Concrete work in Pinehurst
Pinehurst began as a planned resort village, built in 1895 according to Moore County's history, and many of its streets still have the quiet, landscaped look that plan intended. Driveways, walks, patios and garage slabs are part of that look. A good concrete job here depends on the usual fundamentals, base, reinforcement, joints and curing, plus a few local questions about drainage, weather and what's buried in the yard.
Know what's underground
Many Moore County properties have a septic system, a private well or both. The county Health Department permits septic systems, with separate applications for new, expanded or relocated systems, repairs and approval of existing systems, and it also permits and inspects private wells. Before a new driveway or patio is laid out, find out where the tank, drainfield and well are. Heavy equipment and concrete over a drainfield can damage it, and covering a tank lid makes every future pumping harder. Ask the contractor how they'll mark and protect those areas.
Drainage first
NOAA's engineering weather data for Fort Bragg/Simmons Army Airfield, the nearest station, lists a 100-year rainfall rate of 3.8 inches per hour. A slab that sheds water toward the house sends that rain against the foundation. Ask:
- which way the slab will slope, and how much;
- where water from the slab will go;
- whether downspouts need to be extended or piped under the new concrete;
- how the edges will meet lawn and beds so they don't trap water.
Freeze-thaw and heat
The same station lists about 38 freeze-thaw cycles in an average year and a 99% winter design temperature of 24°F. Water that soaks into concrete and then freezes can scale the surface, especially where deicing salt is used. In summer, the 1% design temperature is 93°F, and hot, dry afternoons can make fresh concrete set too fast. Ask:
- whether the mix is air-entrained for freeze-thaw resistance on exterior slabs;
- how the contractor will cure the slab in hot weather: curing compound, wet curing or blankets;
- whether a sealer is recommended, and when it should be applied.
Base, reinforcement and joints
Ask what will be excavated, what base material goes in and how it's compacted, the slab thickness, and whether it's reinforced with mesh, rebar or fibers. Ask where control joints will go and how deep they'll be cut. Joints decide where concrete cracks; they don't stop it from cracking.
The license threshold
The North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors says a general contractor must hold a state license when the total cost of a project is $40,000 or more. Most driveways and patios cost less, but a larger project, such as a new garage slab with an addition, may not. Ask which license the contractor holds if your project is near that line, and look it up on the board's search.
Comparing quotes
- area, thickness and finish;
- excavation, base and compaction;
- reinforcement and joint layout;
- drainage details and downspout work;
- how septic and well areas will be protected;
- removal of old concrete;
- curing and sealing;
- the warranty, in writing.