Frequently Asked Questions

Forms are 2 x 4 pieces of wood laid out along the perimeters of the work to be done. These are staked using wood or metal stakes.

Stone fill is used in the sub grade to provide a sound compact base for the concrete to rest on and to provide adequate drainage under the concrete.

A typical residential driveway, patio, sidewalk or garage floor is four inches thick. City codes require that any driveway apron or sidewalks within the city right of way be six inches thick.

Wire reinforcing is used to help reduce shrinkage and cracking of the concrete. It also helps to prevent cracks from widening if they should occur. Wire reinforcing does not add to the load carrying weight of the concrete.

Yes, we will hand finish your project. This means that the cement finishers will use a hand float tool and jointers to finish your work. The hand float is a flat tool that the finishers move across the concrete in a circular manner. The jointer is a tool used to place grooves (joints) into the concrete to create control points. These joints aid in controlling cracking.

An expansion joint is a fiber material placed along adjacent concrete, walls or foundations to allow for free movement and expansion of the new concrete.

There are many possibilities. Concrete is essentially a very hard, but brittle material after curing. Concrete shrinks when drying and cracks can form shortly after placement. Other possibilities include settlement of the sub-grade and ground, expansion during hot weather and the freeze-thaw cycle of our winters. Heavy vehicles and delivery trucks can also contribute to cracking.

Yes and No. Control joints are placed in concrete to create but control cracks, but there is no guarantee that cracks won’t appear.

The next day.

You can drive on your new concrete in 7 -10 days.

Yes, I will be on the job site at all times.

Payment in full is due the day of completion.

Curing concrete increases the strength and delays shrinkage. It prevents concrete from drying too rapidly and aids in its resistance to de-icing chemicals and the freeze and thaw cycles of winter.

A sealer is mandatory before the first winter. For best results, a preventative coating of sealer should be applied yearly.

Concrete goes though many changes during the seasons. Hot summers can cause concrete to expand resulting in cracks and surface defects. Cold winters can also cause surface defects, especially from the use of de-icing chemicals. These de-icing chemicals accelerate the freeze and thaw cycles. De-icing chemicals should be avoided. This also includes the salt that is used on roadways and brought onto your new concrete by way of vehicles parked on it. The best preventative measure you can take is to keep vehicles in your garage, especially during the winter.

Yes, we are fully licensed, bonded and insured with the local cities as required.

Yes permits are required and Kompan Cement will fill out all paper work and obtain them from the city for you.