Concrete Contractors In Calgary | Frequently Asked Questions
Concrete Contractors In Calgary | Navigating through our FAQ page, you’ll find comprehensive answers to common inquiries regarding our services, processes, and concrete solutions. We’ve curated a collection of frequently asked questions to provide you with a well-rounded understanding and to ensure a smooth collaboration from the get-go. Your clarity and satisfaction are paramount; hence, we encourage you to delve into these queries, and feel free to reach out for any further clarification. Our aim is to foster a transparent and informed engagement as we work together towards bringing your concrete visions to life.
My landscape designer said concrete in Alberta is not as structurally sound, long term, as interlocking brick and paver products because of our freeze-thaw climate that causes “cracks and heaving “. Whereas, they said, interlocking bricks and pavers are more able to “move & shift” and is a better choice, long term. Is this true?"
Concrete, when installed properly, with correctly compacted gravel base, correctly installed rebar and correctly finished concrete, will not only prohibit heaving & mitigate cracks, but will ensure your concrete investment lasts for decades with the least amount of maintenance required for any exterior “flooring” on the market, including pavers and interlocking brick. Simply look around your city streets, sidewalks and public spaces; does your city typically invest in concrete or cobblestone pavers as their public spaces’ exterior flooring choice? Ironically, even the “upgraded” design choice of exposed aggregate concrete is more economical for the consumer than the most basic pattern of cobblestone pavers. …and without the notorious sinking, weeds and ants that cobblestone attracts.
How thick should my concrete be poured?
Residential concrete should be a minimum of 4-5” of consistent thickness.
What is the minimum depth of excavation required for a residential patio, driveway or walkway?"
The minimal depth of excavation in residential construction should be 8″ to allow for a minimum 4″compacted gravel base and for a consistent 4″ thick concrete floor, driveway or patio.
Do I really need to have rebar included if the gravel base is 4-5” and compacted?
Rebar helps to control cracks and shrinkage and can also provide structural support. Rebar is to concrete what joists are to a roof. The proper installation of residential rebar applications is minimum 24” on centre.
Why do I need brackets in my front yard sidewalk? Are they just an upsell?
Brackets, when properly spaced and properly installed reduce the risk of your sidewalk “settling or sinking” over time. A sidewalk without brackets installed can sink to the point where it becomes a complete structural failure and needs to either be replaced or at the very least, professionally “mud-jacked” and propped back up: both outlooks being much more expensive than installing brackets during the initial project. Brackets also help to mitigate the size and quantity of cracks in your concrete.