Questions that belong to none of the other guides are collected here. Missing yours? Call or text (909) 306-5897.
How long does a concrete driveway last?
Decades, when it is built properly. Thirty years and more is ordinary for a driveway with a compacted base, adequate thickness, well-placed joints and good drainage. The mild valley winters spare it from freeze-thaw wear. Locally, life is shortened by erosion under the edges, tree roots, vehicles heavier than the slab was designed for and a poor original cure in the heat.
Can I pour concrete myself or should I hire someone?
Small jobs yes, big jobs no. A pad for bins, a shed base or a few stepping stones suits a careful beginner. A driveway, a sizeable patio or any slab under a structure does not. When the mixer arrives, several tons must be placed, struck off and finished before it stiffens, and in summer here that window is short. Errors are cast in place.
Can I pour a small shed pad with bagged mix from the store?
You can. A small shed pad is well within reach of bagged mix. Strip the topsoil, tamp a few inches of base, set forms square and level, and add only the water printed on the bag. Start at sunrise, bring a helper, and keep the pad wet for several days afterward. Ask Building and Safety if a shed of your size needs a permit, and file a DigAlert ticket before you dig.
The walkway I poured cracked and sank. Do I redo it or hire someone?
Work out the cause before you redo it. Sinking means the soil below was loose or was washed out. Cracking all over means too thin, no joints or a surface that dried too quickly. For a second attempt, excavate deeper, compact base rock in layers and joint it every 4 to 5 feet. If once was enough, ask us for a price; for a crew a walk is a short job.
How do I get oil stains out of concrete?
For a fresh spill, cover it with cat litter or another absorbent, sweep up, then scrub with degreaser and hot water. Older oil stains respond to a concrete degreaser or a poultice that pulls oil up as it dries; several rounds may be needed. Follow with a pressure washer. A faint shadow can remain on deep stains. Sealed concrete releases oil far more easily.
Can an old concrete floor be stained or dyed?
Yes, an old floor can be stained provided the surface is bare and clean. Paint, adhesive, old sealer and oil have to come off, normally by grinding. Because stain is see-through, patches, cracks and past marks remain visible and become part of the finish. Always do a test square, since no two slabs color alike.
A customer tripped outside my business. Am I liable?
Possibly. Whether you are liable depends on who controls that walking surface and whether the defect was known. We cannot advise on law. Owners are generally expected to keep their own walks reasonably safe. For the public sidewalk, San Bernardino Municipal Code section 12.92.040 places the maintenance duty on the fronting owner; liability to the injured person is a separate legal matter. Tell your insurer, photograph the location and remove the hazard quickly. Take your own facts to an attorney.
Can sections be replaced while my business stays open?
In most cases, yes. We split the work into phases so that one door or one half of the lot is always in service while the other cures. The schedule is built around your trading hours, with barriers at wet concrete and a marked detour for customers. Let us know your peak days and delivery windows at the site visit.
What does a basketball pad or sport court need?
A basketball pad wants a true, even surface with just enough fall to drain, a lightly textured finish and joints positioned clear of the key playing lines. The pole sits in a separate footing sized by the hoop maker. Sport courts have no published price, so we measure and quote. The per-square-foot slab range on our cost page gives a rough idea.
Does it freeze enough in San Bernardino to damage concrete?
Seldom on the valley floor. A handful of frosty mornings each winter is typical, which is not enough for the scaling and deicer damage seen in cold states. Yucaipa and the mountain communities are colder and need more care. Down here the enemies are sun, heat, dry wind and water moving under the slab, so money is better spent on curing and base than on a cold-weather mix.
For a real number, have the job measured. Estimates are free, done on site, and followed by a written quote. Call (909) 306-5897 or text a photo of the area.