Concrete Questions, Answered
Straight answers for homeowners in Crown Point, Merrillville, Schererville, Valparaiso and Portage.
Are you a concrete contractor?
No. Concrete NWI is a free referral service. When you call, we connect you with an independent local concrete contractor who serves your area. That contractor provides the estimate and does the work.
Does it cost anything to use this service?
No. It’s free for homeowners and there’s no obligation to hire anyone.
Which towns do you cover?
Crown Point, Merrillville, Schererville, Valparaiso and Portage, plus nearby communities in Lake and Porter County where a contractor in our network works. If you’re nearby, call and ask.
When is the best time to pour concrete in Northwest Indiana?
Most exterior concrete work here happens from spring through late fall. Concrete can be poured in colder weather with precautions such as heated water, accelerators and insulated blankets, but many homeowners prefer to schedule driveways and patios in the warmer months. Contractors fill their calendars quickly in spring, so it pays to get estimates early.
How long before I can walk or drive on new concrete?
Generally, foot traffic after about a day and passenger cars after about a week, though it depends on the mix and the weather. Your contractor will give you specific timing. Heavy trucks and trailers should wait longer.
Why does concrete crack, and is cracking normal?
Concrete shrinks as it cures and moves with temperature, so some small cracking is normal. Control joints are cut so cracks form in straight lines inside the joints. Wide, offset or growing cracks usually point to base, drainage or frost-heave problems. If cracks are wide or panels have sunk, see concrete repair & replacement.
How do I protect concrete from road salt?
Seal your concrete once it has cured and reseal periodically. Go light on deicers, especially in the first winter, and avoid products containing ammonium nitrate or ammonium sulfate. Shovel early and keep downspouts from draining onto slabs. Salt scaling is one of the most common reasons homeowners call about concrete repair.
Do I need a permit for a driveway or sidewalk?
It depends on your town and on whether the work touches the street or public sidewalk. Merrillville and Schererville require driveway permits, Valparaiso requires a Right-of-Way Cut permit to replace a sidewalk or driveway entrance, Portage requires an Improvement Location Permit for driveways, and Crown Point requires Engineering approval before cutting into the street. See your town’s page for details and links, and confirm with the town.
Should I repair or replace my driveway?
If the problems are limited to a few panels and the base is sound, crack sealing, slab lifting or section replacement may be enough. If the surface is scaling everywhere or cracks run across most of the slab, replacement is usually the better value over time. A contractor can tell you after seeing it. Compare repair options with a full driveway replacement.
Is stamped concrete a good idea in a cold climate?
Yes, with the right expectations. It needs to be sealed and resealed every few years, and it wears faster where it gets salted heavily. Many homeowners use stamped concrete for patios and borders and plain broom finish for the main driveway. More on patterns and sealing: stamped concrete and patios.
How much does a concrete driveway cost?
It depends on size, tear-out, base work, thickness, reinforcement, finish and access. The only reliable number is an on-site estimate. Ask for the scope in writing so you can compare quotes fairly. Our driveways page explains what a good estimate should include.
What should I ask a contractor before hiring?
Ask whether they’re registered with your town, ask for a current certificate of insurance, get the scope and price in writing, find out who pulls permits, and ask about the mix, base depth, reinforcement and sealing plan.
Are calls recorded?
Calls may be recorded for quality purposes and to confirm that callers are followed up with.
Planning concrete work in The Region?
Call and tell us what you need. We’ll connect you with a local concrete contractor for a free estimate.