If you cannot afford to completely resurface your driveway, filling in the cracks with filler is an effective way to stop the degradation of the surface. An annual service to fill cracks is not expensive and will help maintain a solid structure.
Did you know that the small twig you planted next to the house may one day endanger its foundations? Tree roots in particular, have a habit of changing the soil conditions within its area which in turn, might result in damaging your home's foundation.
Although the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, there's a difference between cement and concrete. Concrete is a building material made of sand, gravel and a binder that holds everything together. Cement is the binder.
Depending on the type of structure you are building, the foundation can be poured either before or after it is erected. For example, many types of outbuildings, such as pole barns and work sheds, do not need a foundation poured first – it is actually the second stage of construction.
The first successful concrete road was completed in 1891. By 1914, a mere 23 years later, concrete road construction had advanced so significantly the official manual on Concrete Roadbuilding consisted of 260 pages of pavement design and construction guidelines.
One of the remedies a contractor may suggest for concrete that has seemingly settled into the ground is slabjacking. Cheaper than ripping up and replacing old concrete, slabjacking attempts to raise the slab to its normal position by pumping grout underneath it.
No matter your architectural needs, wants, or whims - straight lines, curves, or custom designs incorporating multiple configurations – concrete curbing can be installed in any shape you want.
Concrete can actually help reduce the temperature in cities in the summer. Concrete reflects sunlight, and the so-called "heat island" effect in big cities has been pegged to the widespread use of asphalt paving, not concrete.
Monolithic curbs are stiff and hardened on concrete slabs, resulting in cold joints between slabs and curbs. This gives monolithic curbs durability and a greater advantage in repelling water as well as heavy traffic.
If you will be needing concrete for driveways, walks, outdoor patios, or similar areas exposed to the elements, let us know. We can make sure there is a proper level of air entrainment to increase its freeze resistance.
Concrete is usually a pale gray, but it can vary depending on the composite stones used. Concrete can also be painted or stained to achieve a certain color.
If you live in a residential area that has issues with speeding vehicles, installing speed bumps will greatly reduce this problem. Speed bumps are easy to maintain and reduce traffic speed by as much as 15 mph.
Not all Roman outposts were near a source of volcanic ash, the fine material used as a binding agent in Roman cement. For example, in ancient Britain under Roman rule, crushed brick or tile was added to lime instead. The Romans were highly skilled in manipulating cementitious materials.
Cold weather concreting applies to any work done, especially curing, when the air temperature is at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. If the forecast calls for temperatures in this range and below, we will discuss the different options available to make sure your project moves forward.
Stairs and driveways can also be built to connect to the foundation, creating one solid slab that is less likely to break compared to a slab in lots of pieces.
Concrete is one of the most recycled materials in the U.S. When you recycle a ton of concrete, you are saving 1,360 gallons of water and 900 kilograms of CO2.
Did you know that concrete offers notable thermal mass benefits, thereby greatly reducing heating and cooling costs? Reduced peak heating and cooling loads can be achieved because concrete reacts slowly to changes in outside temperatures.
After home foundation footings have been poured, the area around them and under the slab is usually filled with crushed stone pieces that will help water drain.
For even the most basic concrete projects, we recommend working with a professional. When you try to work with concrete yourself, improper water/cement ratios, spilling, too-fast curing, and other problems can cause your costs to spiral out of control.
The versatility of concrete allows curbing to be formed to match the designs and colors that are key elements of the architecture of your home, enhancing and complementing them.
What are the benefits of using concrete blocks for retaining wall construction? Concrete blocks are affordable, extremely durable and require little maintenance – plus concrete blocks are available in a number of beautiful colors and textures.
Did you know that if you are buying or selling a home, any foundation damage that is found can red-flag it during inspection and shut down the sale? This is why it is so important to have your foundation inspected and any repairs made prior to selling your home.