From questions to answers

What is the difference between cement and concrete?

Although the terms cement and concrete often are used interchangeably, cement is actually an ingredient of concrete. Concrete is basically a mixture of aggregates and paste. The aggregates are sand and gravel or crushed stone; the paste is water and Portland cement. Concrete gets stronger as it gets older. Portland cement is not a brand name, but the generic term for the type of cement used in virtually all concrete, just as stainless is a type of steel and sterling a type of silver. Cement comprises from 10 to 15 percent of the concrete mix, by volume. Through a process called hydration, the cement and water harden and bind the aggregates into a rock like mass. This hardening process continues for years meaning that concrete gets stronger as it gets older.

So, there is no such thing as a cement sidewalk, or a cement mixer; the proper terms are concrete sidewalk and concrete mixer.

At what temperature can concrete be poured?

Concrete can be poured year around. We pour concrete without reservation when the daytime temperature is 45 degrees and above.

For epoxy coatings, the temperature should be between 55 and 95 degrees in order to obtain better results.

Do I need to remove topsoil and dirt before placing concrete?

Yes. Dirt and anything organic must be removed before placing concrete. Organic materials are unstable and unable to provide uniform support for concrete slabs.

How long after my job is done can I drive on my new concrete?

In most cases, 3-5 days of cure time is needed for the concrete to achieve the necessary strength for residential traffic. Cure times may vary depending on weather conditions, thickness and strength of the concrete.

My concrete has oil/grease stains. How can I get rid of them?

• Commercial products are available in paint/hardware home centers.
• Sprinkle with tri-sodium phosphate. Allow to stand for 30 minutes, then scrub with a stiff brush and hot water. Rinse with clean water.
• Scrub stain with concentrated detergent using a stiff brush. Rinse well with water. Dry and repeat if necessary.
• Sprinkle dishwasher detergent on wet concrete. Let it stand a few minutes, then pour boiling water on the area. Scrub and rinse.
• Dissolve a cup tri-sodium phosphate in 1 gallon of hot water. Pour over stained concrete surface and allow soaking for 25 minutes. Scrub with stiff brush or broom. Rinse with clean water. Repeat if necessary.

Choosing decorative concrete over pavers or the deck?

Decorative concrete has a few advantages. One would be flexibility of design. The pattern, shape, and color options with concrete are virtually limitless. Unlike pavers, you shouldn’t need to use herbicide to kill weeds growing up through your concrete patio. Also, you don’t have to worry about differential settling of pavers during freeze cycles, or when pests burrow under your patio. Unlike wood decking, concrete presents no splinters or yearly re-staining, and concrete is more durable than wood. Last, concrete is the least expensive!

My concrete floor carry glue, carpet, tile, paint. Can the floor be stained or re-coated?

There is always a way to improve the aesthetic look of  your concrete. Staining requires that the surface be free of anything, which will inhibit stain penetration. Therefore, any sealer, glue, paint, or anything else on the floor would need to be eliminated prior to staining. We will be happy to assist you and see how can we solve your problem.

How much are you charging guys per square foot?

Usually the price ranges between $3.00 to $125.00 per square foot, depending on the complexity of the project.

What are some other extra costs that we can expect?

• debris removal
• moving the sprinklers
• disposal fee

Do you take credit cards?

Not at the moment. We mainly take checks as a method of payment. We are working on providing more accessible payments for our clients in the near future.