Why Huntsville concrete needs a plan
Huntsville's concrete faces three forces: freezing, heavy rain and the ground itself. The Huntsville/Madison station averages about 40 freeze-thaw cycles a year and lists a 100-year rainfall rate of 3.5 inches per hour. Below the surface, the Geological Survey of Alabama says many areas of north Alabama are underlain by carbonate rocks such as limestone that dissolve and form caves and sinkholes. It lists drainage problems and excessive rainfall among sinkhole triggers. A little attention each season keeps driveways, walks and patios sound.
Spring (March to May)
- Inspect after winter. Look for new cracks, scaling (flaking surface), lifted joints and sunken sections.
- Seal cracks once the slab is dry and temperatures are mild.
- Check gutters and downspouts. Extend them so water lands well away from slabs and foundations.
- Plan replacements for badly broken sections before summer.
Summer (June to August)
- If you are pouring new concrete, ask the contractor about hot-weather practices: timing, curing and keeping the slab from drying too fast.
- Seal older concrete if recommended, within the sealer's temperature range.
- Watch for heavy trucks on driveway edges.
Fall (September to November)
- Seal joints and cracks before freezing weather.
- Clear leaves and debris from slabs and drains.
- Fix low spots where water stands after rain.
Winter (December to February)
- Go easy on de-icers, especially on concrete less than a year old.
- Use sand for grip, and clear snow before it compacts.
- Avoid metal tools that chip the surface.
Watching for settlement
Sinkhole triggers in the Geological Survey of Alabama's list include drainage problems and excessive rainfall. Watch for:
- a slab section that drops after heavy rain;
- a depression or hole near a downspout or drain line;
- cracks that widen over weeks.
Do not keep filling a hole that reappears. Ask a contractor or engineer to look at the cause.
Permits and costs
The City of Huntsville calculates residential building permits other than new houses as the total contracting price times 0.0055. If your project needs a building permit, its cost will follow the contract price. Ask the contractor whether a permit is needed and whether it is in the quote. Concrete and labor prices vary by job, so get written quotes.
Comparing quotes
Ask each contractor to put in writing:
- slab thickness and base preparation;
- reinforcement, such as rebar or wire mesh;
- joint spacing and finish;
- curing method;
- demolition and disposal of old concrete.
Keep records
Write down when each slab was poured, sealed or repaired. The history helps decide between repair and replacement.