Q: Cement and Concrete- Aren't they the exact same thing?
A: Definitely not. Though these two words are sometimes used referring to the same thing (i.e. cement pavement), they are not the same thing. Concrete is an end product made up of paste and aggregates, and one of the components of the paste is Portland cement.
Q: How strong is concrete?
A: Concrete is one of the most durable and versatile materials we know of. Through a process called "hydration", concrete transforms from a malleable plastic substance into a hardened tough material. The concrete continues to harden for years after it is set in place, making it even stronger over time.
Q: How do I cure concrete?
A: To greatly impact both the longevity and strength of concrete that one should "cure" the concrete. Curing is a very important step in the concrete process. As we mentioned earlier, concrete hardens as a result of hydration when the water and chemicals in concrete are able to interact and essentially fuse together. However, if water is not available to the concrete, hydration cannot occur. This is where curing comes into action. The process involves keeping the concrete moist over about a week period to allow the hydration process to occur.
Here are some curing methods that are popular to keep the concrete moist
Concrete soaking hoses
Sprinklers
Wet burlap sacks placed over the concrete
Curing compounds that seal in the moisture.
Remember temperature plays a significant role in this process as well. If it's too hot the moisture will evaporate and conversely if it's too cold the process may not happen at all.
A good rule of thumb to follow is to cure in temperatures above 52 degrees Fahrenheit.
Q: Do I need to seal my new concrete driveway?
A: You should apply a high-quality sealer to all exterior concrete slabs exposed to freeze-thaw conditions. The sealer helps protect the concrete from moisture absorption, exposure to chemicals, and grease and oil stains. On decorative colored concrete, a sealer will also help enhance the color
Q: What if the concrete cracks?
A:If your concrete was jointed properly, cracks are unlikely to be a problem. Think of joints as "planned" cracks that allow the concrete to expand and contract, minimizing any chance for random cracking.
Although joints will control cracking in most cases, even properly jointed concrete can crack in places other than the joints. Most of these random cracks are simply unplanned joints and won't impact the long-term service and durability of your driveway. But they can detract from the appearance. If you're concerned about random cracking, ask your contractor what measures he will take to prevent it and what his policy is about fixing any random cracking that does occur.
Q: What if the color isn't what I expected?
A:It's unrealistic to expect to precisely match the color of your concrete driveway to a showroom sample, a neighbor's decorative concrete driveway, or a photo from a brochure. Even plain concrete can exhibit color variations, especially if the project requires more than one load of concrete or if the concrete placements are made on different days. Most of these variations are minor and will fade over time. |
