They're Pouring My New Driveway....

[GG Allin]

but it's raining. What's it going to look like tomorrow, or in five years. I'm concerned.

[Mo_Gearhead]

Quote: "What's it going to look tomorrow,'
____________________

The pock-marked face of that side-ways hat kid from down the street?

I assume they will cover it in plastic, once the surface is 'floated'.

Actually, concrete should be kept wet/damp for several days as it cures. It will be much stronger. DON'T let it dry too fast.

[Zeke]

I'd stop. They can always leave a base that is raked for a top coat the next time. It has to be covered. Concrete will harden and cure under water bit it won't finish nicely with too much water on the surface.

[GG Allin]

Originally Posted by Mo_Gearhead

Quote: "What's it going to look like tomorrow,'
____________________

The pock-marked face of that side-ways hat kid from down the street?

I assume they will cover it in plastic, once the surface is 'floated'.

Actually, concrete should be kept wet/damp for several days as it cures. It will be much stronger. DON'T let it dry too fast.

fixed it.

[GG Allin]

I'm at work too. There will be a serious lack of security once the concrete guys leave.

[911Rob]

I've been pouring concrete all my life, plus I'm a construction engineer.

If they're pouring your driveway and its raining or is about to rain, then it MUST be covered! The introduction of water to the finished surface at the setting stage will promote spalling of the surface.

Part of concrete finishing is being able to predict the weather and the onus is on the finishing company. Driveways are typically broom finish, which is one of the easiest finishes to place; so get those boys to get some rain protection over the concrete asap. Once its cured you can keep it moist for added strength, the slower it cures, the greater the strength.

If they haven't finished pouring, do what MILT said. Stop the pour halfway, leave the surface rough and pour the topping on a better sunny day. If you live in a region where rain is apparant, your finishers should know the game.

Taken just two days ago... my crew:

[Zeke]

Hard work.

Hey Rob, where's your spacers under the re-bar? Or is the guy in the red cap pulling the bar up with the hook? I've seen that method a lot, but the local inspectors won't buy it.

[911Rob]

Yup, you called it Milt.
In our commercial applications we have to use spacers, but I make sure our guys lift the mat into the bottom third of the pour.... trust me I have it checked if I'm not there! Afterall I'm a geek enguneer

I've poured and finished my fair share of concrete too. The crew and I get along very well. I love these guys!!!

my current sub-division being built out.....

[911Rob]

Hey Mbrouder,
I have to run out and do some things now, but if you need any help on this issue feel free to email me at Rob@RoLyn.biz and I'll reply on my blackberry or call my cell at xxxxx in BC, Canada.

Good luck bud

[GG Allin]

They had a nice long four hour gap with no rain between finishing the surface and getting it covered. It's been raining like a S.O.B. ever since. All should be well.

[slodave]

Time to crank call Rob....

[nostatic]

Are these gypsies?

[azasadny]

Don't put any kind of salt on the driveway, even if the product claims to be "concrete safe". Our patio is damaged from a deicer we put on last winter and it really makes me sad because the patio was perfect! Be careful!

[GG Allin]

Here's a shot (sort of) of the old ribbon driveway complete with my old P-Car. No more driving over the neighbor's lawn with the new one. It's much wider at the street. I'll take some pics of the new one and post 'em later. There is a slight bit of wash out under the downspouts from the rain yesterday. It doesn't look like a big deal. And yes no salt fer sher.

[dad911]

If it got very wet during the pour, even before they finished, you may have problems later. If you have not paid them in full, I wouldn't without a written warranty.

[TimT]

Water is concretes best friend and biggest enemy.

If your contractor had a 4 hour window when it didn't rain, you might actually get a better product. If he was able to screed and finish the concrete during the no rain window, and the concrete hydrated to initial set, rain would be like manna from heaven.

Any extra water would be considered curing water.. Curing of Bridge decks usually involves over 7 days of continuous wetting.

If the rain got mixed into the finishing operation, i.e. changing the water/cement ratio you may have problems with scaling etc. Most problems will be finish problems that will manifest in years... the underlying concrete should be fine (depending on the slump the contractor mixed the concrete to).

[GG Allin]

Here I am nine months later and my driveway is washing away beneath my feet. At least three sections are shot. I'm so pissed I'm not even sure what to say. Not sure these pictures show how bad it is. Ignore the date, I just took the pics.

[daepp]

The surface (the cream) didn't cure properly. I don't think there's a thing you can do other than R & R.