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Concrete Homeowner Tips
Although concrete is the most versatile building material available today, it may also be the most unforgiving. If improperly placed or finished, concrete can crack, dust, scale and/or spall. Correcting these surface defects can cost as much as, if not more than, the original placement.
The Portland Cement Association (PCA) has published an informational brochure entitled "Building Concrete Walks, Driveways, Patios, and Steps." This brochure provides step-by-step instructions for the homeowner, including recommendations on specification and design, and is available through the PCPC.
SAFETY WARNING
Each year hundreds of individuals are burned due to improperly protecting themselves from the hazards of working with Portland cement concrete. Perhaps you have noticed that professional contractors, even on the hottest day of the year, wear long pants, shirts, waterproof boots, and gloves when working with concrete.
You too should protect yourself from prolonged contact between fresh concrete and your eyes and skin. Improper protection can lead to skin irritation or chemical burns as serious as third degree burns. For persistent irritations, deep burns, large affected skin areas, or extensive contact with the eyes, you should seek immediate medical attention.
The PCA defines the ABC's of fresh concrete's effect on the skin as:
A = Abrasive: Sand contained in fresh concrete is abrasive to the skin.
B & C = Basic and Caustic: Portland cement is alkaline in nature; so wet concrete and other cement mixtures are strongly basic (pH of 12 to 13). Strong bases, just like strong acids, are harmful or caustic to skin and eyes.
D = Drying: Portland cement is hygroscopic, meaning it will absorb water. In fact, Portland cement needs water to harden. It will draw water away from any material it contacts, including your skin.
Avoid unnecessary contact with fresh concrete. Wash thoroughly with a pH neutral soap and clean water. Perhaps the best way to avoid the problem is to leave the placing and finishing of concrete to the professionals. Contact the PCPC, or your local ready mix producer for a list of experienced contractors in your area who are equipped to handle the job for you.
Concerned About Cracks In Your Concrete?
Unexpected cracking of concrete is a frequent cause of complaints, but a crack in your concrete does not meant it is inferior. Cracking can be the result of one or more factors including plastic shrinkage, thermal contraction, restraint of shortening (external or internal), subgrade settlement, and applied loads. The most common type of cracking is usually the result of drying shrinkage. In any of these cases, cracked concrete does not equal bad concrete.
Concrete is at it's largest volume when it is placed. During the hardening process (called hydration) the excess water evaporates from the concrete, causing the volume to shrink approximately 1/16 inch in 10 feet. When this shrikage occurs, the concrete is likely to experience what is known as drying shrinkage cracking. Uncontrolled shrinkage will result in unsightly random cracks throughout the concrete.
Your contractor placed grooves, called contraction joints, at regular spaced intervals in your concrete slab. The purpose of these contraction joints is to create a weakened plaen with in the conrete to induce the crackin in a controlled manner.
Winterizing Tips
Concrete for driveways, sidewalks, and patios enhances the appearance and value of your home, and can provide many years of service with minimal maintenance.
Proper curing of new concrete is essential for long-term durability. Your contractor begins the curing process by applying a curing compound or by providing for a continual moist condition. You can help your concrete by maintaining this moist condition without interruption. Concrete should be moist cured a minimum of three days after placement. Methods of moist cure include wet burlap or sprinklers.
Sealing your concrete can also be beneficial. At least 30 days after placement, and before the first freeze-thaw cycle, apply a penetrating sealer (such as a silane/siloxane based sealer or equivalent) designed for use on concrete surfaces. Use a product from a reliable manufacturer and apply as directed. Always consult your contractor before applying sealers to architectural concrete.
Care should be taken when treating your concrete during the first winter. If possible, refrain from using de-icing chemicals within the first year of concrete placement. If anti-skid material is needed, use sand to provide traction.
WARNING!
Many of the new, "environmentally friendly" de-icers contain fertilizer ingredients such as ammonium sulfate or ammonium nitrate. These materials will initiate a chemical reaction with the concrete causing severe deterioration of the concrete surface, and therefore their use should be avoided. Concrete should also be protected from exposure to liquid fertilizer systems that are used on lawns.
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