FAQ’s & Concrete Care
We hear many different questions on a daily basis; and as your trusted concrete provider, we want to help answer some of those questions here.
FAQs
How does payment work?
At the time you choose to have work completed, we take a security deposit worth ten percent of the overall job. After the job is completed and you are completely satisfied, we collect the rest of the payment.
How do you prepare for scheduled work to be done?
On the day of your scheduled work, we ask that the decision maker be present during the time we are scheduled to be onsite so that we can review the project one last time to make sure nothing we do not miss anything. Often times at this meeting, there are small tweaks made to the job. If this happens, those changes will be documented and a new price will be presented if the changes involve additional time and/or labor. Other than having the decision maker present, we ask if it is a driveway job to have all cars moved away.
If a problem occurs during production, how is it dealt with?
If at any time during production an issue occurs, we will resolve the issue using our own resources within reason. However, to prevent production issues, we take all necessary precautions to produce outstanding work with no problems.
How long does it take to complete a typical driveway?
The typical driveway is a one-day job. If we are taking an approach and or city walk then the job can last up to three days due to the inspection period of your municipality.
What type of materials do you use?
The recommended strength for exterior concrete slabs is 4,000 pounds per square inch. Our minimum is high quality 6.5 bag, 6 percent air no fly ash, no slag, straight cement only (4,500 psi). This specification ensures your project goes the extra mile. Under normal wear and tear, you can expect a life of 30-50 years for a concrete driveway or patio.
When can I walk on my new concrete?
Surprisingly enough, you can walk on your new concrete the very next day.
When can I drive on my new concrete?
After seven days, it is safe to drive on your new concrete.
When can I park on my new concrete?
After 28 full days, it is safe to park on your new concrete.
When will the final shade of color set in?
Please note it takes up to 60 days for concrete to fully cure. Therefore, variations in the color will happen because there are varying amounts of moisture evaporating from each section. However, please do not be alarmed. This is very normal, and it will even out as the curing process runs its course.
What are options for fireplaces?
Oberfield’s is the least expensive but you can also look at Columbus Coal and Hamilton Parker.
What are options for the block that walls and columns are built with?
You can visit Oberfields to see all the concrete wall options that we can put around your concrete patio or your concrete driveway.
What are pergola options that we can have you install?
You can visit Pergola Kits USA or The Better Backyard to see all the options that we would be happy to build for you on your new stamped, exposed aggregate or broom finish concrete patio.
WHAT ARE MY FIREPLACE INSERT OPTIONS FOR MY CONRETE PATIO FIREPIT?
We send people to www.woodlanddirect.com and www.bbqguys.com to start poking around and pick what you like for the size of ring and other gas firepit needs. As a concrete contractor, we prefer to give you the option to choose your own needs for your new concrete patio.
CAN YOU INSTALL A GAS FIREPIT FOR ME IN MY CONCRETE PATIO?
Yes, as part of a concrete patio job, we can arrange to install a gas line for a gas firepit. Being a concrete contractor, we sub this work out to a licensed plumber. Typically, the gas line alone is $1500 (depends on length and if a line exists outside of the house already). This is a great addition to a stamped concrete patio.
Concrete Care
Clean and reapply a quality sealer as needed
These are the two most important things you can do to keep your investment looking its best. How often you clean and reseal your concrete depends on weather conditions and the amount of vehicle traffic it receives. Generally, you should reseal a concrete driveway every three to five years, or when the finish begins to show wear. Good commercial sealers are available from concrete material suppliers, which we can recommend, or we can provide the service for you. Always apply the sealer according to the manufacturer’s recommendations or consult with your contractor.
Remove Stains immediately
While a sealer helps protect from stains, it’s still a good idea to remove oil, gasoline, grease and other spills as soon as possible. If the concrete does discolor, light pressure washing and certain cleaning chemicals will remove most stains.
Avoid using deicing chemicals
Using deicers in the winter can cause surface damage – primarily scaling and spalling due to the constant thawing and refreezing of surface moisture. Products containing ammonium nitrates and ammonium sulphates are especially harmful because they will actually attack the concrete chemically. We recommend you don’t use any deicing salts for the first two winters, since new concrete is more susceptible to the harmful effects of salt. As an alternative, use sand or kitty litter for traction. However, if you need deicing salts for safety purposes, ensure you use a commercial grade concrete sealant that strengthens, hardens and adds density to the concrete, but also contains a silane/siloxane salt barrier that neutralizes harmful chloride ions. We recommend Sealwize LithiSeal Zli71 concrete sealers if deicing salts are necessary.
Treat it with care
Although concrete is one of the most durable paving materials for driveway construction, the typical residential driveway isn’t engineered to support heavy vehicles and construction equipment. Avoid the use of metal blades that might scrape or scratch the surface. We also recommend you use care when plowing or shoveling your driveway. Plastic shovels are a better alternative and generally lighter and easier on your back.
Cracks happen
Eventually all concrete will develop some cracks over time. At Generations Concrete, we use the best concrete mix for the job to prevent cracks, and we are highly skilled in the way we place our control joints to keep all cracks at a minimum. It is important to note, hairline cracks are not a cause for alarm; and they do not affect the structural integrity of your new concrete. We recommend you always call your estimator if you have any additional concerns. Keep in mind we’re also always available for service after the sale.
Keep decorative concrete well maintained
Stamped and colored concrete will fade if not properly maintained. Therefore, we recommend resealing your new decorative concrete every few years to keep it looking its best. However, in high traffic areas, it may need to be resealed more often. Keep an eye on it, and use your best judgment.
Choose your sealer wisely
The type of sealer used on stamped concrete – matte or glossy – will affect its traction. A matte sealer has more slip-resistance while a glossy finish will have less slip-resistance, especially when wet. Both sealers will leave the finished product vibrant and beautiful, but you’ll want to select them with care depending on the area being protected. If that surface is often exposed to water, we recommend you choose matte. For drier areas, you might choose glossy to make it shine.
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Mailing Address
2913 Scottwood Road
Columbus, OH 43209
614.245.5011
info@arlingtonconcreteco.com
Areas We Serve
All of Columbus, including Upper Arlington, Dublin, Powell, Gahanna, Plain City, Galena, Bexley, and more. Click here to see all areas we service.