Education
At Viking Concrete, we try very hard to ensure that for many years to come, you will have long lasting, high quality concrete that will stand up to the elements. All of our employees are trained to prep, set up and place and finish concrete to the highest of industry standards. We keep up to date on the latest innovative products and techniques as well as working with our suppliers to provide you with the highest quality materials and workmanship.
Concrete Flatwork: (coming soon)
Cracks: A 10’ x 10’ concrete slab will shrink approximately 2 to 5 mm as it cures, depending on certain variables and in some instances, may cause spider cracks that can be seen. A change in temperature, additives in the mix design, improper ground preparation and compaction, all influence this action. Minor cracking (spider cracks) is normal and are almost impossible to avoid after concrete has cured out. They are usually very minimal and don’t cause structural issues.
Level Floors: Flat concrete floors of any size should be level within a 1/4” or 6 mm to 48” measurement, with the exception of an area specifically designed to slope towards a floor drain. We use the latest technology to check and ensure that we applicate a floor to the highest ff/fl tolerances. (Trying to keep the framers happy!)
Settling/Heaving: Settling is a common occurrence once new concrete has been poured and will usually take place to some degree, and has been given time to cure. Sub-ground material/compaction, erosion due to weather as well as load bearing weight from vehicles and structures etc. With proper prep work, this should eliminate any larger ground disturbances that would cause larger than normal settling.
Magnesium Chloride/Road Salt: (info coming)
Heavy Vehicle Traffic: Try to refrain from allowing heavy vehicles such as moving vans or other larger vehicles to use your driveways. Driveways are usually poured at a depth of around 4” and are constructed to accommodate light residential traffic only and are intended to be used by cars, light trucks and family vans etc. To put a larger load on these horizontal slabs could jeopardize the structural integrity or finish of your concrete.
Expansion Joints: Expansion joints help keep cracking on surfaces to specific spots on concrete work. They give the cracks a place to take place, out of sight, which won’t take away from the aesthetic appeal. Exterior concrete may get water in larger unsealed cracks and in freezing temperatures, may cause heaving. Rebar should always be applicated in any concrete slab to maintain flushness of surface as well as keep cracks from opening up too much. If any cracks open up after curing or years later, we can fill that void with a colour matching groat/patch/sealant to waterproof and allow for a seamless repair.
Spalling: Causes of spalling include chemicals leaching into top structural layers of the concrete surface. Animal urine, fertilizer, un-cleared snow which melts then freezes again resulting in ice build-up in porous regions, ice melting agents and road salts from vehicles, all cause spalling. If protected by a sealer system or to choose to not overlook any of these damaging issues, your concrete will continue to look great for years to come.
Sealer: Depending on customer preference or environmental conditions, home owners may choose to seal their concrete. Some things to think about or take into account before you act, are decorative appeal, type of software and color brilliance. Usually all surfaces will get a thorough pressure wash to clean, and get rid of, or degrease, any spotting due to chemical spills and organic growth. A two-part sealer system will be used to achieve the highest level of protection and superior brilliance in colour.
Colours: Concrete colour will vary in hues and shades from colour charts, all dependent on specific mix designs, on-site additives and finishes (curing).