Disclaimer

Thank you for choosing General Concrete Ltd. for your upcoming project. To ensure a smooth and successful outcome, we’ve prepared this checklist and advisory to help you prepare your property and understand the concrete process.

Please inform us of any existing or previous issues on your property that could affect the project, such as:

* Cracking
* Tree roots
* Drainage problems
* Neighbor concerns
* Gas lines
* Water lines
* In-ground electrical
* Lawn sprinklers
**Local By-Laws and Building Codes**

Building codes vary by city and can change annually. Please research the requirements for your area. While we have general knowledge of local by-laws, we recommend checking your municipal website for specific regulations before starting your project. Most flatwork will not require inspection or permit.

**After the Concrete Pour**
* Keep car traffic off the new concrete for 14 days.
* Keep foot traffic off for 24 hours.
**Curing Time and Colored Concrete**

Environmental conditions (shade, sunlight, cover, temperature) can affect the color and finish of concrete. Over time, the color will even out.

**Hot and Cold Weather Curing**
* In temperatures of 22-25°C or higher, lightly sprinkle the concrete with water continuously starting 4-8 hours after pouring.
* In freezing temperatures, cover the concrete with poly or another insulating material to prevent freezing.  We will take care of this for you.
**Uncontrollable Factors**

Please be aware that fallen debris, animals, birds, leaves, pollen, and dripping water from houses without gutters can affect the concrete surface and color. We recommend addressing any potential issues beforehand.

**Post-Pour Landscaping**

After pouring and cleanup, some landscaping may be required, such as adding soil, grass seed, and cleaning windows or siding. We recommend doing this as soon as possible, especially in hot weather. Concrete on siding will stick if not washed off the day after pouring. While we do our best to keep things clean, we may miss some areas.

**Cracking**

Cracking, though undesirable, may occur. We add control joints to minimize cracking, but it can still happen naturally and is beyond our control. We install rebar in all slabs to keep the concrete together in case of cracking.

**Retaining walls **

Please note that some bubbling or holes are common on vertical concrete finishes. Our pricing does not typically include parging (applying a thin coat of mortar) unless otherwise specified. We will, however, repair any holes or honeycombing larger than a thumbnail.

Additionally, our use of the snap-tie system (Burke tie) will leave small cone or circle-shaped holes in the wall. If you would like these holes filled with parging, please inquire about the associated cost, as it is generally an additional charge unless otherwise stated.

**Pooling Water**

Slight water pooling can occur in areas with minimal slope (1-2%). This especially happens  on smooth troweled finishes and stamped concrete.

**Salt on Concrete**

We strongly recommend against using salt mixtures on concrete, especially sealed decorative concrete. Road salt can also damage concrete. Wash your vehicle and driveway frequently, especially during the first year. Sand is a good alternative to salt. A penetrating sealer can also protect against chemicals.

**Sealing Concrete**

We strongly recommend sealing any driveways or pathways that may be exposed to road salts. Sealing helps protect the concrete’s surface and prolong its lifespan. We offer a variety of sealers to suit your needs, including options that enhance shine, provide surface protection, create a matte finish, or add extra grip.

Sealing is often done 1-2 days or 1-3 weeks after pouring, usually for decorative concrete. The surface must be clean and dry on the day of sealing. Sealers can darken and affect the appearance of concrete. Placing anything on the surface can create wet spots, stains and or markings which in most cases won’t come out. We caution that current sealers may bubble and streak even in optimal conditions. We do our best to ensure proper surface and weather conditions for sealing. 

Please let us know if you have any questions or would like to discuss sealing options further.

**Online Images and Printed Materials**

Photos, images, color cards, and product samples are only a general representation of color, texture, and appearance. They are not a guarantee of the final result.

**Warranty**

General Concrete Ltd. follows industry best practices for concrete installation but does not warranty the concrete itself. We do not warranty the concrete surface but will correct any surface inconsistencies greater than 1/4 inch on new surfaces.

Thank you for your attention to these details. We look forward to working with you on your project.