Spring is right around the corner.....

Spring thaw is just around the corner and its time to think about projects around the house. Most home-improvement contractors spring schedules are filling up quickly and they are looking forward to another busy year! Concrete contractors will be in high demand in the Twin Cities; less and less people are coming into this demanding trade and finding a quality concrete contractor is not always easy. If your thinking about getting a new concrete driveway or patio, now is the time to sign up for an estimate. Don't wait until spring is here or you may be waiting until late summer or fall to complete your project.  Be sure to read through estimates thoroughly and ensure you are comparing the same "specs" for your project if your getting multiple quotes. Prepping a new driveway or patio is key to long term success and durability in our climate. Our Minnesota freeze-thaw cycles can be brutal on exterior concrete.
Be sure to look for the following items in your proposal:

1. Compacted Gravel Base -  4" is the minimum recommendation 
2. Rebar Size & Spaing - 1/2" steel rebar @ 30" on center is standard practice at Master Concrete Company, fiberglass bar is a new trend and may become more mainstream in the coming years as it will not rust/corrode when exposed to moisture, its easier to handle and install & provides similar reinforcement capabilities. 
3. Concrete Thickness - 4" average is the minimum recommendation, 5" thick driveways are also common but not required.
4. Concrete Type - A 4500 PSI exterior mix with a microfiber additive is recommended for driveways & patios
5. Control Joints - These "planned cracks" should be installed no further than 7' apart to minimize random cracking.
6. Sealer - Driveways should get a curing compound applied immediately after finishing and a siloxane sealer applied at 28 days to ensure longevity and protection against moisture, salts & freeze/thaw. Stamped & Colored patios should have an acrylic sealer with anti-slip additive to aid with traction. 

Also note what is and is not included when it comes to yard protection from equipment, landscaping, grading, permits & underground utilities.  These items are not always mentioned in an estimate but be sure to know who is responsible for what before your project starts. 

Contact Master Concrete Company today to get an estimate on your concrete project and get it scheduled for 2020. [email protected] OR 612-615-1811