Concrete Frequently Asked Questions
What is concrete?
Concrete is a material made up of rock, sand, cement, and water. It often includes other chemicals to help speed up, slow down, or even out the curing process.
How is concrete made?
Concrete is made by mixing cement, water, and aggregates in specific proportions. The old saying is one shovel of cement for every two of aggregates. The mixture is then placed and allowed to cure, which allows for the hydration reaction which hardens the material.
What are the different types of concrete?
There are various types of concrete, such as plain concrete, reinforced concrete, precast concrete, high-strength concrete, and more. Each type has specific applications and properties. At Concreative Solutions, we always utilize a concrete reinforced with synthetic fibers. This provides the best durability and finish in the long term.
What is the difference between cement and concrete?
Cement is an ingredient in Concrete. Think of it like a cake. Cement is the flour that helps give the cake its shape. However in the cake you also have sugar, baking soda, etc. Much like in concrete you also have rock and sand. The finished cake is what we have as concrete.
How long does it take for concrete to cure?
Throughout its life, concrete never stops curing. However it is able to be walked on usually within 24 hours and driven on within 48. It will take 28 days for Concrete to reach its full designed strength, but most residential uses will not need it. We advise waiting at least 60 days before power washing your new driveway.
My concrete is cracked, do i need to replace it?
Maybe. Most concrete cracks are what are called shrinkage cracks. They are the result of environmental factors on the concrete. Shrinkage cracks are normal and expected to appear in concrete. We actually cut joints in the concrete to encourage the cracks to form not on the surface. These do not impact the strength and are not of concern. As concrete finishers, it is our job to do our best to make sure the cracks do not appear for years down the line. At Concreative Solutions we utilize chemicals and monofilament fibers to ensure your concrete is the best concrete in the area at crack prevention. However, if the cracks are greater than 1/4” and unlevel, it is likely best to replace the concrete because there is usually something going on with either the concrete or the ground. We will remove the existing concrete and recompact the ground. This should prevent these cracks from reappearing in the future.
How do you maintain concrete surfaces?
Regular cleaning and sealing are the best things you can do to protect your concrete structure. We recommend yearly pressure washing and replacing the sealing every three years. Avoid using De-Icing chemicals as they will deteriorate your concrete quickly.
What is the lifespan of concrete?
The lifespan of concrete varies depending on factors such as quality, environmental conditions, and maintenance. Well-constructed and properly maintained concrete can last for several decades or even longer.