Get matched with top concrete leveling pros in Patten, ME

Yes, concrete changes color while curing, moving from a dark shade when wet to a lighter shade once dry and fully cured. Wait at least 10 days after pouring the concrete to gauge the color of the final concrete. If the concrete remains dark or discolored after that period, reach out to your concrete contractor with questions.

You can pour concrete over asphalt if it’s in good condition, thick, stable, and well-compacted. Concrete is more durable than asphalt and can extend the lifetime of your driveway without having to pay frequent asphalt driveway repair costs or replace it completely. 

But this is best reserved as a temporary solution based on budget restraints, as asphalt requires more frequent repairs and assessments than concrete. Once that concrete top is poured, it’ll be harder to accurately understand what’s happening beneath that layer, which could lead to more issues.

It is not advisable to pour concrete directly on dirt. Even compacted soil—known as a subgrade—is not strong enough to maintain the form of concrete. You can, however, pour concrete over concrete as long as the overlay has proper bonding agents and the slab below is clear of damage.

If the moisture level in your concrete flooring is higher than what is acceptable for your primer or flooring materials, then you are looking at dealing with major flooring issues down the road. From mold and mildew, to warping, buckling, bubbling, and soft spots, you could see a wide range of moisture-induced problems.

These issues can affect not just your flooring but your foundation too. That is why measuring moisture in concrete is so important before starting a project.