Get matched with top concrete driveway pros in Damariscotta, ME

Yes, adding water to concrete will increase its slump, so you should do so with caution. Always measure the slump of the concrete batch before you adjust it, and be sure not to add too much and push the slump too high. Doing so can cause the aggregate to separate, set inconsistently, or shrink.

Concrete cracks can occur at any time. Many cracks actually happen within a few hours or days of pouring the concrete because of mistakes made during the process; here are a few reasons for freshly poured concrete cracks.

If you’re nervous about causing cracks when pouring concrete, hire a pro to handle the work, rather than tackling it yourself. You can also prevent ongoing cracks by taking care of your concrete pathway or driveway with a little sealer. Here’s how often to reseal your driveway to reduce the risk of cracks.

Pervious concrete should be between 4 and 8 inches thick to drain water properly. Surfaces like parking lots and driveways should be at least 6 inches thick to accommodate the weight of vehicles, while patios and walkways may be poured between 4 and 6 inches thick. There’s no standard for pervious concrete thickness, but in most cases, the more weight the surface will need to hold, the thicker it should be.

While most of the grass below newly poured concrete will die, some will grow through the cracks and around its edges with ease. Some grasses and weeds can even widen hairline cracks in your foundation, particularly the inevitable concrete cracks that form during the curing process. This is just one of the reasons it's best to remove grass before laying concrete.