Information
Concrete Curing
Concrete generally sets enough to walk on in 24-48 hours. The remainder of the curing will take 28 days. After 7 days concrete has enough strength for light-medium vehicle traffic. As concrete is curing, you may notice the colour may seem dark or spotty; this is part of the curing process, nothing to worry about.
Slowing down the curing process increases overall strength and prevents shrinkage. When concrete sets or cures too fast, it may shrink and begin cracking immediately.
Wet Curing and Curing Compounds are the most common ways to help provide the most successful curing process.
Concrete Cracking
Unfortunately, concrete cracking will happen. However, there are ways to help prevent visual cracks.
Expansion joints must be installed either during or after the pour. When installing these, the goal is to guide the crack in the nice straight cut, allowing the concrete to move as the ground below shifts. Joints should be cut or tooled through 25% of the new concrete.
Ensuring base work is completed and compacted properly is also very important to prevent cracking.
Having an appropriate amount and size of rebar can also be a factor.
Concrete Maintenance
Proper maintenance is very important to extend the lifespan of your concrete pad.
Rule number one is to NOT USE SALT for ice removal. Salt eats concrete, and not long after you use salt, your concrete will start spalling, scaling, flaking, or discolouring. Instead, sand or kitty litter are better alternatives.
Re-sealing the concrete every 1-3 years (depending on wear) is important. This helps protect the concrete from the elements, de-icing salts, and staining from grease, oil, or leaves left sitting on it. Sealing closes the pores of the concrete making it unable to absorb outside materials. It also brings out its natural beauty while making it easier to clean.
DRZ Concrete Services Info Serving Winnipeg, MB
Everything You Need to Know Before Planning Your Concrete Project
Planning a construction or hardscaping project can feel overwhelming, but gathering the right details upfront saves you time and ensures your build goes off without a hitch. As a full-service concrete company, we believe that providing clear project timelines and straightforward estimates are key to a stress-free experience.
Whether you are looking for DRZ concrete services info or preparing site specifications for a residential build, here is everything you need to know about partnering with our team in Winnipeg, MB.
What to Prepare for Your On-Site Consultation
To give you the most accurate timeline and cost breakdown, having a few initial project details ready allows us to tailor our consultation directly to your property's needs:
Site Access & Clearance: Note any tight access points or narrow gates (we need at least 6 to 8 feet of width for excavation equipment and concrete delivery).
Rough Dimensions & Purpose: Knowing the square footage and intended load (e.g., foot traffic vs. heavy vehicle parking) helps us determine slab thickness and steel reinforcement needs.
Permits & Utility Lines: We assist with site assessment, but identifying property boundaries and existing underground utilities early speeds up the approval process.
Preferred Finishes: Consider whether your project requires standard broom-finish traction or vertical ICF foundation forms.
Ready to Start Your Project?
Have questions about scheduling or site prep? Direct concrete contractor contact ensures you get quick, informative answers straight from our local trade specialists.
Call DRZ Concrete Services directly at (204) 792-6346 or send your project details to drzconcreteservices@gmail.com to get your estimate started! Contact us today!
Frequently asked questions
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Our primary service hubs are Winnipeg, MB, and Kenora, ON, along with all surrounding rural municipalities and cottage country regions across Southern Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario. If you are unsure whether your job site falls within our service radius, give us a call to confirm crew availability.
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Because the Canadian concrete season typically runs from late spring through late autumn, peak summer slots fill up quickly. We recommend contacting us 4 to 6 weeks before your desired start date so we can secure engineering reviews and permit approvals.
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Permit requirements vary depending on your specific municipality and the scope of work. Structural foundations, public right-of-way driveway aprons, and large retaining walls generally require city permits, whereas standard backyard patios may not. Our team guides you through municipal regulations to ensure full compliance before breaking ground.