Concrete Contractors in Northwest Indiana

Why concrete in The Region needs local know-how

Concrete that holds up in Atlanta can fall apart in Lake County. Our winters swing above and below freezing dozens of times, lake-effect snow off Lake Michigan piles up in Porter County, and every driveway and sidewalk gets a heavy dose of road salt from the street. A contractor who works here every season plans for that from the first shovel of dirt:

• Base and drainage first. Much of south Lake County sits on the Valparaiso Moraine, a band of glacial till with plenty of clay that holds water and heaves when it freezes. Closer to the lake in Portage the ground turns sandier. The right base depth and compaction depends on which you have.
• Air-entrained, properly finished concrete. Exterior flatwork here should be mixed for freeze-thaw exposure and finished without overworking the surface, which is what keeps it from scaling and flaking after a few salty winters.
• Joints in the right places. Control joints and expansion joints decide where your slab cracks. Done well, the cracks hide in the joints.
• Timing around the weather. Most pouring happens from spring through late fall. Late-season pours need cold-weather precautions, and sealers need dry, mild days.
• Town rules. Crown Point, Merrillville, Schererville, Valparaiso and Portage each handle driveways, curb cuts and public sidewalks a little differently. Your local page explains who to call.