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The most overlooked part of your property is likely the foundation. Actually, your home foundation holds your entire house in place. As concrete contractors, we know that a sound home foundation is vital if you want your home to remain safe and sound. Even with a strong foundation, sometimes it can go faulty. When this happens, many homeowners turn to foundation repair companies in OKC such as Bill’s Custom Concrete for professional help.

One of the most prevalent indicators of a problem is cracking. Many homeowners ask, what does a cracked foundation look like? Cracks come in all shapes and sizes, but not all cracks are equal. While some cracks are simply cosmetic and can be safely ignored, others can be signs of a serious problem waiting to occur. We hope to assist you in becoming more informed about different types of cracks in your foundation and what they may mean.

Types of Cracks in Foundation

During your inspection of your foundation, you may notice different kinds of cracking. Hairline cracks are very small and usually manifest shortly after pouring concrete. They are common and mostly exist for aesthetic purposes, resulting from the contraction of the concrete when it dries. They do not pose a problem, but ought to be monitored in case they grow in size with time.

Vertical cracks are straight up and down or slightly diagonal. They are usually a result of settlement or hydrostatic pressure. If you notice vertical cracks in your walls, it means your walls are under pressure.

Horizontal cracks are parallel to the ground. Horizontal cracks in your walls are an indication that the surrounding soils are pushing your wall inward. This will make your wall bow or curve, and this will affect the integrity of your home. If you spot a crack in concrete foundation areas, especially if it’s wide or increasing in size, it should be evaluated promptly to prevent further structural damage.

A diagonal crack will normally begin in a corner and traverse downwards in a diagonal fashion across the wall. Stair-step cracks are a common occurrence in brick or block foundations. They will follow along with the joints in a step fashion. As with the diagonal crack, this is another symptom of settlement or soil pressure.

Understanding the Causes

Several reasons can cause cracks in your foundation. Settlement of soils is a major cause. As soils beneath your foundation settle or compact, your foundation ends up settling in an unequal manner. Hydrostatic pressure can be attributed to the presence of water in soils beneath your foundation. Water exerts a huge push on your foundation walls.

Poor construction methods, including insufficient reinforcement or poor soil work, may also cause cracking. Furthermore, when tree roots grow in close proximity to a foundation, they can suck water out of the soil, leading to contraction of the soil and consequently, a settlement of the foundations. Moreover, thermal expansion and contraction may impact the foundations when freeze-thaw cycles occur.

Serious Cracks and Non-Serious Cracks

To assess if a crack is serious, observation is important. One factor to check is width. Cracks over 1/8 inch wide need evaluation by a professional. Location can be important too. Cracks located in corners or under windows can be more serious than those found in the middle of a wall.

Look at the pattern. A horizontal or stair-step pattern will suggest a more serious problem than a hairline or vertical pattern. Then, inspect for any signs of movement. A foundation where one side of a crack is protruding more than another or where a crack will widen over time will need professional attention.

Protecting Your Investment

Your home is probably your most expensive investment, so a sound foundation is very important in protecting this investment. With this in mind, you can proactively work towards keeping your foundation in good condition by learning more information about different kinds of cracks and why they occurred in the first place. Inspection and improving your yard drainage will go a long way in helping you avoid serious foundational problems. Of course, if you spot any alarming signs of cracks, you can always call Bill’s Custom Concrete to examine your foundation.

Perhaps nothing is more frustrating than discovering, upon returning to your backyard after a storm, that a swamp has formed where your grass used to be. Rather than being greeted by an abundance of green grass, you are instead met with views of standing water, muddy areas, and perhaps even erosion where your home’s foundation used to be. 

Such occurrences are far from being simply aesthetically displeasing because, if left unresolved, they can cause serious damage to a structure in the future. If you’re struggling with this, it’s important to know that yard drainage solutions in Oklahoma City are available. The problem is, of course, in figuring out who to call.

Simple Fixes That Can Be Done Yourself

Before you reach for the phone, you could try to check a couple of common culprits that can be readily corrected. Common sources include poor drainage due to clogged gutters or downspouts with a water discharge very close to your foundation. Make sure your gutters are cleaned out and your downspout extensions are directing water at least four to six feet away from your dwelling. 

A common fix simply involves observing your grading right around your dwelling. Perhaps your soils have compacted, and your grades are directing runoff right up against your dwelling, and a simple addition of some topsoil will improve this problem. If these simple adjustments do not help, you might start wondering who to call for yard drainage issues.

Knowing When You Need an Expert

While you can try clearing your gutters or adjusting your downspouts if you notice water accumulating in your yard, if you have already fixed this but are still experiencing drainage issues in your yard, perhaps it is time to hire a professional. A problem which will include standing water for more than a day, where water is collecting against your foundation, or where you see signs of mildew in your basement will all be a problem which a professional will need to address because this will indicate a problem which is not simply in your yard but perhaps in your water table or your soil.

Handling Varying Kinds of Professionals

The choice of the expert you need especially depends on your problem. Usually, you have three options.

Landscapers can be your go-to people in matters of aesthetic management. They are very good at dealing with surface water problems using re-grading, swales, and rain gardens. A landscaper is a good option if your problem is purely related to water accumulation in the middle of your lawn, but if you’re trying to decide who to call for drainage issues in the yard, be sure to match the specialist to your unique situation.

Plumbers are needed if it is a sewer problem or a broken pipe, rather than a rainfall problem. A plumber will be your go-to if you notice an unpleasant smell when you see the dampness in the space. Plumbers install sump pumps if you need to have a mechanical way of removing water in a basement or crawlspace.

Companies such as ours, which specialize in concrete and drainage solutions, are your best bet if you require a permanent and structural approach to your problem. Our expertise is in hardscaping and developing efficient systems such as French drains. Given our knowledge of how water behaves when it interacts with your concrete installations such as your driveway, patio, and foundation, you can rest assured that our drainage system will not affect the integrity of your structure in any way.

Protecting Your Investment

Dealing with yard drainage issues quickly and correctly is essential for maintaining the value of your property.

Your home may very well be your greatest investment, which is why it is so important to make sure you are taking all steps necessary to keep it from being damaged by water. While you can attempt a quick fix on your own or make a few changes to your yard, sometimes serious water damage calls for a serious solution. With a professional team on the job, you can be sure it gets done right. Contact Bill’s Custom Concrete for advice today! 

One of the most rewarding experiences in our profession is being able to look at a freshly poured and smoothly finished piece of concrete. No matter if we just completed a driveway, a patio, or a walkway, this shiny gray surface is a badge of honor when it means a project accomplished. Our team at Bill’s Custom Concrete is also highly skilled in retaining walls repair and installation, and other projects, to further enhance and protect your outdoor spaces. Unfortunately, this moment is bittersweet for our clients. They want to enjoy their outdoor space, but dread damaging it with one careless step.

We can see why you would want to test it with your feet to see if it will support your weight yet, but right now, your most important tool is time. How soon can you walk on concrete? Concrete does not work exactly like paint does in a drying sense. Some other materials may actually need time to dry, but when concrete curing takes place, a chemical reaction builds strength. Walking on it can leave dents.

The Critical First 24 to 48 hours

The first two days after you pour concrete are when it is most delicate. While in this setup stage, your concrete remains in a soft state, making it susceptible to pressure. Even if your concrete feels dry to the touch or if it is lighter in color, chances are it is still shifting and setting underneath.

It is highly recommended to keep all people, animals, and items away from the concrete for a period of no less than 24 to 48 hours. Also, if you have any pets such as dogs and cats, make sure they do not go outside without being harnessed because they can damage the surface with their claws. Additionally, if you have a busy neighborhood, consideration should be given to setting up caution tape barriers to prevent delivery people, for example, from entering your property.

When is Light Foot Traffic Acceptable?

Once you have gotten through this two-day mark, you can see a lessening of this anxiety, but do not think you are out of the woods yet. While this concrete is durable enough to withstand damage from a stray leaf or a rainstorm, it is not yet at full strength, so avoid the urge to walk on concrete too soon.

Generally, a wait time of three to seven days before allowing light foot traffic is recommended. Although you can walk on this concrete if you need to, it is recommended that you not twist your feet or jog on this surface during this time. While this time frame is primarily for walking on concrete safely, you are not to drag your patio furniture, roll your heavy trash bins, or ride your bicycles on this surface because this concrete is “green” and can scratch or chip easily.

Environmental Factors That Change the Timeline

The three to seven-day rule is a guideline, but your project may have a different time span depending on a variety of environmental elements. The main variable we are dealing with is the weather. For instance, if it is hot and dry, you will see your concrete drying faster because of evaporation. On the other hand, if it is cold, you will end up waiting a little bit longer before taking your first step.

The composition of the mix will also influence the timeline. Taking into consideration a mix with accelerators, it will set faster compared to a normal mix. However, another factor to put into consideration is the thickness of the slab. A thick driveway to support heavy machinery will take longer to achieve sufficient strength compared to a thinner sidewalk.

Speak with Your Concrete Experts for Customized Guidance

As you can see, there are a lot of variables at work in this process, from humidity to aggregate, so it is always advisable to check with us personally before using your new surface. Of course, we know exactly what went into your project and exactly what your local weather forecast will be.

Waiting a few extra days may not be very convenient, but it is a small price to pay for a surface which can last for decades. Waiting a few extra days to allow traffic on the concrete can make all of the difference in making your new surface one which remains smooth, strong, and lacks cracks. Should you ever have doubts in your mind regarding whether you can walk upon it or not, do not hesitate to give us a call! 

Observing the process of wet concrete turning into a solid is, in fact, a waiting game that calls for patience and accuracy. Oftentimes, clients are observed in a rush to begin construction work, such as building walls or parking vehicles over a newly laid concrete surface. However, this can result in a weak construction in the future due to a lack of understanding of when to put load on the concrete. If you’re unsure about timelines or best practices, consulting with concrete suppliers in Oklahoma City such as Bill’s Custom Concrete can provide valuable local expertise! 

Initial Set vs. Final Set

The process from liquid mix to solid form takes place in steps. The first setting begins when the concrete starts becoming less plastic or stiffens. Such a stage takes a matter of hours after mixing, depending on the prevailing atmospheric conditions. At this point, you would not want to walk on it or put any other thing on top of it because you would end up creating permanent impressions. When can loads be placed on a concrete structure? It’s crucial to remember that patience during these early hours sets the stage for long-term strength.

The final set will come later, anywhere from four to ten hours after pouring. Once the final set is attained, the concrete will be hard enough to withstand its own weight and light foot traffic without leaving imprints. But don’t be fooled by this hardness. Concrete is ready to withstand heavy machinery, automobiles, and construction traffic not when it is hard to the touch, because the chemical reactions involved in making it strong have barely begun.

The Critical 28-Day Period for Curing

When it comes to construction, the magic number is always 28 days. Concrete doesn’t actually “dry,” it “cures.” And this takes a chemical reaction, where all of the strength is achieved in this first month.

Concrete takes seven days to attain approximately 70 percent capacity strength. At this stage, light vehicles/machines may be safely placed, but heavy static load-bearing structures can pose a danger. It is essential to evaluate the potential load on the structure during this period to avoid compromising the integrity of the concrete. It is widely assumed that concrete attains complete design strength at the end of 28 days. At this stage, engineers can confidently load the structure with its maximum load.

Factors Affecting the Timeline

Although the standard curing time in the industry is 28 days, in most cases, this is affected by varying circumstances. One such factor where a massive impact can be noted is in relation to temperatures. When it is hot, evaporation of water takes place quickly; this can be a problem if it is not kept saturated because hydration will cease before it is supposed to.

The level of humidity is another factor which greatly matters in this case. A humid atmosphere assists in increasing the strength of concrete, but a dry atmosphere with winds can cause a crack in the concrete surface. Apart from this, the mix designs have different effects on curing time. While some mix designs have accelerators to fast-track curing, others have retarders.

Trust Your Concrete Contractors

Every pour is different. While some guidelines are good, no substitute exists for experience in making these decisions. We are attuned to local weather, soils, and the exact chemical composition of your mix delivered on our projects. Additionally, strength tests can be performed before approving heavy loads.

Disregarding expert advice when it comes to accelerating construction projects can be a poor choice. Loading your structure too early can cause you to end up with micro-cracking, which may weaken your steel reinforcement, making it collapse in the future. It’s especially important to avoid placing a concentrated load on a concrete slab before the concrete has reached its full strength, as this can lead to structural damage that may go unnoticed until much later.

Providing Long-Term Durability

Waiting out the curing time is, without a doubt, the very best investment you can make in your building’s future. By taking the time to understand and follow the rules of initial set versus full strength, and taking into consideration the 28-day rule, you will have a structure that will last a lifetime. Prior to subjecting a new pour of concrete to heavy loads, it’s always wise to check with the pros at Bill’s Custom Concrete!

Fresh concrete is surprisingly strong-appearing, and it’s not uncommon for it to seem able to bear traffic just a few hours after application, but this is often not the case. Allowing traffic on concrete prematurely can easily lead to cracking and other problems that can jeopardize its longevity. As concrete experts, we can guide you on ways of determining the answer to ‘when can you drive on new concrete?’. So, stick with Bill’s Custom Concrete!

Understanding the Curing Process

Curing is a mechanism through which concrete achieves strength as a result of a chemical reaction between cement and water. This is not just about waiting for the surface of the concrete to dry, but rather waiting for it to attain its final strength. During this period, concrete becomes more resistant to pressures and weight because it becomes hard.

The curing time starts as soon as it is applied and can continue for a number of weeks, but the time frame until it is safe enough for vehicles is significantly sooner than that. Knowing how long before driving on concrete helps you avoid costly errors.

Factors that Influence Curing Time

There are some variables that influence concrete’s time required for full strength. All these we take into consideration while advising our clients, whether it’s for a driveway or even retaining walls in OKC.

Weather Conditions

Temperature is an important curing factor that contributes to curing rate. Hot weather helps hasten the chemical process of concrete strengthening, while low temperatures slow down this process significantly. If temperatures go below 50°F, they can bring about a halt or slowdown of this curing process. High humidity is a curing factor that can slow down this process by thwarting the rate of water evaporation.

Mix Composition

All concrete is not equal. Cement and water content, aggregate types, as well as any mix additives, all create differences in concrete cure time for driveway projects. Cement content is directly proportional to concrete strength development, and some mix additives can slow down or hasten this development, depending on their intended applications.

Thickness and Load Specifications

Whereas a typical residential driveway has a thickness of 4-6 inches and cures at a different rate than a commercial-grade parking lot intended for heavier applications, thicker applications typically take longer to cure, though they may still reach drivable surface strength on a comparable timeline.

General Timeline for Driving on Concrete

Though each project has its own nuances, we generally offer these guidelines for residential driveways and other surfaces.

Foot Traffic

It is likely that you can walk on concrete after 24 to 48 hours without doing any damage. You can tell that concrete is ready when it is firm and does not make impressions when walked on.

Passenger Vehicles

In regard to ordinary passenger vehicles and light trucks, we would advise waiting at least seven days before you drive on concrete. By this time, it is likely that the concrete has reached about 70% of its final strength, sufficient for road contact without damaging or cracking its surface.

Heavy Vehicles

If you have heavy vehicles that require parking on this concrete, you have to wait for a period of 28 days before doing so. By then, your concrete will be strong enough and won’t be affected by these heavy vehicles.

Why Personalized Advice is so Important

These timetables are only guidelines, and each actual installation is different. All projects are evaluated for project conditions before any suggestions can be made. Pouring a driveway project during a cold snap in November is going to have a different timeline than one installed in July, for instance, or a specialized mix as compared to regular concrete mix.

If you are working with experienced concrete professionals like Bill’s Custom Concrete, we can monitor the weather, tailor mix design based on optimal conditions, and offer specialized advice based on your project requirement. Even curing or managing moisture and temperature can be done through methods that heavily influence the end result.

Patience Pays Off

Allowing adequate time before traveling on concrete is more than a necessary step – it is a monetary investment that pays dividends down the road, such as preventing your concrete from cracking and wearing down from cars traveling on it.

Although it may be tempting to get out and enjoy your new driveway as soon as possible, remember that concrete is still strengthening months after the pour. Waiting these few days before actually getting to enjoy your driveway can save repairs and resurfacing down the road. If you have any questions about exactly when this is necessary for your project, we’re always available to help!