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Colour

It is impossible to guarantee that any two loads of concrete would look the same. The colour or shade of your concrete has a lot more to do with the moisture in each load and varies depending on a lot of different factors that are beyond our control. 

Popping

Pop outs range in size. Usually they are caused because of a stone near the surface that pops out. This does not effect the integrity of the pad. Most pop outs occur in the first year.

Scaling

Similar to the reason why concrete cracks, you may experience light or random scaling of your concrete. This happens because the concrete slab has been exposed to our weather conditions and moisture. To prevent any further scaling and to protect your concrete as much as possible do NOT use any de-icing salts such as: calcium or sodium chloride. Even salt brought onto the concrete from your car can cause scaling. It is very important to avoid any de-icing salt no matter how small of an amount, it can cause damage. 

Cracks

Although cracks look bad, chances are your concrete will crack over time and there’s really not a lot we can do about that. This is due to a number of reasons. Concrete contracts and expands with changes in moisture and temperature. Living where we do and having our hot summers and very cold winters, the temperature fluctuates between an average of 50 degrees celsius. This wide range in temperature change, as well as all movement from the freezing and thawing creates the environment for cracks to happen which is beyond our control. They do not lead to progressive deterioration over time. After each job is complete, we return to the site within the next 24-26 hours to do expansion cuts. These cuts are done in the places where your new concrete is most likely to crack. By doing these expansion or control cuts, we are helping the concrete relax and settle properly. Cracks may be warrantied if they are greater than 1/2” gap or lifted. 

Maintenance, Cleaning & Sealing

Cleaning your concrete on a regular basis is a good idea. The best method is to simply sweep the concrete with a hard bristle broom.

This should be done at least once per year to remove normal dirt and grime build up and to remove rust or other stains. Methods of cleaning concrete as well as cleaning products can vary widely. Some methods and products can be detrimental to the concrete like power washing and some commercial cleaners. Make sure to carefully read any products suggested uses.

De-Icing

The use of salts can cause problems and potentially serious cracking, pitting and damage to the material if it seeps into the pours of the concrete. For this reason we do not recommend the use of salts on concrete surfaces. During the winter, keep your concrete surface shovelled and avoid the use of ice melts. By using ice melts, you can potentially void your warranty from the supplier.