Now that springtime is almost over, and summer is fast approaching, staying outdoors where it's cooler is ideal. You should ready your home for the scorching heat of the sun by installing a brand new concrete patio. A beautifully installed patio is all that you need for refreshing and relaxing summertime.

Imagine yourself indulging in the shade offered by your patio umbrella, while drinking your favorite fruit juice, and having the time of your life in the comfort of your own home. The sun is up, you can hear the birds chirping, and you are relaxing while reading your favorite book.

We can't rave enough about how nice it is to have your own concrete patio where you can host your own BBQ party with your family and friends. A concrete patio is more than just a part of your house. It can make your weekends and summertime even more memorable.

New Concrete Patio
There are many options available for you to choose from when it comes to creating your own patio. You may be thinking what's the best option that fits your style and budget. Concrete is the most popular material used for patios because of the many benefits it offers. Below are some of the benefits of using concrete in installing a patio in your home and its advantage over paver patios.

Concrete Patios vs. Paver Patios
Style - One of the advantages of using concrete is its versatility. You can necessarily make it look like anything you want, and you can make sure it's unique. Concrete comes in liquid form. Thus it's easy to shape it into anything you want. You can use patterns and texture in your concrete patio. You can have it stained, stamped, or stench, depending on your preference.
Durability and Maintenance - It's not easy to break concrete; that is why it's ideal to use for your patio. You can be assured that it will last for many years without having the need for repairs. Concrete is highly-tolerant of different weather conditions and is easy to maintain as well. Paver patios can allow weeds to grow in between the stones, and you don't want that. Aside from that, paver patios can have an uneven surface because the stones are installed individually.

Cost - Concrete is one of the most cost-effective materials you can use for your patio. This means you don't have to spend too much just to get the style you want to achieve. If you want to save without compromising the look of your patio, you should go for a concrete patio.

Now that you know these things, you should begin planning the construction of your concrete patio. Have a place for you and your family to have fun and enjoy the spring and summer seasons to come.

There is no doubt that concrete is strong and durable. However, if not correctly installed, it can still get cracks and damages. Cracks in your concrete don't only cause an eyesore, but it can also take from the overall value of your home. Concrete repairs are easy that is why we recommend you giving it a try. If you are looking for a DIY material to help you with the repair, the most recommended product to use is Epoxy. It is a 2-component polyurethane polymer that doesn't need routing. Epoxy is ideal for filling hairline cracks, can be applied in freezing temperatures, and is stronger than concrete; that is why it is best to use for repair. However, you have to remember that repairs can only be a temporary solution, depending on the root cause of the problem.

Common Reasons for Cracked Concrete
Sub-base Issue- A crack can be the result of concrete that wasn't appropriately compacted. Concrete will accumulate in one area instead of spreading evenly across the entire concrete. The concrete will eventually try to even itself out which will lead to cracks.

Cold Temperatures- The cold weather brought by the winter season can be concrete's worst enemy. When the dirt accumulated under concrete freezes, it can lift the concrete and expand. The pressure coming from the expansion can then lead to cracks.

Shrinking- It is natural for concrete to shrink when it dries. However, when the mixture was not cured correctly, or there was too much water, concrete will crack when it shrinks. One way to prevent concrete from cracking when it dries is by cutting expansion joints into the floor.

Whatever the reason for the cracks in your concrete, repairing it can be a band-aid solution. If there is an issue with the sub-base, there may be a need to remove and redo it. If you repair the crack, it may solve the problem for a few months, but the problem will resurface after some time. A crack that is caused by the cold, you may not need to think about it until the next winter. If the problem is due to shrinkage, there may be a need for a permanent repair.

How to Repair the Crack

1. You should first key the crack with a hammer and a chisel. This process is done to ensure a more effective repair. You have to cut under the edges of the crack to make a large opening at the bottom.  Tip: You can use a file to enlarge the crack and make a more effective repair.
2. Using a wire brush, clean the crack of any debris that may have entered the crack. You can use a vacuum for a much thorough cleaning.
3. Using water, clear all remaining debris in the area. If there is a presence of oil or grease, you can use a strong cleaner to ensure the area is clean before you begin the repair.
4. Once the area is clean, fill the crack with concrete repair resin.
5. Put the dry silica in the crack.
6. Add more resin to the sand to fill the crack up to the surface.
7. Wait for it to dry. It usually takes 10 to 15 minutes for it to dry up completely. Once dry, scrape the area with a putty knife to smooth the surface.
8. The repair may still look rough after so you can still sand the surface for a clearer and smoother finish.

Once you're done with the process and you are still not satisfied with the result, you may want to consider hiring a professional concrete contractor to handle the job for you.  

 There is no wonder that concrete is the most popular material used for both residential and commercial properties not only in the country but all over the world. For the last decade, the US alone used approximately 1,000 metric tons of concrete.

It is not very surprising to find out its popularity because it is highly durable. With right maintenance, its smooth and steady surface can last for many years. It can be used for varied functions. For commercial properties, it can be used for parking lots, loading docks, and foundations. If you are a business owner and you need to pave or redo any area in your space, it is necessary to hire a commercial concrete contractor.

But not too quick! Below are some questions you can use to get to know the best contractor for your business.
 
Do You Have a License, Insurance, and Bond?
This question is one of the most important things to ask a commercial concrete contractor. Do not hire a company that is not licensed, insured, and bonded — the requirements for getting a license to vary depending on the state where the company is located. But one thing is for sure, a company that has it can be trusted because you are sure that their employees are trained and are knowledgeable of what they are doing.

Further, liability insurance is essential because it serves as your protection in case damage occurs to any of the structure while they are doing the job. It will also cover for any injuries incurred while they are at the construction site.

Another important form of insurance is the bond. It secures the money you invest in the project in case the contractor fails to complete the job or did not take responsibility for their financial obligation.

Do You Have Guarantees and Warranties?
You can expect a beautiful result once the contractor finishes the job. However, how about after a week, or a month? It is essential that the quality of work lasts for many years and not just for days. To protect yourself from substandard work, ask the contractor about their guarantees and warranties. Ideally, they should provide you with at least twelve to twenty-four months after the time of completion. A reliable and trustworthy company will be more than willing to give you this information.
 
What Do Other Clients Say About You?
There is no better way to find out whether the work of a contractor is of high quality or not but by asking those who have experienced their service first-hand. You can inquire about the contractor of the previous clients they have and ask them about the service. You should ask specific questions such as if the contractor strictly followed the budget and timeline. It is also vital that the contractor has a positive review of their customer service. You don't want to do business with contractors that aren't easy to communicate with. Talk to at least three clients to get a fair reference. It will also help if you and visit the site to see their finish product, such as a drive, patio, etc.,  so that you can decide for yourself.
 
What is Your Schedule for the Next Few Weeks?
As a business owner, you will be busy running your business, and the same goes for the contractor. For this reason, it is essential that you set a schedule that works for both parties. If the contractor you want to choose for your project is full for the next few weeks, you may want to delay your plan until they are done with their other responsibilities. Don't jump into another commercial concrete contractor just yet because the right contractor for your project is worth the wait.

It will also help if you ask the contractor for a written estimated timetable so that you know what to expect regarding the length of time they need to finish the job.

Who Will be Manning the Project?
Never forget to ask who will be handling the project for your business. It is essential because you need to know who you should look for when you have some concerns about the project. The project manager is vital personnel in the site; that is why it is necessary to know who he is and get his contact number as well.

In case the project manager is gone for a vacation in the duration of the proposed timetable, you should make sure that you know who the alternate person will be. You should always be in the know regarding the project, so it is best to talk to the correct people regularly.

Will You Handle the Permit?
The contractor that you will hire should be compliant with all local ordinances. Therefore, they should get all necessary permits for any projects done on your commercial property, or you might have a problem.

Your contractor should be the one to secure the permit because whoever is signed in the permit will be held responsible for making sure all jobs are compliant to the code. This is not your responsibility but your contractor's that is why they should be the one pulling the permit. Also, most business owners are not familiar with these permits and other requirements related to concrete laying. If you are the one to get the permit, you may be legally and financially liable if something wrong happens in the project.
 
Hire a Commercial Concrete Contractor for Your Business
If you have asked these questions and you got definite answers, then it is time to choose the best commercial concrete contractor for your business. Make sure you consider all important areas before signing a contract. Always remember that your business depends on the quality of work the contractor renders so take time to choose the best one for your project. Think of long term effects of hiring a good contractor versus one that is not. If you are ready to hire a contractor, you can give us a call, and we will work with you and provide you with a free estimate.