A professional concrete contractor is a licensed specialist responsible for the structural design, site preparation, pouring, and finishing of durable surfaces like driveways, patios, and foundations. In Charlotte, these experts are technically known as cement masons or concrete finishers. Their primary job is to ensure that concrete installations can withstand the region’s heavy red clay soil. For homeowners, hiring a specialist like Durafy ensures the project uses a properly compacted sub-base, which is the most critical factor in preventing the cracking and shifting common in North Carolina’s climate.
What is a concrete specialist and what do they do?
1. Examine the Site
Before starting work, a concrete contractor will inspect the job site. They will evaluate the existing soil conditions, slopes, drainage patterns, and load capacity requirements. In Charlotte, because of the clayey nature of the soil with its expansive and contractive properties due to moisture, this evaluation will assist in determining how the base will be prepared to avoid future shifting or cracking of the concrete.
According to the Portland Cement Association, subgrade preparation is critical to long-term performance of concrete. When the subgrade is not prepared correctly, concrete placed on top of that unstable subgrade will fail.
2. Build and Compact Base
As needed, the contractor will remove any weak soils below and build a compacted gravel sub-base or another sub-layer of material. This sub-layer, or sub-base layer(s), will help to distribute weight as well as reduce the movement caused by changes in moisture conditions.
When working on driveways and foundations in the State of North Carolina, the importance of this step cannot be overstated. If proper compaction has not been performed, concrete can experience an uneven settlement after just a few years.
3. Construct Forms and Reinforcing
The forms define both the thickness and shape of your slab. Reinforcing is put into the concrete to increase the strength of the concrete, and to help control cracking. Reinforcing can consist of steel rebar and/or wire mesh material. The American Concrete Institute has established guidelines for proper use of reinforcement and acceptable practices for placing structural concrete to ensure safety and long-lasting durability.
4. Pour, Spread and Finish Concrete
After all preparation work is complete, the concrete is poured and put in place by using a screed or other tool. Depending on your project, final finishes may include a number of options such as smooth, broom, or decorative finishes. Properly placed joints are also critical during this process to help control the natural cracking that may occur as the concrete cures (sets up).
To keep it simple, a concrete professional will handle everything from preparing the dirt to curing the finished product. They’ll ensure your driveway, patio or foundation is not only visually clean; but also built to last and properly constructed in Charlotte.
Why hire a professional concrete contractor in Charlotte?
While you can create DIY concrete jobs on small surfaces, most of the time a professional should create concrete for driveways, patios, and house foundations. A professional concrete specialist is familiar with concrete installation and will ensure the concrete is installed correctly, lasting longer than a DIY project, and preventing many common concrete issues such as elevation changes, shifting, cracking, and water intrusion.
Benefits of hiring a licensed concrete specialist are as follows:
Expertise in the local landscape and weather conditions
The red clay soil in Charlotte has reactive properties, expanding and contracting with the moisture in the ground. A licensed concrete specialist will know how to prepare the subbase and control the drainage in order to avoid cracking or shifting.
Proper equipment and skills
Contractor professionals have all of the required equipment to properly pour, level, and finish concrete. This guarantees the production of durable, long-lasting surfaces.
Long-lasting results
Concrete put in without preparation, such as compaction and reinforcement, typically fails within several years. A commercial installer will complete your project with proper subbase compaction, reinforcement, and create a curing environment that will help your investment last for decades.
Time and Stress Savings
Adequate preparation and installation of concrete can often be labour-intensive and time-sensitive. A professional will have the capacity to manage all aspects of the concrete installation process in the most efficient way possible. By doing this, homeowners can enjoy significant time savings, as well as reduce their stress levels.
Choosing the right concrete contractor in Charlotte
Why Charlotte homeowners choose Durafy
- Knowledge of Local Conditions: Knowledge and experience with Charlotte’s red clay soil, drainage issues and climate allows us to design & prepare each and every project, with those conditions in mind. As a result, your concrete is designed to last without having to worry about it sinking or heaving over time.
- Proven Experience: Whether it is driveways, patios or foundations, we have been completing concrete projects for a long time. Our quality portfolio and reputation for excellence will demonstrate that you are getting the quality work we promise.
- Total Transparency: Every project we do, no matter how big or small, you will know exactly what your investment is and how long it will take to complete.
- Warranty: All of our work comes with a guarantee. With our level of commitment to quality, we will make sure that your concrete surfaces will look and perform perfectly for many years to come.