A typical driveway takes two to four working days on site, and you can drive on it about a week after the pour. Oakland's mild weather allows concrete work in every month. Winter rain is the main thing that moves a schedule.
How long does it take to pour a driveway?
The pour itself takes a few hours. Before it come removal of the old slab, grading, base rock, forms and steel, which is usually one to two days. On a hillside lot or one with no truck access, allow longer for hand work and a pump. If the job includes the sidewalk or approach, the City permit has to be issued first.
How long does concrete take to cure?
Concrete reaches most of its design strength in about 28 days. It is hard enough for normal home use well before that. Curing means keeping the slab from drying too quickly in the first week, by wetting it, covering it or spraying a curing compound. Our cool, damp air helps, though dry autumn winds can undo that.
How long before I can walk on new concrete?
You can usually walk on new concrete after 24 to 48 hours. Keep dogs, bikes and bins off it for a few days, since claws and narrow wheels mark a young surface.
How long before I can drive on new concrete?
Wait about 7 days before you drive on new concrete with a car, and about a month for a moving truck, a loaded trailer or an RV. In a cold, wet week add a couple of days. Stay away from the edges at first, because they are the weakest part.
Can concrete be poured in the rain?
Not in steady rain. Concrete should not be poured in the rain because water on the surface weakens it and spoils the finish. Light drizzle after the slab has set does no damage. Between November and March we watch the forecast, reschedule if a storm is due, and keep covers on site.
Is it too hot to pour concrete in summer?
In Oakland it is rarely too hot to pour. Summer days near the bay are mild. Inland towns over the hills are another matter, with afternoons that call for early starts, a damp base and immediate curing. The hottest, driest spells on the bay side tend to come in September and October.
Can concrete be poured in cold or freezing weather?
Freezing weather is not a real obstacle here. Oakland sees frost only on occasional winter nights, and the ground does not freeze. Cold slows setting, so winter slabs take longer to finish and to gain strength. In the inland valleys a frosty night may call for a blanket over a fresh slab.
What is the best time of year to pour concrete?
The best time of year in Oakland is the dry season, roughly April through October. Work continues through winter in the gaps between storms. Spring is the busiest period, so booking in late winter gets you an earlier date.
Can I use salt or deicer on new concrete?
You are unlikely ever to need deicer in Oakland, since ice on a driveway is very rare. If you do face a frosty morning, use sand for grip and keep salt off concrete that is less than a year old. Salt products draw water into the surface and can damage it.
The only real price for your job comes from a free visit, a tape measure and a written quote. Call (510) 694-1913 or text us a photo of the area.