Concrete Contractors Pinetops NC

Standing water on concrete is usually called a birdbath. It forms when the slab is flat or has a low spot. The causes are a poor slope at the pour, ground that settled, or a finish that was not sloped to drain. Flat Pinetops lots make it more common, since water has nowhere to go. Small puddles can sometimes be fixed by grinding or a thin overlay that adds slope. Large ones may need slab replacement. Water that sits on concrete grows algae, freezes in winter, and can seep under the slab. We check the slope with a level and a straight edge. For new work, we build in about one quarter inch of fall per foot, and we add drains or swales if needed. Send us a photo after the next storm, and we can tell you a lot. After a big storm, take a photo of the slab with water on it. Flat land hides slope problems until it rains, and a picture shows us exactly where the low spot sits.

Steps feel safest when each one is the same. A comfortable rise is about six to seven inches, and a comfortable tread is about eleven to twelve inches deep. We measure the total height from the ground to the door, then divide it into equal steps. That is the secret to steps people never trip on. A landing at the top should be at least as deep as the door swing, and wide enough for a person to stand. Steps also need good footings, since they carry weight and shift in wet soil. We finish them with a broom texture for grip, and we slope each tread slightly so water runs off. A handrail is smart for any set with more than a few steps, and we plan the posts before the pour. We follow local rules for rise and run. Bring a photo of your door and your yard, plus the height from the ground to the threshold. With those two numbers, we can sketch the steps before we even visit.

Yes. There are three main ways to add color. Integral color mixes dye into the whole batch, so the color runs all the way through. Broadcast color is a powder worked into the surface, which gives a rich, deeper look. Stain soaks into the top and gives a soft, mottled finish. All three can last for many years. Sun, rain, and wear slowly lighten the surface, especially on south facing slabs. A good sealer slows fading and keeps colors rich, and we recommend resealing every two to three years. Dark colors show dust and fade faster, while mid tones hide wear. We bring sample boards to your yard, because color looks very different in sunlight than on a screen. Plan on a month before sealing, so the surface can dry. Ask for a patch sample that has been sealed, since sealer deepens color. When you shop for concrete contractors Pinetops NC offers, ask to see a finished job that is a few years old to check how color holds up.