No. Do not use salt, ice melt, calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, or any de-icing chemicals on new concrete, especially during the first winter season after it is poured. Fresh concrete is more vulnerable during its first year. De-icing products can increase freeze-thaw damage and may cause surface scaling, flaking, or peeling. This type of surface damage is considered environmental [...]
Because Calgary experiences significant temperature fluctuations, moisture changes, and clay soil movement, garage foundations must be carefully designed to prevent shifting and cracking over time. The correct foundation depends on several factors including the size of the garage, its height, soil conditions, and how the space will be used. In many cases, garages under approximately 600 square feet can [...]
By taking a few easy but very important steps, you may reduce the risk of concrete damage and avoid costly repairs to your concrete pad and driveway. Remember, it takes roughly 28 days (temp. dependent) for concrete to reach its 80% strength, hence, we strongly recommend not driving over your concrete during that time. We also advise you not [...]
We have created a whole blog-post around this topic. You may expand on it here In addition, feel free to read about it on the Alberta New Home Warranty Program Web Site
The size of your curb-wall, when measured from the outside, should always be 12" or higher in case of a sloped grading which required a retaining wall. This measurement includes the concrete slab and might change according to the ground slope. Hence it will be underground and will come out to approximately 4"-7" above ground depending on the location measured. [...]
Water pooling in some areas of the concrete is tolerable, and completely normal phenomena which called "bird-baths" ASCC website, says "Birdbaths are an unavoidable consequence of a flatness tolerance” There is certain tolerance under which the small paddles or "birdbaths" are acceptable. You may choose to apply epoxy coating or modular tiles such as RaceDeck to achieve a completely [...]
