To listen for wants and needs, suggest option and/or solutions for current issues that concrete can solve. Encourage different styles and designs and deliver those concrete services in an aesthetic manner (Finish), while ensuring municipal and provincial laws and codes are being upheld. To ensure the concrete surfaces are level for structural purposes and/or water is carried away from those structures towards drainage systems unless otherwise specified by the contractor, engineers or owners. Examples: drains, catch basins, easements etc. All while keeping communication at the forefront to ensure goals are achieved for everyone.

Referred to as (underlay or subgrade). Compacted gravel or crushed stone (typically 3-8” depth), provides a stable and strong foundation for concrete.  It enhances drainage, reduces settlement, protects against frost heave, ensuring the long-term integrity of the concrete.  Distributing the weight of the concrete and minimizing stress on the underlying soil by providing a level base. This increases the overall lifespan of the concrete.  Traffic Bond (or a similar granular A material) is generally preferred over clear stone. Traffic Bond, is a mix of gravel and fines, making it easily compactible. Clear stone, while suitable for drainage and landscaping, doesn’t compact as well and might not provide the same level of support for a concrete slab. 

Proper subgrade preparation for concrete placement includes compaction of the subgrade. Using a tamper, jumping jack or heavy plate tampers will achieve appropriate stone compaction for stable and durable base to minimize the risk of settlement or cracking of the concrete. Using water during the compaction phase can enhance the overall compaction as well as keep dust down during dry periods.  There are no specified percentages for compaction unless engineered.

Expansion joint is most made of neoprene, polyethylene foam or closed-cell rubber.  This allows concrete to move, expand and contract freely without causing stress and potential cracking on itself or other perimeter surfaces. It does this by creating a gap between existing and new sections of concrete, enabling them to move independently. This is crucial because concrete naturally expands and contracts due to temperature and moisture changes, and without joints, this movement can lead to structural damage. 

Rebar dowels (typically 10-15mm bars) in concrete creates a mechanical connection between adjacent concrete pieces (old to new). Dowels facilitate the transfer of load across the joint, ensuring that the adjacent slabs can share the load and prevent excessive stress concentration at the joint.  They help maintain the stability of the joint between slabs, preventing them from moving apart or developing gaps due to movement, temperature changes or undermining.  Dowel bars help prevent joint faulting (trip hazards), a condition where the top edge of one slab is higher than the other due to differential movement or settlement. 

Tensile strength referrers to tension (pulling apart). Concrete has great compressive strength but week tensile strength.  Both rebar and welded wire mesh can vastly improve tensile strength.

Compressive strength is how much load it can take before showing signs of failing.  Most residential and commercial concrete strengths range between 2500psi (17mpa) all the way to 10,000 psi (70mpa). Strength needed is dependent on structure type, weight, temperature, moisture and environmental exposure. Here in Niagara the typical strength ranges from 2500psi-4000psi (28mpa). Benchmark always uses 4641psi (32mps) on outdoor concrete unless floors, walls or footings.  

Steel welded wire mesh (typically 9-10 gauge) in concrete serves to enhance the tensile strength of the concrete, which is inherently weak in tension. This reinforcement helps to prevent cracking, distributes loads more evenly, and can improve the overall tensile strength by 20 to 30%. Typically lifted a few inches from the subgrade. 

Rebar, or reinforcing bar, (typically 10-15mm) enhances concrete’s tensile strength.  Rebars primary purpose is tensile strength.  By incorporating steel bars into concrete, the concrete can resist bending, torsion, and shearing loads. Typically tied together and set on top of Brick 2-3” off the subgrade.

Fiber can replace mesh or rebar in your concrete.  Fibers can be natural plant-based fibers, synthetic polyester or polypropylene fibers. This vastly increases tensile strength. Mixed in when the concrete is batched.

Rebar: Strongest of the three for tensile strength, more expensive than mesh and fiber. More time consuming to tie and the concrete must be placed from a distance.

Wire Mesh: Less tensile strength then rebar but more strength than fiber. Unlike rebar and the same as fiber can provide protection against cracks as well. Same cost as fiber and more efficient to work with then rebar. The mesh can be set as you pour allowing for concrete to be place progressively.    

Fiber: Less tensile strength then mesh, but the most efficient way to apply tensile strength to your concrete.  Also protects against cracking.  It’s applied during the batching process, allowing for no lost time prepping steel. The little fiber hairs depending on the type of finish your requesting can be a problem when it’s poking through the surface.

Depth is always determined by weight, environment exposure, use and frequency.  Standard residential depth for foot traffic, walkways, patios and light structure like sheds is 4” of concrete.  We prefer to provide 5”-6” in driveways to support vehicle weight and/or trailers.  For a Hot Pad min 6”.  Wait a week before setting the empty tub. Fill once the 28 days are up for full curing. For engineered slabs (heavy duty pad without wall or footing supporting a larger built structure like gazebos, garages or additions on a home. These usually require a permit and may ask from 12” to 24” thick around the perimeter to act as a type of footing.  Commercial depths vary from 6-8” or more.  Roads are typically 10-12” thick.

Steps should always be between 4”-7.5” in height no more no less. Anything less than 4” can become a trip hazard. Maximum is 7.5” in height. These are typically called (risers). (Treads) where you set your foot when walking down steps are a min of 12”. There’s no maximum size tread which allows you to make treads much larger, safer and comfortable based on the surrounding area. 

Cutting is primarily used to create control joints (also known as expansion joints) in concrete slabs. This helps promote cracking due to shrinkage and temperature changes (because it will happen). These cuts allow for controlled cracking along predetermined lines, preventing unsightly and structurally compromising cracks elsewhere. Concrete shrinks as it dries, which can lead to cracks, especially in large slabs.  Saw cuts create weakened points where cracks are likely to form.  Concrete will always crack off corners and/or the point of least resistance. Even though these cuts are placed to promote the cracking it’s never a sure thing. Cuts are made after the concrete has gained sufficient strength but before internal cracking begins, typically within the first few days of pouring.  Control joints are generally cut to be about 20-25% the thickness of the concrete so it doesn’t cut mesh (if used). 

Concrete being a porous material needs hydration to reach its peak strength (28 days after batching). Watering is crucial to the strength and longevity of the concrete.  The curing (hardening) process should not be rushed.  The slower the curing process, the stronger the concrete will be and longer lasting. If the proper curing doesn’t happen cracks can occur due to heat stress and weaken the surface. If the surface doesn’t reach, it’s strength it will crumble under Canadian winters.  Concrete can cure too quickly due to extreme winds, direct sunlight or hot temperatures causing rapid dehydration or uneven surface curing.  Once the surface can resist a light watery mist without hurting the finish it should be cooled down.  Nighttime and rain days are helpful in the curing process. 

**Please DO NOT WATER your concrete without asking us first on ideal times to do so**

Concrete takes approximately 28 days to reach its maximum mpa strength.  Foot traffic can begin as early as 24-48hrs after placing, after a week its about 70% cured.  Temperatures, humidity and mix types can play a factor on whether the concrete has reach full strength at 28 days.

The process of maintaining proper hydration and temperature of concrete to allow it to develop its full designed strength. Allowing for proper curing allows the concrete to enhance strength, durability, resistance to cracking, withstand wear and tear, harsh weather and chemical exposure.

It’s a composite material (combination of 2 or more additives).  Primarily used for all facets of construction. Made be mixing cement, water and aggregate gravel/sand.

Cement is the bonding agent added to water and aggregates that form concrete.

(If Cement is the flour, then Concrete is the bread)

Clinker, Gypsum, Silica (silicon), and Slag (iron aluminium compounds) produce cement. Also known as a binding agent used to bind various construction materials. Crucial ingredient of concrete and mortars. Mixed with water to form a paste that binds aggregates like sand and crushed rocks.

Primary ingredient in cement. Produced by heating limestone at high temperatures, then ground into fine powder and mixed with gypsum to create cement.

Natural mineral created when water evaporates in salt rich environments. Widely used in construction for drywall and plaster. Added to cement to regulate setting times.

Also known as (Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag) GGBS. By product of molten iron. Finer than Portland. Slag reduces permeability (reduces water absorption), protects reinforcement steel and can be used in greater volume with Portland to create denser concrete. It’s not as fine so it’s more difficult to finish surfaces. Commonly used here in Ontario.

One of the most abundant materials on earth. A natural compound of silicon and oxygen found in the earth’s crust, plants, and spring water.  The main component in sand, quartz, glass, ceramics and concrete.

Lime (Calcium oxide/hydroxide) Can be used to enhance durability, strength, life span and permeability. Commonly used as an adhesive and self-healer to concrete and mortars.   Allows flexibility in the concrete, protection against chemicals and temperature changes. 

Fly ash is a by-product of coal burning. It’s less of a carbon footprint using it and less expensive than actual Portland cement.  Makes concrete more permeable (water resistant), improves workability. Not done correctly can affect air entrainment, sensitive to high temperatures, affects colours added to concrete and takes longer to reach mpa strength. Not used in Ontario for our mixes of concrete.

Air-entraining in concrete (typically 5-8% in our mixes) is a system of microscopic air bubbles added during concrete mixing. They increase the freeze-thaw durability of concrete, increase resistance to scaling caused by de-icing chemicals, and improve workability.

Concrete is measured in metric units. MPA (megapascals) is the compression strength of the concrete measuring downward pressure.  The imperial version is PSI (per square inch). 1 MPA = 145.038 PSI

Non-Structurally Reinforced (plain), concrete exposed to chlorides and freezing and thawing.  Examples: garage floors, porches, steps, driveways, sidewalks, curbs and gutters.

This mix is used regardless of the finish type. Unless it’s for something other than outdoor slabs or specified by our customers or engineers. It provides the right amount of compression strength, with the right amount of air entrainment to withstand Canadian winters. We add steel reinforcements to increase tensile strength, analyzing possible pressure points and opportunities for movement and add dowels and/or expansion joints.  We pick a safe time to pour with ideal weather and have the appropriate tools and additives in the case things change. We cut in high percentage areas that may crack while keeping it esthetically pleasing.  We educate on the curing process and suggest watering if needed and usually include sealing it in our pricing to protect from elements and chemicals. The Concrete is always ordered from experienced and reputable suppliers.

A common concrete mix ratio for achieving a 32 MPa strength is 1:2:3.

One part cement (used as the binding agent)

Two parts sand (fills the voids between the coarser aggregates)

Three parts aggregate (gravel/crushed stone, contributes to overall strength)

Water: 2 liters of water per 20kg, helps achieve the desired strength. The lower the water-cement ratio, the stronger the concrete.  This ratio provides a good balance of strength and workability. 

Air: (5% to 8% air) is often recommended for exterior applications to improve freeze-thaw resistance. 

50-80°F (10-27°C) allows for the ideal curing process, ensuring the concrete reaches its desired strength. 

These chemicals speed up the hydration process of cement, which is slower in cold weather. Calcium chloride is a common accelerator, but non-chloride options are also available. 

These lower the freezing point of water in the concrete, allowing it to remain liquid and continue curing even in sub-zero temperatures. 

These slow down the setting time of concrete, which is faster in hot weather, allowing for better placement and finishing. 

An evaporation retardant creates a temporary protective film on the surface to slow down moisture loss, preventing issues like plastic shrinkage, cracking, and uneven texture. It does not cure the concrete itself, but it helps ensure proper hydration.  This film acts as a barrier, slowing down the evaporation of water from the concrete, particularly during hot, dry, or windy conditions. It reduces issues like wind crusting, sponginess, and stickiness, resulting in a smoother, more even surface. This allows finishing crews to work with the concrete for a longer period before it hardens, improving efficiency and reducing the need for added water. In turn keeping the moisture in the concrete longer, strengthens it.

Most popular and preferred choice. It’s formed by the reaction of the mixture of cement and water. Commonly used for waterproofing cracks in concrete. Used in all construction wet or dry, including underwater projects.

Becomes adhesive due to carbonation (reacts with the carbon dioxide in the atmosphere), used for various construction work but NOT underwater.

Same 32mpa mix but with peastone aggregate as opposed to clear coarse aggregates that are typically used.  Exposed aggregate concrete is a decorative type of concrete where the top layer is removed to reveal the aggregates (stones, pebbles, etc.) embedded within the concrete mix. This is achieved by using techniques like surface washing, chemical retarders (top cast), or diamond grinding to remove the surface paste, leaving the aggregates exposed and visible. The exposure amount can be requested by the customer (min to high exposure of the peastone). Looks best once sealed and maintained.

Stamped concrete is a decorative concrete technique where patterns and textures are imprinted into freshly poured concrete using stamps. This creates a surface that resembles other materials like brick, stone, or wood, offering a visually appealing and durable alternative. The process involves applying colored mortar, if desired, and then using stamps with various shapes and reliefs to create the desired design. A release agent (powder or clear liquid) is applied to the concrete surface before, stamping to create the desired pattern and texture. 

This is achieved by adding pigments, dyes, or stains to the concrete mix before or after it is poured. The most common method is to add integral color admixtures, which are pigments that are mixed into the concrete before it’s placed. 

• Staining:

Acid-based stains are applied to the surface of the concrete, chemically reacting with it to create a deeper, more vibrant color. This method is often used on existing concrete slabs and can be used to create various textures. Applied with painting tools.

• Dyes/Antiquing:

Dyes are applied to the surface of the concrete and are absorbed into the pores, creating vibrant colors. They are often used for interior applications or with a UV sealer for outdoor use. 

• Color Hardeners:

A powder containing pigments, sand, and cement is applied to the surface and then spread, creating a durable, colored surface. Applied when new concrete is being placed.

Sealing your concrete protects it from moisture, stains and all other natural elements nature can throw at it.  It also prolongs the lifespan, esthetic look and makes cleaning it easier.

For traditional white concrete finishes (Broom, Swirl or anything colourless) we suggest a penetrating seal.  These seals penetrate the porous concrete and protects it from the moisture and freezing that come with our Canadian winters.

For decorative concrete finishes (stamped, coloured or exposed aggregate finishes) we suggest an oil-based seal which also repels natural elements but also provides colour enhancing properties for the concrete.

Coating that has water as its main carrier with polymer particles within.  This forms an environmentally friendly barrier that has a matt finish. This reduces water absorption. Protecting it from freeze-thaw cycles.

Leaves a protective coating like acrylic copolymer or other chemicals.  It forms a film making it resistant to water and stains while enhancing colour and leaving a glossy finish.

It’s recommended to make it part of your late spring and early fall routines when preparing for the summer or winter.  It’s better to ensure temperatures remain above 70 Degrees over a 24hr period before and after sealing to ensure proper bonding and settling of the seal.

All seals have different lasting effects.  The temperature, weather, chemical, and traffic exposure also play a factor in seal durability. 

Seal can typically be applied by paint roller or sprayer.  Follow the recommended application guidelines on whatever seal you choose is best for your home.

It damages concrete through a process called freeze-thaw causing scaling, pitting and cracking. When it freezes within the concrete pores, it expands and starts to put pressure.  Weakening the concrete over time. It can also corrode the steel within the concrete weakening it even more.

There’s several option for de-icing that are safer than Sodium Chloride (Rock Salt). 

Magnesium Chloride: Safe alternative, especially around vegetation and steel structures.  Non-corrosive and works at low temperatures.

Potassium Chloride: Like Magnesium Chloride is less corrosive and doesn’t leave behind concrete damaging residue.

Calcium Chloride: Very effective but considered less safe for concrete than Magnesium and Potassium Chloride.

Other natural options: Options like beet juice, urea, or organic salts may be pet and plant friendly but not as effective in lower temperatures.

Identify the stain type and choose the appropriate cleaner.  A stiff bristle brush, water or power washer are the most common tools. 

Grim & Dirt: dish soap, baking soda and water

Oil & Grease: A degreaser solution, baking soda & water

Rust: Vinegar or rust stain remover with water

Mold & Mildew: Mildew cleaner or bleach solution with water

Paint, glue or sealant: Only use specific cleaners for these

**Please remember to wear proper protective equipment and follow the instructions the products provide**

This will depend on several factors. First off, every municipality has different formalities and laws that govern the area. Factors include:

• Location and purpose of the concrete
• Building code requirements such as structural changes or modifications to the property.
• Size and type of project
• Local bylaw restrictions (Municipality specific)

**If unsure, please check with your local city hall, research local codes online or consult with a licensed engineer or contractor. **

• Concrete Fading & Discolouration

Causes: Sun light, age, lack of sealing maintenance.

• Concrete Cracks

Causes: Extreme or rapid temperature changes, Freeze-Thaw cycles, Heavy Loads, Shifting/Undermining of the sub-grade, Chemicals (de-icing sprays & salts), Heavy impacts.

• Concrete Chips & Breaks

Causes: Extreme or rapid temperature changes, Freeze-Thaw cycles, Heavy Loads, Shifting/Undermining of the sub-grade, Chemicals (de-icing sprays & salts), Heavy impacts.

• Concrete Scaling (Flaking/Peeling of the surface)

Causes: Freeze-Thaw cycles, Chemicals (de-icing sprays & salts), Heavy impacts, incorrect water/cement ratio in mix, not enough air entrainment in mix, lack of sealing maintenance.

• Concrete Pitting/Spalling (small and large holes from stones popping from the surface)

Causes: Freeze-Thaw cycle, Chemicals (de-icing sprays & salts), Heavy impacts, incorrect water/cement ratio in mix, not enough air entrainment in mix, lack of sealing maintenance.

• Concrete Erosion (gradual deterioration of the concrete surface)

Causes: primarily environmental impact or mechanical due to pour mix ratios.

• Concrete Corrosion (deterioration of steel beneath concrete surface)

Causes: Reinforcing steel in the concrete is too close to the surface, water, oxygen, chloride ions meet the steel, rusting it and weakening it.  

• Concrete Stains

Causes: Wey conditions, chemicals, rust, leaves, grass, soil, concrete slurry (when cutting), paint, lack of sealing maintenance.

• Concrete Honeycombing (Voids, holes, gaps)

Causes: Improper consolidation (not knocking on the boards or using a vibrator during placement) or wrong mix (too much sand or too dry).

• Concrete Delamination (separation of the surface from the remaining concrete)

Causes: The surface was troweled sealing air and/or water in, before allowing it to escape during the finishing phase, thus creating gaps.

• Concrete Alkali-silica reaction (widespread cracking)

Causes: Chemical reaction between the Portland cement and aggregate within the concrete making spider cracks everywhere.

• Concrete Carbonation

Causes: Carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, reacts with the calcium hydroxide in the cement, forming calcium carbonate.) This reduces the alkalinity of the cement (Ph levels) potentially leading to corrosion of the steel inside the concrete

• Concrete Dusting/chalking (Loose powdery material on the surface)

Causes: Disintegration of the concrete surface due to pour concrete mix, insufficient curing, carbonation, pour ventilation or freezing