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FAQs - Cutting & Sealing
Why is it necessary to cut concrete?
Expansion cuts are essential in concrete to help prevent/minimise random cracking. The purpose of these is to provide a weak point where the concrete can shrink and relieve strain at the join so that any cracking is then directed into the cut rather than in random places. Please note, expansion cuts still do not guarantee that concrete will not crack in random places.
Expansion cuts are essential in concrete to help prevent/minimise random cracking. The purpose of these is to provide a weak point where the concrete can shrink and relieve strain at the join so that any cracking is then directed into the cut rather than in random places. Please note, expansion cuts still do not guarantee that concrete will not crack in random places.
How far apart do you make the expansion cuts?
Expansion cuts need to be made at approximately 4 metre centres. We always try and balance the visual look of the driveway with the necessary requirement for expansion cuts.
Expansion cuts need to be made at approximately 4 metre centres. We always try and balance the visual look of the driveway with the necessary requirement for expansion cuts.
When do you cut the concrete?
The concrete needs to be cut between 24 hours-3 days after placement. The cutting of control joints must be well timed by an experienced placer. The time-frame will vary in different climates, for instance, in the winter it will take longer for the concrete to harden. If the driveway is cut too soon and the concrete is still soft it will chip as it cut. If it is left too late the concrete will be too hard and cracks may already have begun to form. Our team of placers are well trained and experienced to monitor your job and time the placement of expansion cuts.
Do you do decorative cuts?
Yes, we have a specialist saw for precision decorative cuts. Decorative cuts can either be 4mm’s wide with no grout or cuts at 10mm’s wide and filled with a non shrink grout.
Yes, we have a specialist saw for precision decorative cuts. Decorative cuts can either be 4mm’s wide with no grout or cuts at 10mm’s wide and filled with a non shrink grout.
Why do you seal concrete?
It is not necessary to seal plain concrete, however we do suggest that you seal your coloured concrete no matter which colour system you use (oxide does not need to be sealed). Sealing your coloured concrete will ensure you get the most out of your colour and will protect from spills that will stain. In many cases, sealing is included in the quoted price, however we will discuss this with you at the time. Sealer does need to be re-applied this can either be done by one of our specialists or you can do this yourself if you are confident.
It is not necessary to seal plain concrete, however we do suggest that you seal your coloured concrete no matter which colour system you use (oxide does not need to be sealed). Sealing your coloured concrete will ensure you get the most out of your colour and will protect from spills that will stain. In many cases, sealing is included in the quoted price, however we will discuss this with you at the time. Sealer does need to be re-applied this can either be done by one of our specialists or you can do this yourself if you are confident.
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