You wouldn't use a strong caustic soap to clean your wall-to-wall carpet. Nor would you use acid to clean your kitchen or bathroom fixtures. In fact, most people are very careful about how they clean and take care of the inside of their home.

Yet, what about the outside concrete walks, patios, driveways, porches and steps? While concrete is the most durable product available for your home, proper care is a requirement for long-lasting beauty and wear.

One of the most damaging things to a new concrete surface is the use of de-icers — especially the first winter. Here are a few tips to properly care for your exterior concrete.

Avoid Using De-Icers the First Year

Concrete takes a while to reach its maximum strength. While some de-icers, such as salt, do not chemically react with the concrete, they do increase the number of freeze/thaw cycles the concrete must go through. This has the potential of damaging the concrete until it has reached its maximum strength.

Use Sand Anytime

The only safe material to use to make the concrete surface skid resistant is plain sand. This can be purchased at several locations, frequently at the ready-mixed concrete supplier in your area.

Don't Use De-Icers with Ammonium Nitrate or Ammonium Sulfate

Never use de-icers containing ammonium nitrate or ammonium sulfate. These chemicals are often packaged and sold as de-icers, but they will rapidly disintegrate concrete. Common garden fertilizers containing these two chemicals, or urea, may cause disintegration as well.

Use a Sealer

Under usual conditions, de-icers which contain sodium chloride (common salt) or calcium chloride may be used after the first winter. Even so, caution is needed. It is important that a surface sealer be applied after finishing. Check with your ready-mix supplier or contractor for sealers.

Info provided by the Wisconsin Ready-Mixed Concrete Association

There are always brief stretches of weather during any season when it is not feasible or advisable to place concrete. Fortunately in Wisconsin, these usually don't last too long. A little bit of common sense, communication between all the parties involved, talent, and care will produce a quality concrete product.

Adverse conditions do not have to mean the end of a building project. However, it does force the builders, contractors, and architects to make additional decisions based upon the working environment. One area frequently overlooked, or misunderstood, is the relationship between temperature and concrete.

Difficult weather does not have to mean the end of placing concrete. Wisconsin, with its warm and gentle summers and mild autumns, often provide the perfect weather for placing concrete. Temperatures frequently range between 50° F and 70° F and do not create problems for the concrete.

However, high heat, driving winds or marginal temperatures provide trying conditions for the placing of concrete. Depending on the weather, preparation, and finishing, temperature may affect the strength, appearance, and price of concrete — factors important to the decision making process. Yet, with a basic understanding of sound concrete practices, concrete may be placed successfully in less than ideal situations.

Placing Concrete in Cold Weather

If the temperature of fresh concrete is 55° F or greater, and if the concrete is maintained at a temperature of 55° F or higher, then winter concreteing should be trouble-free. Approximate set time for concrete at 70° F is six hours. Set time jumps to just over 14 hours if the concrete temperature drops to 40° F. If it drops below this point and the concrete actually freezes early in the process, loss of strength, up to 50%, increases permeability and a lower resistance to weather may result.

The key is to start with warm concrete and keep it warm. The internal heat of the concrete mix may be raised by heating the materials, using extra or special cements, or by addition of accelerators. The environment may also be altered by suing enclosures and moist heat, applying insulating blankets, polystyrene sheets and leaving the forms in place.

Basic Guidelines for Winter Concreteing

• Plan in advance. Have equipment and materials ready before cold weather hits. Be set with heathers, insulating materials and enclosures.
• Use air-entrained concrete
• Don't lace concrete on a frozen sub-base. Be sure that all ice, snow and frost are removed from surfaces the concrete will touch.
• For durability, the fresh concrete should be kept at 55° F or higher for thin sections. Consider using high-early strength concrete
• Cure concrete to prevent loss of moisture. When heated enclosures are used, provide extra moisture by sprinkling or use steam for heating. Vent salamanders and other fuel-burning heaters. Concrete should be allowed to cool slowly to prevent thermal cracking.
• Do not use "antifreeze" compounds in an attempt to lower the freezing point of concrete
• Leave the forms in place as long as the job schedules permit. Reshoring is necessary until concrete reaches required design strength.
• Keep job condition records. Record, at least twice daily:
• Weather conditions
• Temperature of the air and concrete surface
• If the concrete is to cure below 60° F, water reducers or retarders may prolong the set
• The use of calcium chloride or admixtures containing soluble chlorides is not recommended under certain conditions:
  • In concrete containing aluminum or prestressing strand because of corrosion
  • Where discoloration of troweled surfaces cannot be tolerated
  • Where galvanized steel with remain in permanent contact with the concrete
  • In concrete subjected to alkali-aggregate reaction or exposed to soils or water containing sulfates
• Be especially careful in protecting cylinders for strength tests
• Concrete placed in late fall or winter should not be exposed to salts applied as de-icers or salts which drip from parked vehicles
• For further information, reference PCA's Design and Control of Concrete Mixtures, Chapter 12

Placing Concrete in Hot Weather

Caution needs to be applied when placing concrete in hot weather. Without the proper care, concrete may have reduced strength and will be very prone to cracking due to rapid drying. It also may stiffen quickly making finishing quite difficult.

At some point usually between 75° F and 100° F, hot weather problems for concrete may begin. The combination usually causing the most problems is low relative humidity and high wind velocity. These conditions, when added to sun and high temperatures, create a very high potential for problems.

There are several methods of cooling concrete. The most efficient way is to cool the aggregates, which may be done as simply as sprinkling them with water and allowing the evaporation process to cool them. Other methods of cooling the concrete include using ice or injecting liquid nitrogen into the mixer. However, both methods add cost to the concrete. The contractor should also be prepared with sunshades, windbreaks and other means to prevent rapid drying.

Basic Guidelines for Hot Weather Concreteing

• Plan in advance. Have equipment and materials ready before the hot weather arrives
• Keep the subgrade and forms moist so they will not absorb water from the mix
• Keep sunshades and windbreaks available and use them whenever possible
• Have everything prepared before the ready-mix truck arrives. Don't make the truck wait for you
• Keep in constant communication with the ready-mixed concrete provider. Coordination between contractor and producer is key
• Concrete should be placed, struck off and darbyed immediately
• Use evaporation retardants, fogging or misting with water, or cover with vapor-proof sheet after screeding. This will help prevent rapid drying, crusting, plastic shrinkage and rubber sets
• Temporary covers, like continuously moistened burlap, may be placed over the fresh concrete and removed in small sections immediately ahead of the finishers
• Substituting a burlap drag or broom finish will eliminate other high risk finishing practices, such as smooth trowel finish
• Curing should take place when the surfaces are hard enough to resist marring
• Seal with a good quality sealer a minimum of 30 days after placing and curing
• Remember to protect the crew in high temperatures. Drink plenty of fluids and be careful with long exposure to the sun

For further information, reference PCA's Design and Control of Concrete Mixtures, Chapter 11

Common Sense, Communication and Care

There are always brief stretches of weather during any season when it is not feasible or advisable to place concrete. Fortunately in Wisconsin, these usually don't last too long. A little bit of common sense, communication between all the parties involved, talent and care will produce a quality concrete product.

Concrete is the most widely used construction material on earth.  In fact, concrete and masonry have the longest lifespan of any traditional building materials, and were used to create structures that still remain standing after more than 2,000 years. Adaptive reuse is also common for masonry buildings that have outlived their original use.  Century old manufacturing facilities are turned into garden-loft condos; old factories are now home to modern office complexes. The building’s masonry structure endures and is used again for other purposes.  As a result, concrete products are a vital component in high-strength, long-lasting sustainable construction.

When constructing new structures, concrete products often use recycled materials. This keeps waste products from landfills and conserves precious natural resources.  In turn, if masonry buildings ever do need to be torn down, the concrete materials are 100 percent recyclable and can be reused as base materials for roads or incorporated into making other new concrete products.

Concrete’s other green advantages are that it improves indoor air quality by reducing the potential for mold growth.  It has superior fire resistance, which sustains property and life safety.  And it has a greater life cycle and reduced environmental impact over other building materials. Concrete won’t burn, rust, peel or rot.  This means minimal labor and maintenance concerns for the building owner.

How is County Materials making concrete products even greener?

As a leader in the production of concrete products, County Materials looks at ways we can improve our manufacturing efficiencies and further sustainability with our products.

We deal with a lot of cement, and cement is considered by many to be a high-energy product.  However, County Materials is conscientiously replacing a large percentage of it with recycled materials, including fly ash.  Fly ash is the leftover fine particle ash that results from burning coal in electric utility plants.  Instead of land filling this substance, County Materials utilizes this recycled material to replace cement in our concrete products. All other raw materials that make up the bulk of our concrete products are considered low energy. These materials are extracted locally, with low processing and shipping costs.

As a result, County Materials’ concrete products are environmentally friendly and contribute toward LEED credits through Recycled Content and Regional Materials categories.  If you are concerned about conserving the environment and building long-lasting structures, you can feel good about using County Materials’ concrete products.

How can concrete products be utilized in Green construction?

If you drive across town or even through the Midwest, you might not realize that County Materials’ concrete products serve as integral components for many growing communities. Besides its use in buildings, concrete is used in bridge girders and overpasses and the transportation systems that tie our communities together. Precast box culverts, pipe and other water management products ensure a reliable infrastructure for housing and commercial developments. Permeable pavers manage storm water; concrete retaining walls protect sloping ground from erosion and increase buildable land space. Buildings and homes of all sizes and styles also benefit from the economic and environmental advantages afforded by concrete block, brick and thin veneers. These are just a few of the reasons why County Materials’ concrete products are used with confidence for sustainable design and construction applications every day.

Think for a moment where we would be without concrete. It is hard to imagine. Concrete is the basic building element for modern society. Every major construction project uses concrete in one form or another. It keeps us warm and safe; it allows us to get to work safely; it beautifies our homes and yards.

Our environment matters. Concrete is produced from some of the world's most abundant resources and without toxic byproducts. The concrete industry recycles and reclaims throughout the manufacturing process. It has a superior lifespan compared to other products. Its thermal mass plays a role in energy efficiency. It helps keep our urban areas cooler. Its light reflectiveness also helps conserve energy. From the homeowner to the largest urban areas, concrete is playing a major role in protecting and maintaining our environment.

Ready Mixed Concrete is a durable and beautiful option for:

Driveways

• A concrete driveway can have a dramatic effect on the first impression, value and resale potential for a home. Concrete driveways are preferred over many other paving materials for a variety of reasons:
• Durability is the key to the longevity of driveways. Concrete driveways stand up to traffic day in and day out, year after year, often for over 30 years.
• Versatility is important, especially in today’s upscale housing market. Concrete can be colored, stamped, or stenciled to create a variety of textures and decorative finishes.
• Maintenance free concrete does not need to be seal coated every year.
• Environmentally friendly products are becoming more and more important every year. Cured concrete is an inert material and can be recycled.
• Homeowner satisfaction is high. Homeowners were surveyed and of those already owning a concrete driveway, 96% said they would choose concrete again.
• Appearance is a critical component in selecting a driveway paving material. Concrete, with it’s smooth, bright surface provides an important safety feature by increasing the effectiveness of exterior lighting.

Basements

• A concrete basement is one of the most economical parts of a home to build and can be one of the best values for the dollar spent. Concrete basements offer a variety of benefits:
• Extra room for work or play. Consider a game room, den, guest bedroom or office. Create a space as unique as your own family.
• Economical – Full basements can almost double the enclosed living space at only a fraction of the cost of the home.
• Design possibilities – Raise the ceiling with 9-foot foundation walls, or add a dramatic color or texture for a permanent, finished look.
• Storage that frees up other, more expensive floor space in the house and garage.
• Better access – Plumbing, heating and wiring can be reached without crawling or breaking up floors.
• Strong, durable and safe – Concrete will never burn or rot, and provides the best shelter against storms, hurricanes and tornadoes.

Sidewalks

Patios

Homes

• Concrete homes are energy efficient, resistant to strong winds, practically sound proof and offer a broad range of design options. Concrete homes offer a variety of benefits over standard construction:
• Fast and easy construction – Using insulating concrete forms (ICFs) results in a faster and more efficient building cycle.
• Versatile and compatible – Brick, stone and other masonry products, along with stucco, wood siding and vinyl siding can be easily used with ICFs.
• Environmentally responsible – Concrete and polystyrene foam are inert and can be recycled.
• Energy efficient – Energy savings are built into concrete homes. Many concrete homeowners report savings of 40% and more.
• Security – Concrete homes perform very well in high wind events.
• No rot or rust – Concrete and polystyrene will not rot, rust or corrode.
• Peace and quite – A concrete home built with ICFs has much greater noise reduction characteristics than wood or steel.
• Internationally proven – Throughout the world, concrete is one of the most popular forms of housing construction.

Curbs

Streets

• Sixty percent of the U.S. Interstate Highway System has been built with concrete. Concrete was selected because of its superior durability, safety, higher reflection of light at night, and greater traction. Concrete pavement consistently serves 20-30 years without needing major repairs, while asphalt generally lasts only 8-12 years before resurfacing or significant repairs are required. Concrete naturally can support the heaviest loads, such as truck traffic and increasingly larger vehicles like jumbo-jets. There is less deformation with concrete as compared to asphalt and although the initial cost of concrete can be higher than asphalt, concrete usually has a useful life that is twice as long as asphalt. Because of concrete’s light color, concrete reflects from 33 to 50 percent more light than asphalt.

Parking areas

• Concrete is the superior paving material for your parking area project. Whether a new parking area or one in need of reconstruction, concrete offers the durability and beauty that asphalt just can’t match. A first impression that lasts, concrete’s advantages include:
• Durability – Concrete simply lasts longer than asphalt. A concrete parking area can serve your project for twenty or more years. The durability advantage means less maintenance, fewer repairs and an end to the expensive reconstruction cycle. Pave it once, pave it right. If you have an interest in the life-cycle costs of a project beyond tomorrow, then concrete is the easy choice.
• Beauty – Concrete’s durability means a surface free of ugly potholes, ruts and damage from petroleum products. Add some colors or patterns, and concrete turns a parking lot into the perfect showcase for your business.
• Safety & Lighting – Concrete offers a brighter, more reflective surface than asphalt. Better use of light means a safer and more inviting parking area for your customers and employees.
• Load-carrying capacity – Trucks demand a structural pavement. Asphalt is not match for eighteen wheelers and delivery vehicles. If product distribution is critical to your business, then concrete is your paving partner.

Barn Floors

Silos

Bridges

Dams

Skyscrapers

Swimming pools