Three weeks minimum recommended time before you should drive on any new concrete construction. It takes approximately 28 days for concrete to come up to full strength.
No. Once the driveway or garage pad is finished, a low gloss sealer is applied which helps slow the curing time and prevents cracks.
This occurs with all new home construction because the houses are backfilled. During the preparation stage, we install steel sidewalk brackets which support the sidewalk structurally. Any void areas can be backfilled once final landscaping is completed. The driveways are supported by the front frost walls and with 10-millimeter rebar throughout the slab, so void areas under the driveway are not a cause for worry.
This occurs when the concrete dries in different sections due to the exposure of the driveway, and the amount of direct sun it gets. There is no need to worry about it because the whole driveway will eventually cure to the same color.
As concrete is subject to movement due to ground settlement, freeze/thaw cycles and heat of expansion, cracks occurring in concrete flat work are inevitable. The basement floor, garage pad, driveway and any other exterior concrete work included in your home are not structural elements. Therefore, any cracks that may occur will not hinder the intended function of your flat work and are not a warranty concern.
Anchor Concrete has taken preventive measures to decrease the chance of cracks occurring. Steel brackets have been installed in your sidewalk to prevent the concrete from settling with the sub-grade. Control joints have been installed in your driveway and sidewalk providing an area for the cracks to occur. An expansion joint has also been installed between your driveway and the city sidewalk allowing for expansion. An acrylic sealer applied to your exterior work also helps in the prevention of cracking. Steel rebar has been inlayed in your exterior flat work to help prevent cracks that do occur. After your driveway has been placed it is blocked off preventing any vehicle from driving or parking on it. This is necessary, as concrete must cure for 28 days before it has enough strength to bear that kind of weight.
Even with these preventive measures, cracks may still occur. To further prevent cracks from occurring there are a few precautions you as a homeowner may take. Never allow any excessively heavy vehicle of any kind on your driveway. Keep all other vehicles off for the full 28-day curing period. Ensure proper drainage around all concrete work is maintained. Through our efforts, as well as yours, the risk of cracking can be greatly reduced. When cracks do occur the proper maintenance should be taken. Interior flat work cracks exceeding 1/8 of an inch in diameter should be repaired with cement containing patching material. Any exterior flat work cracks should be filled with a waterproof caulking material. These services can be provided by appointment through Anchor Concrete. (Standard charges will apply).
Spalling (often known as scaling) is the top finished layer of the concrete peeling off the exterior slab. Anchor Concrete has combined the use of a high quality concrete mixture along with specific finishing techniques to significantly reduce that chance of spalling. As well, a high quality acrylic sealer should be applied in two coats to the driveway, sidewalk and front of garage pad for additional protection. As this is where most spalling commonly occurs it is strongly recommended that this step be followed. Through these techniques, spalling is greatly reduced.
There are many other factors that can increase the chance of spalling. Ice, snow, excessive water and corrosive chemicals are all factors conducive to spalling. These factors weaken the surface layer of the concrete causing a spalling effect. They will also cause the premature fading of the protective sealer applied. There are preventive measures you as the homeowner may take.
Such chemicals are found in fertilizers, de-icing agents (road salts from car dripping), radiator fluid, degreasing agents, corrosive soaps, and pet urine. With these precautions and by re-applying the high quality sealer yearly or when wear is noticed, your exterior concrete work stands a far greater chance in maintaining its beauty. Proper maintenance of exterior concrete is imperative to the warranty of the product. Anchor Concrete may not warranty any exterior concrete that is not properly maintained.
