Concrete Driveway Contractor, Olathe, KS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT CONCRETE DRIVEWAYS
Concrete driveways are a simple and effective way to increase the value of your home. The inherent strength of concrete protects the driveway from aging and inclement weather, promoting a service life of at least 30 years. The unparalleled benefits of concrete have captivated the interest of homeowners searching for a dependable driveway solution; even so, the preplanning research process may leave you with more questions than answers. To learn more about industry terminology and concrete care, use this frequently asked questions guide as a starting point. Which concrete mix should be used? Speak with an Olathe Concrete and Paving sales representative or your project contractor to determine which concrete mix is best suited for your application. To withstand the effects of freezing, thawing, and deicing chemicals, the American Concrete Institute recommends a minimum 4500 psi mix with maximum water to cementitious ratio (w/cm) of 0.45. What exactly does the term "Portland Cement" mean? The American Society for Testing and Materials C 150 defines Portland cement as the type of cement used in the vast majority of concrete. What exactly does cementitious mean? This term refers to the materials used to bond the aggregates in concrete. Cementitious material is made up of Portland cement, blended cement, hydraulic cement, fly ash, slag cement, silica fume, and other supplementary materials. What do you mean by supplementary cementitious materials? Through the hydraulic or pozzolanic activity, supplementary cementitious materials, also known as mineral admixtures, improve the properties of hardened concrete. Two common materials are fly ash and ground granulated blast furnace slag. What exactly is a six-bag mix? ASTM C94 denotes a 94-pound bag of portland cement. As a result, a six-bag mix is 594 pounds of portland cement that meets ASTM C 150 requirements. Performance-based mixes containing supplementary cementitious materials should not be referred to as bag or sack mixes. To ensure that the proper mix is supplied, discuss the intended use of your driveway with an Olathe Concrete and Paving Sales Representative or your contractor. What is the water-to-cementitious-matrix (w/cm) ratio? This ratio is calculated by dividing the pounds of free water not absorbed by the aggregate by the pounds of cementitious materials in the mix. The water/cementitious ratio is commonly used to predict durability and strength. For exterior conditions subjected to freeze/thaw cycles, a maximum of 0.45 w/cm should be used. What exactly is air-entrained? Air-entrainment is a chemical admixture that is added to exterior concrete that has been subjected to freeze/thaw cycles and deicer chemicals. This process forms small, evenly spaced bubbles in the concrete, which resist internal tension forces caused by freezing. For exterior concrete that is subjected to regular freeze/thaw cycles, a target air content of 6 percent +/- percent by volume is recommended. What exactly is psi? Psi is a unit of measurement used to calculate concrete compressive strength that indicates force per unit area. Should I use chert stone that is low in chert? Chert is a light, porous stone found in many aggregates that can cause aesthetic problems in concrete driveway applications. The risk of chert popouts can be reduced by providing proper concrete driveway care, such as cleaning and sealing. Fortunately, these popouts are mostly cosmetic and have no bearing on structural integrity. What should the thickness of a concrete driveway be? Thickness is an important factor in determining the structural capability of a driveway. A standard driveway designed to support cars and light trucks will require a minimum of 4 inches, whereas a slab designed to support oversized loads will require 5 inches or more. What kind of base and subgrade preparation is required? The material beneath the concrete is referred to as the base. To allow for adequate drainage, it is typically made of compacted gravel or crushed stone. A 6" – 12" base will provide optimal drainage while also supporting increased load capacities. To protect the driveway's structural integrity, remove organic material and soft pockets of subgrade before placing base materials. The base and subgrade should be uniform in firmness, grade, and dampness, as well as slope away from structures to allow for proper drainage, with a minimum slope of ¼” per foot. Should I have reinforcements installed in my driveway? Steel reinforcement is frequently used to keep cracks at bay. Check with an Olathe Concrete and Paving sales representative or your contractor to see if your project requires reinforcement. What should the driveway's surface texture be? A broom finish is ideal for exterior concrete because it provides a slip-resistant surface. Colored and stamped concrete can also be used to achieve a particular look. What precautions can be taken to prevent cracks? Concrete can crack for a variety of reasons, some of which are inherent and unavoidable. This type of cracking has little impact on the structural integrity or life cycle of the driveway. Cracking is caused primarily by poor design and construction practices; however, proper joint spacing is also a factor. Should a concrete driveway have joints? Install control joints at no more than 10" x 10" spacing and no less than 1/4th the depth of the driveway. Joint spacings that exceed these limits are more prone to random cracking. These cracks have a greater impact on the driveway's aesthetics than on its structural integrity. Why do driveways need to be cured? Curing is an important part of the construction process because concrete strengthens over time. Allow freshly poured concrete to cure for at least one week after the project is completed. Surface strength can be reduced by up to 50% due to insufficient cure time. Is a concrete driveway required to be sealed? Sealing a concrete driveway on a regular basis will protect it from water and chemical absorption, making it easier to clean up spills and prevent surface defects. How should I look after my concrete during the winter? Is it okay to salt my driveway? Avoid accumulating snow and ice on concrete, especially during the first winter. Salt and other deicing materials should be avoided because they react with moisture from freeze/thaw cycles and can degrade the surface and structural integrity of the concrete. Sand is a great alternative to deicers that can be used at any time of year. What is the significance of the concrete contractor's role? The involvement of a contractor has a significant impact on the outcome of a project. The contractor is in charge of laying the driveway, finishing it, curing it, and sealing it. Working with a reputable contractor is the best way to get the results you want. How do you locate a concrete driveway contractor? Olathe Concrete and Paving is your local concrete driveway contractor in Olathe, KS, call us today to find a reputable contractor near you! |
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