Get matched with top decorative concrete pros in Royalton, IL

A well-built and well-maintained concrete pool should last anywhere from 50 to 75 years. Concrete is prone to cracking, so winterization and regular pool repairs are particularly important. Water can seep into existing cracks, freeze, and make them worse. Most homeowners should resurface their concrete every few years to maintain their pool’s lifespan. 

It’s important to protect your investment in your project by hiring a reputable contractor. First, make sure they’re insured and with a licensed company. Get referrals by asking friends and neighbors who were happy with their finished products. 

While you may initially think it’s more affordable to use an independent contractor or friend of a friend, you might benefit in the long run from working with an experienced contractor who can take the job entirely off your hands. Hiring a concrete driveway contractor takes a bit of up-front research.

Concrete log siding is not the same as fiber cement siding. Fiber cement siding is made from a mixture of cement and cellulose fibers, while GFRC is made from cement, glass fibers, and polymers. The materials are similar in their durability, longevity, and curb appeal, and the main difference is that concrete log siding is available in more styles that resemble traditional log siding. Fiber cement is also less expensive, with materials costing around half what you’d pay for concrete log siding.

A 4-inch-thick concrete slab can support around 4,000 pounds per square foot if a contractor reinforces the slab with rebar, while that same slab without reinforcements will support closer to 1,000 pounds. For the purposes of a patio, 4 inches in thickness without reinforcement should suffice unless you’re installing heavy kitchen equipment or a hot tub on it. In those cases, reinforcing your slab and sticking with 4 inches of thickness should provide plenty of strength.