The proper term for the hardening process concrete undergoes after pouring is called "curing." The quick answer is it is generally safe to walk on fresh concrete after 48 hours and drive on it after 28 days. Concrete actually takes up to a year to cure fully and depends on the type of concrete used, mix specifications, weather conditions, chemicals used, water added, and other variables. After pouring you will be told when you can walk, drive, or place furniture on the concrete.

Typically it is safe to walk on the concrete 48 hours after the pour. We will give specific instructions on when you can walk on your project.

We typically use 3500 to 5000 psi concrete on all our flat work. Foundations are usually poured with 2500 psi to 3500 psi concrete.

Stamped concrete has patterns and/or colors added to it to resemble other materials like brick, stone, or wood, while regular concrete does not. This makes stamped concrete a more decorative option.

The durability of concrete is substantially greater than pavers. We can customize concrete with different patterns, stamps, and colors to bring the decorative appeal of pavers without all of the downsides.

Concrete is produced through a process known as batching, which involves combining several ingredients in specific proportions. This typically includes Portland cement, water, and aggregates such as sand, gravel, or crushed stone. The mixture is then combined until it achieves a uniform consistency. After batching, the concrete is transported, often in a concrete mixer truck, to the job site where it's poured into the prepared forms.

Concrete is sometimes viewed as an environmentally taxing material due to its manufacturing process which can be energy intensive. However, the concrete industry is committed to improving the sustainability of this essential material, making it a viable choice for eco-conscious customers. There are several aspects of concrete production and use that actually make it more environmentally friendly than it might initially seem. Longevity: Concrete is incredibly durable. It can last for decades, even centuries, with little maintenance, unlike other building materials that might need to be replaced more frequently. Recyclability: Concrete can be crushed and recycled at the end of its life, minimizing waste. The recycled material can be used for road base, backfill, and even new concrete. Lower Carbon Footprint in Transportation: Concrete is a local material that is produced and used nearby which minimizes the environmental impact of transportation. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) noted that almost all (94%) of ready-mix concrete production and use occurs within a single state. Innovation in Production: The concrete industry is actively working towards more sustainable practices, such as using alternative fuels during production and incorporating industrial byproducts like fly ash and slag to reduce the amount of cement needed.

Concrete is composed of three main ingredients: Portland cement, water, and aggregate. Portland cement acts as a binding agent when mixed with water, forming a paste that hardens around the aggregate, which can be sand, gravel, or crushed stone. The type and proportion of these ingredients can be adjusted to achieve different properties in the final concrete product, such as strength, durability, or resistance to certain environmental conditions.

Concrete has been used as a building material for thousands of years. The earliest known use of a concrete-like material dates back to 6500 BCE in present-day Syria and Jordan. However, the most notable early use of concrete was by the Romans, who mixed lime and volcanic rock to create a durable material used in iconic structures like the Pantheon and Colosseum. Modern concrete, using Portland cement as a binder, was developed in the 19th century and has since become one of the most widely used construction materials globally due to its strength, durability, and versatility.

The Hoover Dam, located on the border of Nevada and Arizona, is the largest concrete structure in the United States. Constructed from 1931 to 1936 during the Great Depression, this monumental engineering feat used over 3.25 million cubic yards of concrete. It stands as a testament to American resilience and ingenuity. Do to the sheer volume of concrete used in its construction it is still technically curing today, nearly a century after being poured. The curing process, during which concrete hardens and gains strength, is hastened by cooling. Engineers used an innovative network of cooling pipes to dissipate the heat produced during curing more quickly, but despite this, estimates suggest that the concrete at the core of the dam will not fully cure for hundreds of additional years.

Pricing varies widely anywhere from $2 to $30 per square foot. The cost depends entirely on the specifics of your job so, contact us today for your free, no-obligation estimate!

We dig 30" to 36" for footers and foundations. For typical flatwork, the range is from 4" to 8", however compensation has to be made depending on the grade.

The thickness of the concrete pour depends on the type of project. For most driveways and sidewalks, concrete is typically poured at a thickness of 4 to 6 inches. For patios and pool decks, a thickness of 4 inches is usually sufficient. However, for more substantial structures like walls or stairs, or areas with heavy load-bearing requirements, the concrete may need to be poured thicker. Our Project Managers consult with you to determine the appropriate thickness for your specific project.

We have a utility location check done prior to every job. Other lines, such as A/C lines, sprinkler systems, pet fencing and any additional wiring or buried objects are solely the responsibility of the customer to mark. We cannot be held liable for unmarked objects.

Reinforcement is the method of increasing the amount of pressure the concrete can handle without losing the integrity of the concrete by "holding" the concrete. Methods of reinforcement are fiber mesh, wire mesh, and rebar. The correct choice for your project depends on the purpose of the concrete and how much pressure it needs to handle. We will provide specific recommendations for your project.

We use typically us 2"-4" of #53 gravel underneath the concrete.

Generally we offer a 1-year workmanship warranty that covers your new concrete surface. This does not include damage caused by improper uses such as putting too much weight on the surface or the use of salt or other chemicals. Please see the attached sample for reference only. You will be given a warranty document specific to your project at our post-construction meeting. USE OF SALT VOIDS YOUR WARRANTY.

We recommend shoveling snow off the concrete as the best way to maintain the integrity of your concrete. There is no amount of salt that is safe and there is no chemical formulation that is safe. SALT DAMAGES CONCRETE AND VOIDS YOUR WARRANTY! DO NOT USE SALT! EVER!

Generally, concrete should be resealed every 3 or 4 years, or when you start to notice wear or color fading. Regular sealing helps to maintain the appearance of the concrete and protects it from damage. Sealing concrete is an easy DIY project but Indianapolis Concrete also offers professional resealing services.

For routine cleaning, sweep the surface to remove loose debris and then wash it with a garden hose. For deeper cleaning, use a mild detergent like Dawn dish soap or a mild concrete cleaner with a stiff-bristle brush. We advise to minimize the use of pressure washers if possible.

Not all concrete damage can be effectively repaired. Small cracks and surface imperfections can usually be fixed, but deep, wide cracks or structural issues may require full replacement. Schedule a free estimate to work with an expert to determine which strategy is right for you.