Short answers to the questions that do not fit our other guides. If yours is not here, call (925) 690-1468.
How long does a concrete driveway last?
A well-built concrete driveway commonly lasts 25 to 30 years or more. In Concord the things that shorten that are clay movement, roots, thin original slabs and water left to pond at the edges. Base work, steel and drainage decide which end of the range you get.
Can I pour it myself or should I hire someone?
You can pour a small pad or a short walk yourself with bagged mix. A driveway or a large patio is a different job. Several yards of concrete arrive at once and must be placed, leveled and finished before they set, and that happens fast in the heat. Mistakes are permanent. Most people hire that out.
Can I pour a small shed pad with bags from the store?
Yes. A small shed pad suits bagged concrete. Remove the topsoil, compact a few inches of base rock, set level forms and add only the water the bag calls for. Mix and place in the cool of the morning with a helper, and keep the pad damp for several days. Ask the building department whether the shed itself needs a permit, and contact USA North 811 before you dig.
The walkway I poured myself cracked and sank. Should I redo it or hire someone?
Find the cause before you redo it. A walk that sank was probably poured on loose soil or topsoil with no rock base. One that cracked likely had no joints. If you dig deeper, compact base rock and cut joints every few feet, a second try can turn out well. If the walk is long, sloped or next to the house, hiring a crew is worth it.
How do I get oil stains out of a driveway?
Treat oil stains while they are fresh. Soak up the oil with cat litter, then scrub with a degreaser and hot water. Older stains respond to a poultice cleaner that draws the oil out as it dries. Pressure washing helps but can mark the surface if the tip is held too close. Deep old stains may lighten without going away.
Can an old concrete floor be stained or dyed?
Yes. An old floor can be stained once glue, paint and sealer are ground off and the surface is clean. Stain is see-through, so patches and cracks stay visible and become part of the look. We test a small spot first so you can see the color on your own floor.
Does homeowners insurance cover a cracked slab or a failed retaining wall?
Usually not when the cause is settling, soil movement, roots or age. Standard policies commonly exclude earth movement, and earthquake damage needs a separate earthquake policy. Sudden events such as a vehicle hitting a wall or a burst pipe may be covered. Policies differ, so read yours and ask your agent before you assume either way.
A customer tripped on the walk outside my business. Am I liable?
You may be liable. Under California Streets and Highways Code section 5610 and Concord Municipal Code sections 12.25.030 and 12.25.040, owners are responsible for the sidewalk next to their property, and a business must also keep its own walks and parking areas reasonably safe. Report the fall to your insurer, photograph the spot and fix the hazard promptly. This is general information and not legal advice.
Can sections be replaced while my business stays open?
Yes. We replace walks, aprons and parking areas in sections so one entrance and a safe path always stay open. Work can be set for early mornings or the days you are closed. Barricades, signs and a temporary accessible route are part of the plan.
Can you pour a basketball pad or sport court?
Yes. A basketball pad needs an even surface with a slight fall for drainage, a medium broom or light trowel finish for grip and ball bounce, and joints placed away from the key where possible. On clay, base and steel keep it flat. No published price exists for sport courts, so we quote them after a visit.
Is cement the same thing as concrete?
No. Cement is the grey powder that acts as glue. Concrete is cement mixed with water, sand and gravel. A sidewalk is concrete, and cement is one ingredient in it.
Does a concrete patio help with wildfire safety?
Concrete does not burn, so a patio, walk or gravel and concrete strip next to the house gives embers nothing to light. That is useful near the open hills east of Concord and around Mount Diablo. It is one part of a defensible space plan. Ask your fire district about the rules for your area.
The real number for your job comes from a free visit, where we measure and look at the ground. Call (925) 690-1468 or text a photo of the area.