Recently Asked Questions
Browse the latest concrete questions from New Brunswick homeowners.
What's the best way to seal and protect a concrete basement floor in a Miramichi home that had minor flooding last spring and now shows moisture seeping through the slab?
A concrete basement floor showing moisture seepage after flooding needs both immediate moisture control and long-term wa...
How does stamped concrete hold up compared to exposed aggregate for a front walkway in Moncton where road salt and snowplow scraping are annual problems?
For a Moncton front walkway facing road salt and snowplow scraping, exposed aggregate will significantly outperform stam...
Does a concrete driveway apron connecting to a municipal road in Fredericton require a city permit?
Yes, connecting a new driveway to a municipal road in Fredericton requires a driveway approach permit from the City of F...
Why does concrete poured in the humid summer heat in New Brunswick sometimes cure unevenly, and how do contractors prevent surface shrinkage cracks?
Concrete poured during NB's humid summer heat cures unevenly because rapid surface moisture loss creates differential sh...
What causes concrete to spall and flake after winter in NB and how can it be repaired?
Concrete spalling and flaking after winter in New Brunswick is primarily caused by freeze-thaw damage from water penetra...
My 1960s bungalow in Fredericton has a poured concrete foundation that's bowing inward at the base — can this be repaired without full replacement?
A bowing foundation wall is a serious structural issue that can often be stabilized and repaired without full replacemen...
Do concrete foundation walls in New Brunswick need to be dampproofed or fully waterproofed, and what's the code requirement under the NB Building Code?
The NB Building Code requires dampproofing as a minimum for foundation walls, but full waterproofing is often necessary...
What is the latest date in the fall I can pour concrete in northern NB before temperatures make curing risky?
In northern New Brunswick (Bathurst, Edmundston, Campbellton), mid to late October is typically the last safe window for...
How much does mudjacking or concrete leveling cost per square foot in New Brunswick?
Mudjacking (slabjacking) typically costs $3-$6 per square foot in New Brunswick, while polyurethane foam leveling runs $...
Do I need a permit to pour a concrete pad for a hot tub in the backyard of a Dieppe home and does it need to be inspected?
For a hot tub pad in Dieppe, you typically do not need a building permit for the concrete pad itself, but you may need a...
What's the building code requirement in New Brunswick for the riser height and tread depth on exterior concrete steps at a front entrance?
The NB Building Code requires exterior concrete steps to have a maximum riser height of 200mm (7.87 inches) and a minimu...
What is the best concrete sealer to use on an exposed aggregate driveway in Atlantic Canada, and how much does professional sealing cost?
For exposed aggregate driveways in Atlantic Canada, a penetrating silane/siloxane sealer is your best choice, offering s...
What is the latest in the year you can safely pour an exposed concrete patio in Moncton and still get a proper cure before hard frost sets in?
In Moncton, the latest safe date for pouring an exposed concrete patio is typically mid to late October, with October 15...
How do contractors in Bathurst handle foundation work during the spring thaw when ground is saturated and unstable?
Bathurst contractors typically delay foundation excavation during peak spring thaw (March-April) when saturated soils be...
How thick should a concrete driveway be poured in New Brunswick to withstand freeze-thaw cycles?
A concrete driveway in New Brunswick should be poured 5-6 inches thick minimum to withstand our brutal freeze-thaw cycle...
What's the difference between 25 MPa and 30 MPa concrete and which should be specified for an exposed driveway in Saint John that sees constant freeze-thaw and heavy salt?
For an exposed driveway in Saint John facing constant freeze-thaw cycles and heavy road salt, specify 30 MPa air-entrain...
Is a concrete driveway or asphalt driveway better for a property near the Bay of Fundy where salt air is a factor?
For properties near the Bay of Fundy, a properly specified concrete driveway will significantly outperform asphalt in th...
What permits do I need to pour a concrete walkway connecting my garage to my home in Fredericton NB?
For a concrete walkway connecting your garage to your home in Fredericton, you typically do not need a building permit....
How does the water-to-cement ratio affect the long-term durability of a concrete driveway in Atlantic Canada?
The water-to-cement ratio is the single most critical factor determining how long your concrete driveway will survive At...
How soon after a new concrete driveway is poured in New Brunswick can you park a vehicle on it, especially in cooler fall temperatures?
You should wait a minimum of 7 days before parking a vehicle on a new concrete driveway in New Brunswick, and extend thi...
Is ICF (insulated concrete form) foundation worth the extra cost for a new build in Edmundston given the cold winters?
ICF foundations are absolutely worth considering in Edmundston, especially given the area's harsh winters and 5-foot fro...
Do concrete retaining walls over a certain height require an engineering stamp in New Brunswick?
Yes, concrete retaining walls over 4 feet (1.2 metres) in exposed height typically require engineering in New Brunswick,...
Is it realistic for a DIYer to pour a concrete driveway in rural NB or should a contractor always be hired?
Pouring a concrete driveway is one of the most challenging DIY concrete projects and generally should be left to profess...
How thick should a concrete garage floor be in Bathurst if I plan to park a heavy commercial trailer or skid steer on it occasionally?
For occasional heavy commercial equipment in Bathurst, you'll need a minimum 6-inch thick concrete slab, but 8 inches is...
Can stamped concrete be poured in sections to match an existing stamped patio in Bathurst or will there be obvious seam lines and colour mismatch?
Matching existing stamped concrete with new sections is extremely challenging and rarely produces seamless results. Even...
What water-to-cement ratio should a contractor be using for exterior flatwork in Moncton to resist freeze-thaw deterioration over time?
For exterior flatwork in Moncton, contractors should use a maximum water-to-cement ratio of 0.45 (preferably 0.40-0.42)...
How do you properly slope a concrete patio away from a house foundation in Moncton to handle the heavy spring runoff?
Proper patio slope in Moncton requires a minimum 1/4 inch drop per foot (2% grade) away from the foundation, but given t...
How often does stamped concrete need to be resealed in New Brunswick's climate, and what happens if you skip a season?
Stamped concrete in New Brunswick should be resealed every 2-3 years maximum, with many professionals recommending annua...
How do I pour a level concrete floor in a barn on a rural Carleton County NB property with uneven ground?
Pouring a level concrete floor in a barn requires careful site preparation, proper drainage, and a well-planned approach...
What drives the price difference between quotes for a concrete driveway in Fredericton — mix design, thickness, rebar, or contractor overhead?
All four factors significantly impact driveway pricing in Fredericton, but thickness and reinforcement choices typically...
What is the typical cost per linear foot for a poured concrete curb and gutter on a residential driveway in New Brunswick?
Poured concrete curb and gutter for residential driveways in New Brunswick typically costs $15-$30 per linear foot insta...
What is the maximum height for a concrete retaining wall in NB before engineering drawings are required?
In New Brunswick, retaining walls over 4 feet (1.2 metres) in exposed height typically require building permits and may...
What causes horizontal cracks in poured concrete basement walls in Moncton, and can they be repaired without excavating the exterior?
Horizontal cracks in poured concrete basement walls are typically caused by lateral soil pressure, hydrostatic pressure...
Does the City of Moncton require a building permit to replace existing concrete front steps with a new poured concrete stoop larger than the original?
Yes, the City of Moncton will likely require a building permit if you're expanding the size of your front steps beyond t...
What sealers work best on stamped concrete in New Brunswick to protect colour and texture through multiple freeze-thaw cycles?
For stamped concrete in New Brunswick, penetrating sealers (silane/siloxane blends) provide the best long-term protectio...
How does the cost per square foot of a stamped concrete patio compare to a paving stone patio in Moncton when you factor in long-term maintenance?
Stamped concrete patios in Moncton typically cost $12-$20 per square foot installed, while paving stone patios run $15-$...
What control joint spacing is recommended for a 30-foot concrete walkway in New Brunswick to prevent random cracking from freeze-thaw cycles?
For a 30-foot concrete walkway in New Brunswick, install control joints every 4-5 feet maximum, creating 6-7 joints tota...
How often should you reseal an exposed aggregate or brushed concrete driveway in Moncton to protect it from salt and freeze-thaw damage?
In Moncton's harsh Maritime climate, you should reseal an exposed aggregate or brushed concrete driveway every 2-3 years...
What are the New Brunswick Building Code requirements for concrete wall thickness and reinforcement in a residential basement?
The New Brunswick Building Code requires minimum 6-inch thick concrete foundation walls for residential basements, with...
What is the cost of replacing concrete front steps on a 1950s bungalow in Moncton NB?
Replacing concrete front steps on a 1950s Moncton bungalow typically costs $1,500-$4,000, depending on the size, complex...
Do I need to hire an electrician before pouring a heated concrete floor in my Fredericton garage?
Yes, absolutely — electrical work must be completed and inspected before any concrete is poured for a heated garage floo...
What is the minimum frost depth for concrete footings in northern New Brunswick near Edmundston or Campbellton?
Concrete footings in northern New Brunswick near Edmundston and Campbellton must extend a minimum of 4.5 to 5 feet (1.4...
Is fiber mesh reinforcement enough for a garage floor slab in Moncton's clay soil, or do you still need rebar for added strength?
Fiber mesh alone is not sufficient reinforcement for a garage floor slab in Moncton's clay soil conditions — you need pr...
Does the Technical Safety Authority of New Brunswick inspect concrete foundation work, or is that handled by municipal building inspectors?
Foundation concrete work in New Brunswick is inspected by municipal building inspectors or the Department of Environment...
Why is my concrete driveway sinking on one side in Fredericton and how much does it cost to repair?
Your driveway is likely sinking due to soil settlement, washout from poor drainage, or frost heave damage — all common i...
Can a cracked concrete foundation wall in an older Sussex NB farmhouse be repaired without full replacement?
Yes, many cracked foundation walls in older Sussex farmhouses can be successfully repaired without full replacement, but...
Are fiber-reinforced concrete mixes worth the extra cost for residential patios in New Brunswick?
For most residential patios in New Brunswick, fiber-reinforced concrete is worth the modest extra cost — typically addin...
What concrete mix is recommended for a new driveway that needs to handle a heavy farm truck in Carleton County NB?
For a farm truck driveway in Carleton County, you need a minimum 32 MPa (4,500 PSI) air-entrained concrete mix, 6 inches...
Can stamped concrete be poured in phases for a large patio in Fredericton, or will you see seam lines where sections meet?
Stamped concrete can be poured in phases, but visible seam lines where sections meet are almost inevitable. The key is p...
How do you prevent concrete porch steps from spalling in New Brunswick when they get repeated salt and sand treatment every winter?
Concrete spalling on porch steps is almost inevitable in New Brunswick without proper protection, but you can dramatical...
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