Get matched with top concrete leveling pros in Patten, ME

If you over-trowel concrete, it will be difficult for moisture to move through it. For this reason, it may be worthwhile to hire a professional, especially if you don’t have the advanced knowledge and techniques required to avoid this issue.

Thicker concrete is less likely to crack due to extreme weather changes. At a minimum, concrete slabs should be at least 4 inches, but if you’re worried about the concrete cracking under the weight of heavy machinery or from the freeze-thaw patterns of your climate, you should use even thicker concrete. A professional concrete company near you will be able to advise on the best thickness for your climate and use case.

The average cost of concrete for stairs or slabs is between $110 and $150 per cubic yard, or between roughly $4 and $5.50 per cubic foot for materials. Installation, form building, form materials, and preparation will increase the cost to between $150 and $200 or more per cubic yard. 

Concrete dries faster in the heat than in the cold, but when concrete cures too fast, it can cause weak concrete. It’s best to pour concrete when temperatures are between 50 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit, watering it five to 10 times per day for seven days (unless you pour concrete in the winter). Slower cure times, such as when pouring concrete in cold weather, can cause strong concrete, but you need to monitor the temperature drop and moisture levels. Avoid pouring concrete when temperatures are below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.