Concrete Installation Services: Driveways, Patios, and Walkways – FAQs
The earliest historical recordings of concrete use date back to around 6500 B.C. in Syria and Jordan. Nabataea traders used concrete to create floors, building structures, and underground cisterns during this period. Throughout time, many other things (including the Great Wall of China and the Pyramids of Giza) were built using some form of concrete or cement.
Today, people still use concrete for building things. Primarily, concrete is used to create driveways, patios, and walkways, among other less-seen items (like building foundations).
When you want to lay concrete, it’s best to choose professional concrete installation services. Continue reading for the most FAQ revolving around concrete and installing it.
Why Does Concrete Crack?
Cracks can happen when the concrete’s moisture levels change. Since concrete is a porous material, it will absorb at least some moisture from the air or rain.
When moisture is absorbed, the concrete expands. When the concrete dries again, it shrinks. This may prove to be especially problematic in the intense Arizona heat after moderate to heavy rainfall.
What’s the Difference Between Cement and Concrete?
Although some people use the terms interchangeably, cement and concrete are two different materials. Cement is an ingredient in concrete that (when it reacts with water) provides strength and holding power. You can remember that cement is a dry ingredient while concrete is a “wet” finished product.
Is There a Way To Reinforce Concrete?
There are many ways to reinforce concrete to increase strength and durability or reduce the risk of cracks developing. For example, the addition of rebar, fiber mesh, or wire mesh can prove beneficial. However, prestressing the concrete through compression is the usual go-to method.
Does the Weather Affect When You Can Pour Concrete?
Yes, the weather does affect when concrete can be poured. If concrete freezes too early, it’ll lose a lot of its strength. Ideally, concrete should be poured in cool weather that’s neither too warm nor too cold.
Freezing weather isn’t usually a problem in Arizona, where the weather usually ranges between 45 and 107 Fahrenheit throughout the year. However, pouring concrete in this type of weather would ideally be done in the cooler months of December, January, or February. If this isn’t possible, pouring early in the morning could be a good alternative.
How Long Will It Take To Install My Concrete Patio, Walkway, or Driveway?
The installation time will vary based on the project. For example, a small driveway may only take one to three days of active installation time, but a large patio may take as long as two weeks. For an exact estimation, it’s best to ask the company doing the installation for you.
How Long After Installation Before I Can Use My Concrete Driveway?
Concrete needs to be allowed time to cure before being used, so it’s strong enough for the desired use. For a concrete driveway, it’s best to wait between ten and 14 days before driving on it. The same holds true for concrete garage floors.
However, concrete walkways may require a shorter curing time because they won’t need to withstand as much weight. If you’re unsure, it’s best to ask for an exact estimate for your specific project by your professional installation company.
Can I Make Concrete More Aesthetically Appealing?
Yes, there are many options available if you’d like to make your concrete more aesthetically appealing. For example, coloring can be added directly to the concrete mix before it’s laid. It’s also possible to stamp the concrete if you’d like it to look like brick or stone instead.
Can Concrete Be Repaired?
Concrete is generally replaced instead of repaired, but there are always exceptions to this rule. For example, a small crack in an otherwise stable concrete slab could be fixed instead. Or, concrete installers might cut out and replace a small portion of the concrete instead of the entire project.
Why Should I Choose Professional Concrete Installation Services Over DIY?
When it comes time to lay concrete driveways, walkways, or patios, many wonder if they can save some money by going the do-it-yourself (DIY) route. But there are many considerations to make. If you aren’t already familiar with laying concrete on a professional level, many things could go wrong.
There are also bonus benefits to choosing professional concrete installation services over DIY. A few of the many reasons you should choose professional services include:
- Concrete will be laid properly the first time
- Improperly laid concrete can be a safety hazard, so hiring professions is safer
- Laying concrete is an exact science that’s easy to mess up
- Hiring professionals is cheaper than having to redo your entire project if you mess up
- Professionals can provide helpful information on how to care for your concrete
- On the slim chance something does go wrong, the installers are responsible for fixing and replacing, not you
More Questions About Concrete Installation Services?
Concrete has been used since early in recorded history and was used (at least in part) to create some of the world’s most historically significant structures. If you choose to have concrete laid for your driveway, patio, walkway, or similar, it’s best to choose professional services.
Do you have more questions about concrete installation services? Or would you like to hire installation services for your next concrete-related project?
Contact us today. One of our associates would be happy to answer any questions you still have or schedule a consultation if desired. You can also check out our other informative blog posts for more information.
Are you looking for licensed concrete contractors near me? Contact the experts at Desert Dreamco to help you develop your outdoor space! Work with a 5-star, family-owned business when you call (623) 226-0192 or schedule a free design consultation online.