Get matched with top concrete driveway pros in Columbia Falls, ME

Efflorescence can damage a concrete slab for two to three years. After that, it resolves on its own once the surrounding salts are gone.

Cement companies often charge a per-cubic-yard cost for concrete, which averages around $130. In most cases, you can also expect to pay for leveling, surfacing, and add-on services, like stamping concrete. Here are some typical prices for common concrete projects for which you may hire a cement company.

• Walkway: $1,800

• Driveway: $2,800

• Standard patio: $3,300

• Stamped concrete patio: $4,000

• Concrete steps: $3,500

• Colored concrete: $3,800

You might also need to budget for removing your old concrete or additional land prep before your professional can pour concrete.

The best time to pour concrete is mid-afternoon when temperatures often sit between 50 and 60 degrees, and you don’t expect rain for at least 24 to 48 hours. Avoiding direct sunlight in the peak afternoon hours can help reduce the risk of curing too quickly, as can avoiding pouring on hot summer days. Colder temperatures and rain can lead to slower curing times and weaken the concrete. If in doubt, especially if your concrete will provide structural stability, hire a contractor to determine the best time to pour.

Yes, you can remove concrete by hand with a sledgehammer if the concrete is no more than 4 inches thick. Most patios and sidewalks fit into this category. With concrete deeper than 6 inches, a jackhammer may be necessary to break it up. Only use a jackhammer if you have the proper training and safety equipment.