Concrete Guide
Sidewalks and Driveways
Your driveway, sidewalks and patios are steel re-enforced. The front sidewalk may be supported with steel brackets underneath to ensure that it will not settle, even if the ground does.
Driveways are designed for the use of passenger cars and light duty vehicles. Heavy trucks will cause damage and therefore should be kept off the driveway.
In winter months, salt that is applied to city streets may affect the surface of the driveway. To reduce surface damage from salt, remove any slush accumulation on the concrete. Commercial concrete sealers are available that may help to reduce damage. It is recommended that you seal your driveway every year. During the winter months, when driveways and sidewalks cannot be installed, Truman will supply you with a temporary sidewalk consisting of sidewalk blocks. When temperatures and ground conditions enable us to pour concrete, we will put in place your driveway and sidewalk. Frost penetration in winter can cause vertical movement of sidewalk and driveway slabs, affecting surface drainage. This condition will correct itself with the return of winter.
Basement Walls
Basement walls are subjected to many stresses. The base of the wall, being well below grade, maintains a fairly uniform temperature; whereas the portion above grade is subjected to a wide range of seasonal temperature variations. Basement walls are damp proofed on the exterior, and insulated and polyed on the interior. A common misconception is that basement walls are waterproof.
Basement Floors
The basement floor is considered a non-structural component. The nature of concrete is such that some surface pitting and superficial cracking will occur. This is normal and little can be done to prevent it. Should you choose to paint the floor, be sure to use a product recommended for that purpose. Among other things, it should be alkaline resistant and of a type that would permit continuing curing of a new poured floor
Garage Floors
The garage floor is reinforced with steel to support passenger vehicle weight. Once the concrete has cured totally, you may wish to treat it with concrete sealer made specifically for this purpose. Consult your paint dealer for the recommendation of a suitable product.
Precast Steps & Platforms
Precast steps and platforms are pre-manufactured. They are then delivered and placed on site on steel brackets, which are then fastened to the foundation wall.
Concrete FAQs
Question: What is the white powder that is appearing on some areas of the concrete floor and walls?
Answer: The white powder is caused by salts in the concrete mix that are carried to the surface with evaporation of moisture during the curing process. This will leave a salt deposit, which easily can be brushed off. The appearance of the white powder does not affect the strength or performance of the concrete and should cease to form after the concrete has totally cured.
Question:What are the yellow stains on the driveway and concrete floors?
Answer: The curing compound that is applied to aid in the curing of the concrete causes the yellow stains on new concrete. This will fade away over time and is not cause for alarm.
Question: Why are the driveway, basement floor, garage floor, and sidewalk developing cracks? Is this cause for concern?
Answer: Cracks in concrete are normal and are not considered structural. They are caused by normal shrinkage in the concrete or by seasonal temperature and precipitation variations. Hairline cracking in concrete is considered acceptable in the industry. In some cases, excessive cracking may occur. Example: basement and garage floor cracks 4 mm or greater and driveway cracks 6 mm or greater. These will be repaired only if you book for service. The repairs of these concrete cracks are applicable for the warranty period only (one-year).
Question: Are cracks in the basement walls something to be concerned about?
Answer: Due to wide range of thermal changes (see basement walls), and the expanding and contracting that may take place as a result of these thermal variations, minor cracks are not uncommon. Please contact TRUMAN immediately regarding any wall cracks that are allowing water seepage into the basement.
Question: Why is my exposed aggregate driveway not shiny like it was when we took occupancy?
Answer: The driveway for your home is sealed prior to occupancy (seasonal). This is to protect the concrete. However, the sealer does fade and should be applied at least once a year post possession.
Question: Why is my driveway having small pieces flake off (spalling)?
Answer: This is due to deterioration of the finish of the driveway, from either misuse or by application of salts or road salts themselves. It is imperative that your driveway is kept clean and abrasive materials are not used and left on the driveway as they will ruin the finish.
