SAINT JOHN CONCRETE RT
Frequently Asked Questions
Driveways
How thick do you pour residential concrete driveways in Saint John, NB?
Most driveways are 4"–5" thick with properly compacted granular base; heavier vehicles or sloped sites may require 6"+ per our site assessment.
What base prep do you use before a driveway pour?
We excavate to design depth, install geotextile as needed, add and compact graded stone in lifts, and proof-roll to eliminate soft spots for long-term performance.
Do you recommend rebar, mesh, or fiber for driveways?
It depends on soil, traffic, and slab size. We typically use a rebar grid or welded wire mesh plus fiber-reinforced concrete for crack control and durability.
How long before I can drive on a new driveway?
Foot traffic in ~24 hours, light vehicles after ~7 days, and full design strength at ~28 days, assuming proper curing and temperatures.
What finish options do you offer for driveways?
Broom finish for traction, exposed aggregate for texture, stamped patterns for curb appeal, and integral or stained colour for custom looks.
Sidewalks & Walkways
What’s the standard width and thickness for sidewalks?
Most residential sidewalks are 4 ft wide and 4" thick; we adjust for accessibility, site constraints, and expected traffic.
How do you prevent trip hazards and heaving?
We compact the base, include proper drainage, add control joints at calculated spacing, and account for freeze–thaw movement typical in coastal NB.
Can you match my existing walkway style?
Yes—broom, exposed aggregate, stamped, or coloured concrete can be matched or blended for seamless curb appeal.
Do you handle city sidewalk tie-ins?
We coordinate grades and transitions, and where required, we follow municipal specifications for tie-ins and curb returns.
What’s the typical timeline for walkway projects?
1–2 days for prep and forming, 1 day to pour and finish, plus curing and saw cuts within 24–48 hours, weather permitting.
Patios & Pool Decks
Which patio finishes perform best near salt air and coastal weather?
Exposed aggregate and broom finishes with breathable sealers perform well; stamped patios also last when sealed on schedule.
Can you integrate drains or slopes to protect my foundation?
Yes, we design proper falls away from structures and can include strip drains or area drains to manage stormwater.
Will patio colour fade?
Integral colour is UV-stable; topical stains can mellow. Regular cleaning and resealing every 2–3 years keeps colours vibrant.
How do you control cracking on large patios?
We design joint layouts, use reinforcement, optimize panel sizes, and use curing methods that reduce shrinkage stress.
Can you add hot-tub pads or pergola footings in the same project?
Absolutely—combining scopes saves mobilization time and keeps elevations consistent.
Steps & Stairs
Do you pour monolithic steps or separate treads and risers?
Both. We often form monolithic exterior steps with rebar; for decorative work, we may pour in stages for crisp profiles.
How do you make concrete steps safe in winter?
We use broom or exposed finishes for traction, add nosing where appropriate, and recommend de-icer-safe maintenance.
Can you replace rotten wooden stairs with concrete?
Yes—We remove the wood, fix grades, and pour durable concrete stairs that match your landing elevations and codes.
Do you offer rail post sleeves or block-outs?
We can cast sleeves or block-outs for future railings, ensuring proper embedment and water management.
What code considerations apply?
Riser/tread dimensions, landings, handrail readiness, and frost depth footings—our team builds to local and NBC standards.
Garage & Shop Slabs
What thickness and reinforcement do you recommend for garage slabs?
Typically 5"–6" with a rebar grid and vapor barrier; heavier shops may require thicker sections and higher PSI mixes.
Do you include a thickened edge for load-bearing walls?
Yes—thickened edges or grade beams are specified when walls, posts, or machinery loads require them.
How do you prevent garage slab moisture issues?
Vapor barriers, proper base drainage, and breathable sealers help manage moisture and reduce efflorescence.
Can you add trench drains or slope to doors?
We can slope from back to front and integrate trench drains at the threshold to keep meltwater outside.
How long before parking a vehicle inside?
Usually ~7 days for light vehicles; we’ll confirm based on temperature and mix design.
Sheds, Hot Tubs & Accessory Pads
What size and thickness do you pour for hot tub pads?
Commonly 6" with rebar, sized to manufacturer footprint plus service clearance, set dead level for tub performance.
Do you install shed slabs with anchor points?
Yes—We cast anchors or sleeves to secure sheds and resist wind uplift common along the Bay of Fundy.
Can you pour AC/heat pump pads?
Yes—We pour level, vibration-resistant pads sized to the unit and service clearances.
How fast can small pads be completed?
Many pads are prepped and poured within 1–2 days, with light use after 24–48 hours.
Are spa pads different from standard slabs?
We specify higher reinforcement and base specs to handle concentrated loads from filled tubs.
Foundations & Footings
Do you pour strip footings and foundation walls?
Yes—We handle excavation, formwork, rebar placement, damp-proofing, and under-slab prep per engineering and code.
What frost depth do you design to in Saint John?
We follow local code frost depths for NB and site conditions; foundations extend below frost to prevent heave.
Can you coordinate engineered drawings?
We work with local engineers for bearing capacity, wall design, and lintel/point load details as needed.
Do you install radon rough-ins or under-slab insulation?
We can include radon piping, insulation, and vapor barriers per plan for energy and IAQ performance.
What inspections are required?
Typical inspections include footing, foundation, and sometimes dampproofing/drainage—timelines are in your project schedule.
Decorative Concrete
(Stamped, Colour, Exposed Aggregate)
Which decorative finish stands up best to salt and snow?
Exposed aggregate and broomed integrally coloured slabs perform well; stamped concrete also excels with proper sealing.
Will stamped concrete be slippery?
We add texture and non-slip additives in sealers to increase traction, especially on steps and slopes.
Can you do borders or inlays?
Yes—Contrasting borders, bands, and saw-cut patterns elevate patios and driveways without big cost jumps.
How often should I reseal decorative concrete?
Typically every 2–3 years; high-traffic or high-UV areas may need more frequent maintenance.
Can you recolour a faded stamped patio?
Often yes, with cleaning, stain/tint, and new sealer—after assessing the surface.
Retaining Walls & Concrete Walls
Do you pour cast-in-place retaining walls?
Yes—With engineered design, rebar cages, proper drainage, and waterproofing to manage lateral loads.
How do you prevent wall cracking?
Correct steel placement, control joints, proper curing, and subdrainage behind the wall reduce stress.
Do you install weep holes and drain tile?
Yes—Free-draining backfill, perforated pipe, and outlets are standard to relieve hydrostatic pressure.
Can you tie new walls into existing structures?
We epoxy dowel into existing concrete where engineering permits to create reliable connections.
What finishes are available for walls?
Smooth formed, board-formed, rubbed, or architectural finishes to suit your aesthetic.
Concrete Cutting, Removal & Replacement
Do you handle demolition of failed slabs?
Yes—We cut, break, and remove concrete, then rebuild with improved base and joint layouts.
Can you saw-cut control joints the same day?
We typically cut within 6–24 hours post-pour, depending on temperatures and mix, to minimize random cracking.
Do you recycle removed concrete?
Where available, we divert rubble to licensed recyclers to reduce landfill impact.
How do you prevent damage to adjacent landscaping?
We use protective mats, plywood, and careful machine access to preserve lawns and beds.
Can you remove only the damaged sections?
Yes—Sectional removal and dowelled tie-ins can be a cost-effective repair approach.
Repairs & Resurfacing
Can you repair scaling or spalling from winter salts?
Yes—Depending on severity, we resurface, patch, or replace, and recommend de-icer-safe maintenance going forward.
Do you inject cracks?
We offer structural epoxy or flexible urethane crack repairs based on movement and water exposure.
What’s the best fix for sunken slabs?
We assess causes (washout, organics, poor base). Solutions include replacement or slabjacking/poly lifting.
Can you add an overlay to refresh old concrete?
In many cases—prep is critical. We mechanically profile, repair, and apply polymer-modified overlays.
Will repair areas match perfectly?
We aim to blend closely; minor colour/texture variation is normal and discussed up front.
Sealing & Maintenance
What kind of sealer do you use?
We prefer breathable, penetrating sealers for driveways/walkways; decorative work may use film-forming sealers with non-slip additive.
How soon can I seal new concrete?
Typically after 28 days unless we use a cure-and-seal product at install; we’ll advise for your finish.
How do I maintain traction through winter?
Choose broom/exposed finishes and use sand or traction grit. Avoid harsh de-icers on new slabs.
Do you offer maintenance programs?
Yes—Scheduled cleaning and resealing keep surfaces looking great and protected from freeze–thaw and salt.
How often should I re-seal?
Every 2–3 years for most exterior concrete; high-traffic or high-exposure areas may need it sooner.
Drainage & Grading
Do you fix water pooling on existing slabs?
We can add drains, cut relief channels, or replace sections with proper slope away from structures.
How much slope should a slab have?
Typically 1–2% away from buildings to shed water while remaining comfortable to walk/park on.
Can you connect to existing downspouts?
We can route leaders to safe discharge points, away from concrete edges to prevent erosion.
Do you install French drains?
Yes—We integrate French drains where groundwater management is needed.
Will drainage add time to the project?
Usually 0.5–1 extra day for trenching and fittings, depending on site complexity.
Commercial Concrete
What commercial concrete services do you offer?
Sidewalks, curb & gutter, loading pads, machine pads, aprons, and slabs-on-grade with saw-cut/early-entry jointing.
Can you pour outside of business hours?
Yes—Night or weekend pours minimize downtime; we plan logistics, lighting, and safety accordingly.
Do you meet spec’d PSI and air content requirements?
We batch to spec, test with cylinders/air meters as required, and share results with your site lead.
Can you handle large pours?
We coordinate pumps, finishing crews, and delivery intervals to maintain placement rates and finish quality.
Do you provide safety documentation?
Yes—Site-specific safety plans, WCB coverage, and insurance certificates upon request.
Planning, Permits & Utility Locates
Do you handle permits in Saint John, NB?
We advise on requirements and can assist or handle permits where homeowner authorization allows.
Who books utility locates?
We coordinate provincial one-call utility locates before excavation; timelines are built into your schedule.
Do I need engineered drawings?
Walls, foundations, or atypical loads often require engineering. We’ll flag where drawings are needed.
Can you help with variance or grade approvals?
We can provide drawings/photos to support your application and coordinate with your designer.
How long do permits and locates take?
Typically 3–10 business days; we plan around response times and keep you updated.
Scheduling, Timelines & Weather
How far out are you booking?
Season and weather drive demand. Typical lead time is 1–6 weeks; small jobs can fit sooner when windows open.
What happens if it rains on pour day?
We monitor forecasts and either protect the slab (tents, wind breaks, evaporation control) or reschedule to preserve finish quality.
Do temperatures change the schedule?
Yes—Cold weather extends cure times; hot weather accelerates set. We adjust mixes and manpower accordingly.
How long is a typical residential project?
Prep 1–2 days, pour 1 day, saw cuts within 24–48 hours, then cure. Larger scopes add time proportionally.
Will you confirm dates in writing?
Yes—Your contract includes target dates and we send updates if weather or inspections shift timelines.
Curing, Joints & Quality Control
How do you cure exterior concrete?
We use curing compounds, blankets in cold snaps, and early joint cutting to reduce plastic shrinkage and random cracking.
Where do you place control joints?
At engineered spacings based on slab thickness, panel geometry, and re-entrant corners to guide controlled cracking.
Do you use air-entrained mixes?
Yes—Air entrainment improves freeze–thaw durability for NB’s climate and is standard for exterior slabs.
How do you prevent surface defects like scaling?
Proper air content, finishing timing, drainage, and sealer choice all help prevent scaling and pop-outs.
Do you provide a post-pour care guide?
Yes—We leave you with clear instructions for traffic, cleaning, and sealing timelines.
Pricing, Quotes & Payments
Are quotes free in Saint John and area?
Yes—Site visits and written estimates are complimentary in our standard service area.
What’s included in your estimate?
Scope, base depth, reinforcement, finish, jointing plan, disposal, and any allowances (permits, drains, sealing).
Do you require a deposit?
Yes—A scheduling deposit secures your dates and materials; milestones are outlined in your contract.
How do change orders work?
We price and document changes (dimensions, finishes, add-ons) for your approval before proceeding.
Do you offer options at different price points?
We present good/better/best options for finishes, reinforcement, and drainage so you can choose the right value.
Accessibility, Safety & Site Protection
How do you protect lawns and gardens?
We use ground mats, plywood paths, and careful equipment access; daily clean-up is standard.
Do you build accessible ramps and entries?
Yes—We pour to meet slopes, landings, and transitions for accessibility and comfort.
Is the site safe for kids and pets?
We fence or mark hazards, secure forms, and communicate clearly about access during curing.
Do you manage dust and noise?
We minimize disturbance with wet-cutting, scheduled operations, and neighbor-friendly site practices.
Do you remove leftover materials?
Yes—We haul away debris and leave the site clean and ready for use.
Service Area & Support
What areas do you serve?
Saint John, Rothesay, Quispamsis, Grand Bay–Westfield, and surrounding New Brunswick communities—ask about your location.
Do you work with homeowners and general contractors?
Yes—We coordinate with both, aligning scopes, timelines, and site logistics to keep projects moving.
Can you tackle multi-scope projects?
Absolutely—Driveways, walkways, steps, and drainage bundled together save time and money.
How fast can you start after approval?
As soon as permits/locates are cleared and weather allows; we’ll slot you into the next available window.
How do I get started?
Call or request a quote with photos and rough measurements. We’ll schedule your site visit and deliver a clear, written plan.