The next time you are walking around a city, look around and count the number of things made from concrete. Chances are, you'll see buildings, pathways, and even some accessory items like benches and fountains. Concrete is everywhere, and there's a good reason for that. It works. Concrete is hard, durable, and relatively easy to install. Concrete contractors mix the material and pour it into pre-designed molds. It hardens, and then it can last for decades, especially if properly maintained. Keep reading this blog to learn more about concrete and concrete contractors. You'll gain more appreciation for the many concrete items you see.
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If you're getting a new concrete driveway, you may be glad to transition away from gravel or asphalt. Concrete is a durable material that should last a long time and not need many repairs. It can tolerate pressure washing, so you can keep it clean easily. Here's more information that's helpful to know.
Concrete Should Be Poured In Mild Weather
The outdoor temperature can be too hot or too cold to work with concrete. It can also be too windy or too rainy. The contractor may not want to install your driveway during certain months of the year if they fear it will be too hot, too cold, or stormy.
The outdoor conditions affect how quickly the concrete driveway cures. If it cures too slowly or too fast, it might crack or have other problems. Fortunately, you don't have to worry about this problem since the concrete contractor takes weather into consideration when scheduling your driveway work.
Watering Your Driveway Helps It Cure Properly
Your contractor lets you know how to care for your concrete driveway once they've poured the concrete. The concrete will cure over the following days and weeks. During the first several days, the contractor might want you to water the concrete a few times each day. You can use the spray nozzle on your garden hose for this job. This keeps the concrete moist so it doesn't dry out and crack.
The Concrete Needs Time To Cure Before Using It
Your concrete contractor will also tell you how soon you can do various things with your driveway. You'll probably need to leave it taped off for several days and park elsewhere. You might start using your driveway in a week or so for a light vehicle and a couple of weeks for a heavier vehicle.
It could be several weeks until heavy equipment can use your driveway safely, so if you're having work done in your yard or on your house that requires trucks or machinery, you'll need to keep them off of your driveway until your concrete contractor says it's okay to open your driveway for normal operations.
Color Can Be Added With A Coating
If you want a more attractive concrete driveway, consider having a coating put on once the concrete has cured. A coating protects the concrete so it should have less damage over time. Also, a coating adds color in the same way paint does. A coating is different from paint though, and is applied by a professional. If you want a gray, tan, or other color for your concrete, talk to your contractor about getting a coating applied.
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