FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

FAQ: FAQ

HOW IS J.ALLEN CONTRACTING LLC. DIFFERENT FROM ITS COMPETITORS?

At J. Allen Contracting, we offer quality workmanship at a competitive price. We pride ourselves on our work, including the materials, crew, and equipment we use. J. Allen Contracting is here to meet all of your home improvement needs whatever they may be.

HOW LONG BEFORE WE CAN WALK/DRIVE ON OUR NEW CONCRETE?

This is the most common question we get asked!
Walking- We request you do not walk on your concrete for AT LEAST 24 hours after the concrete has been finished. Keep in mind, it will scuff easily during this time so avoid dragging your feet and keeping pets off of it for at least 3 days. *For stamped and decorative finishes this time frame will increase.
Driving- We request you do not drive on the new concrete for AT LEAST 7 days. This time can differ between concrete finishes, weight of cars, etc. but please keep in mind that concrete has not reached its full compressive strength until 28 days after it has been poured. We recommend keeping heavy equipment off of it for that time.

WILL CONCRETE CRACK?

Unfortunately concrete often cracks in freeze/thaw climates. To minimize and control cracking, we place control joints or saw cuts in the concrete so the concrete will “crack” where the control joints are placed. You can also add certain products to the concrete mix that contain millions of fibers to help control cracking even more.

WHY SHOULD I CHOOSE CONCRETE OVER ASPHALT?

The difference in price between the two is made up within the lifetime of the product. A quality concrete driveway or patio will last more than 30 years with little maintenance while asphalt driveways require periodic sealing cots to cover cracking. When you begin factoring the cost of repairs and crack sealers on the asphalt driveway, concrete will cost much less.

IS THE PROCESS OF POURING CONCRETE AFFECTED BY THE WEATHER?

Yes! The rate at which the concrete will harden is very much affected by the temperature, moisture and even wind. For example, wind can cause the concrete to crack while rain will significantly weaken the surface. Sometimes when concrete is placed in cold temperatures, the product will need heated or covered to maintain the integrity of the concrete.

WHAT IS “SEALER” AND HOW OFTEN MUST IT BE APPLIED?

A protective concrete sealer minimizes moisture and salt penetrating into the surface of the concrete. Therefore, limiting it’s deterioration due to the freezing/thawing cycle. The first coat of sealer should be applied once the driveway has had the opportunity to cure and air dry (approx. 30 days). After the initial application, a coat should be applied every 2-3 years depending on the sealer.

DOES CONCRETE HAVE TO BE GREY?

Of course not! We can create a limitless palette of special finishes for concrete surfaces. Additionally, concrete can take on various shapes, patterns and textures depending on the decorative contractor.

SHOULD I SPRAY WATER ON MY CONCRETE AFTER IT IS POURED?

We would not recommend this for at least a week after it is poured. Rain water is normally fine but city water or high mineral well water is not good for newly placed concrete.

WHAT IS A VAPOR BARRIER?

A vapor barrier is a sheet of heavy gauge (6 mL.) plastic placed 2” below the sub grade. It is required on all interior applications to prevent moisture from coming through the concrete and creating mold. It is also required in any colored concrete for the color consistency warranty. This will be placed per decision made by the customer.

IS THERE A RECOMMENDED MAINTENANCE PROGRAM FOR MY CONCRETE DRIVEWAY/PATIO?

Seal the concrete every 2-3 years as discussed above.
Do not drive on the new concrete for at least 7 days.
Do not allow water to drain beneath the concrete. This can result in settlement cracks.
Do not allow snow or ice to accumulate on the surface especially the first winter. Try to keep your driveway or patio shoveled as best you can!
Do not apply chemicals for snow and ice removal the first winter. However, you can use sand as an alternative.
Never use chemicals containing ammonium sulfate or ammonium nitrate which can aggressively attack concrete.
Frequent sweeping and occasional hosing will keep your concrete looking good! Wet leaves have a tendency to stain on concrete so be prepared for the fall.

WHAT AREAS DOES J.ALLEN CONTRACTING LLC. WORK IN?

We are based out of Portage County, OH however we serve all surrounding Northeast Ohio areas including surrounding states.