New Concrete Surfaces
New Concrete Surfaces
SealKastle™ – Quality by Nature
For over 25 years, SealKastle™ companies have been restoring some of the most poorly installed and tarnished surfaces. When It comes to the INSTALLATION of NEW surfaces, SealKastle™ has the expertise and knowledge required to provide high-quality and commercial grade installations that will last much longer than alternative installations for similar surfaces.
All surface installations come down to some basic rules of thumb for longevity and by following these basic principles:
1- Better bases- Whether it is a concrete driveway, new interlocking, or asphalt, it all comes down to what is under the surface. Better quality and deeper bases for interlock, material underlays, and more reinforcement of rebar all play a huge part in how long your will surfaces last. SealKastle™ Quality ensures that bases are installed according to code and beyond because we believe that, as with all things in life, your base is what you build on for future longevity,
2- Quality Techniques – Even though most installations will appear to have been carried out in the same way, there are many procedures that (if not followed properly) can result in surface failure. The way in which concrete and expansion joints are stamped and finished, the consistency of material mixtures for wall overlays, and temperatures of installations all play a huge role in the final outcome and longevity of any surface.
3- Materials used – Defining the “right material” can be a relatively small or unnoticeable difference in type or quality. However, this can mean the difference between an installation that is either long-lasting or a failure.
4- Tools and equipment – We believe that the saying “with the right equipment a project can be done in a fraction of the time” is very true and we strive to live this out in all our operations.
5- Finally, experience and/or the training of installers. Many fly-by-night companies have little or no experience, use the incorrect techniques and, when things fail, will not answer phone calls or will simply disappear. SealKastle™ uses highly experienced installers with backgrounds you can trust. With us, things simply do not go wrong and if touch-ups or maintenance is required, you can be assured that SealKastle™ will be there for your full support.
Regular Concrete Installation
Quality and good workmanship are essential for a long-lasting and attractive concrete driveway. The following are construction practices.
Concrete Thickness
Thickness is important for a driveway’s structural capacity and can boost load-carrying capacity by almost 50%. Thickened sections should extend in from the slab edge 4 to 5 inches.
Rebar & wire mesh reinforcement
Rebar: for commercial installations with a thickness of 5” or more.
Wire Mesh: for driveways, patios and walkway with a thickness of 5” or below.
Synthetic fibers reduce shrinkage cracks but don’t provide structural reinforcement.
Preparing Sub-grade
Soil uniformity and compaction is essential for adequate support, even slab thickness, and slab settlement and structural cracking prevention. Replace soft spots with gravel or crushed rock for expansive soil.
Concrete must not be placed on dry sub-grade and spraying it first prevents water wicking.
Vibratory plate compactors are best for driveway sub-grade compaction.
Concrete Mix
Mix design is vital for performance and longevity. Driveway control joints can be incorporated into a decorative pattern.
Placement of Expansion Joints
Prevent cracking by placing expansion joints spaced with recommended spacing. Random cracks are fine and won’t reduce longevity. Expansion joint depth is also critical. A hand tool or saw cut creates depth equaling one-fourth the slab thickness.
Finishing of Concrete
Avoid overwork or finishing operations while bleed water is present.
Finishing involves:
- Leveling
- Floating concrete (interior commercial installations)
- Broom finish application for esthetics and functionality.
- Final finishing with a steel trowel is unnecessary, but can be performed, if required.
Proper drainage
Eliminate standing water by sloping it toward the street and away from existing structures at a minimum of 1/8 inch per foot.
Proper curing techniques
Curing immediately prevents strength reduction, weather and defect resistance.
For acid-stained slabs, wet curing is best. Plain or integrally colored concrete require a liquid curing compound.
Experience You Can Trust
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Interlock Sealing, Decorative Stone Sealing, Stone Repair & Wood Restoration
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