week—inadequate cure time results in surface strength reductions of up to 50 percent.

* Is it necessary to seal a concrete driveway?
Periodically sealing a concrete driveway will protect it from water and chemical absorption, ensuring added durability and lifespan.

*  How should I care for concrete during the winter months? Can I salt my driveway?
Prevent snow and ice from accumulating on concrete, especially during the first winter. Deicing materials, such as salt, should be avoided, as they react with moisture from freeze/thaw cycles and can diminish the concrete's surface and structural integrity. Sand is an excellent alternative to deicers and may be used anytime.

* How important is the role of the concrete contractor?
A contractor's involvement plays a significant role in the outcome of a project. The contractor is responsible for preparing, placing and finishing the driveway. Working with a reputable contractor is the best way to achieve your desired results.

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Concrete Contractor Durham, Chapel Hill, Cary

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