If you pour concrete that is thinner than 1.5 inches, it won't have enough cement paste to make it strong and it will end up cracking and breaking. The thinnest layer of concrete that is generally used is 2 to 2 ½ inches. This applies to pouring new concrete on old concrete as well. Most contractors use a thickness between ¼ and 2 inches for overlays.
Concrete can be strong and durable, but only if it is thick enough. If you are pouring a concrete slab for a DIY shed or patio floor, make sure it is at least four inches thick. For heavy vehicle traffic, the slab should be at least six inches thick. If you need expert input, contact a nearby concrete contractor for an in-person evaluation.
To ensure long-term reliability of concrete projects, a corrosion-proof reinforcing rod should be used. For smaller projects such as sidewalks or driveways, about half an inch of rebar should be used. To make sure the concrete is strong enough, grooves one-third the thickness of the slabs should be cut as soon as the concrete is hard enough to withstand damage from the saw. You may need help with laying the new concrete and stamping it.
When pouring concrete, make sure it is not too dry to flow and trowel properly. The ideal is to finish the concrete when the surface water has dried, but the concrete is still soft and workable. If there are cracks or sunken slabs, a repair technique known as mud lifting can be used to level the surface. After the concrete has fully cured, you may also consider using a concrete sealing compound to improve appearance and reduce cracking. When making a concrete screed, its durability and the appearance of cracks depend on whether you performed the repairs correctly.
If you added a few inches of concrete to a walkway leading to your entrance, you could create a trip hazard for people who don't realize the gap. Pouring concrete when there is a danger of frost is also a problem because it loses strength if it freezes before curing. Plastic shrinkage cracks occur when wind speed, low relative humidity, high ambient temperature, or a combination of these three cause water to evaporate from a concrete surface faster than it can be replaced by bleeding at the surface. To ensure optimal curing of your concrete project, make sure to cure it correctly. Consult an engineer or concrete repair professional to determine the cause of any cracks and recommend the best repair solution. A reputable local concrete driveway professional will know the best way to keep a concrete slab in good condition.
