Starting a concrete project is very time consuming, and is a project that you should not take lightly. There are many steps involved in the preparation: the pour, the drying, and upkeep. Before you get started, there are a few things you should know when talking to your contractor.
Keeping this in mind and having a good relationship with your contractor will start your project on the right foot. It can also help keep your costs down and eliminate problems down the line.
1. It’s okay to request something extreme.
There is nothing too bold or too crazy when it comes to concrete design. Don’t be afraid to live out your wildest concrete dreams. Talk to your contractor and request a quote for that wild geometric countertop or floor you’ve always wanted!
2. Concrete maintenance after completion is important.
While concrete is very durable and can be sealed for protection, this doesn’t mean there’s no upkeep. We recommend cleaning your concrete regularly in order to keep it looking new. After several years, you should also expect to see slight cracking due to wear and tear. These cracks can grow into bigger, more expensive problems if you choose to ignore them, which is why sealing them is so important.
3. This work will not be finished overnight.
Believe it or not, there is hand craftsmanship involved in pouring your concrete, especially if you’re looking for a colored or patterned design. Pouring concrete is an art, and all art takes time. The drying time must be accounted for as well. It may be slightly inconvenient for you to park for a couple of weeks, but it’s critical that you wait the entire recommended drying time to park on your concrete–no matter how antsy you get.
4. Imperfections are to be expected.
Because concrete is not a manufactured product created on an assembly line, slight imperfections are bound to occur. Especially if your concrete is poured outdoors–an uncontrolled environment such as nature may increase the risk of a few flaws occurring. This is especially true for the damp, humid atmosphere here in Louisiana. We believe it gives the concrete character. However, with 24 locations throughout the state, in particularly wet areas like Lake Charles, Sulphur, Jennings, and more, Port Aggregates knows just how to work around it. Contact one of our qualified and knowledgeable sales staff and get a quote.
5. You may need a permit to start your project.
Whether you’re pouring an indoor concrete floor, a concrete patio or driveway, or even creating concrete bricks to border your planters–you may need a permit in order to abide by municipal building regulations. You can check to see whether or not you’ll need one here.
While there is a lot to be considered when taking on a concrete project, don’t let the extra work hold you back–thorough planning will be more than worth it in the end, and we’re here to help you through it. Port Aggregates delivers ready mix concrete, precast concrete, limestone, sand, gravel, and more to Lafayette, Westlake, Crowley, New Iberia, Mermentau, Many, Leesville, and other cities around Louisiana.
