# Concrete Field Notes

> Research guides about concrete materials, defects, project decisions and hiring.

An editorial website, not a claim to operate the historical Orlando contracting business. Guides are general information, not site inspections or engineered specifications. Contact: info@centralflconcrete.com.

## Main sections

- [Article library](https://centralflconcrete.com/blog/)
- [Frequently asked questions](https://centralflconcrete.com/faq/)
- [Editorial policy and sources](https://centralflconcrete.com/editorial/)
- [Contact](https://centralflconcrete.com/contact/)

## Problems & repairs

- [A Crack in New Concrete: What to Record Before Choosing a Repair](https://centralflconcrete.com/blog/new-concrete-crack-assessment/)
- [Tiny Cracks That Appear When Concrete Gets Wet](https://centralflconcrete.com/blog/concrete-crazing-visible-when-wet/)
- [Why Concrete Can Crack Before the First Day Is Over](https://centralflconcrete.com/blog/plastic-shrinkage-cracks/)
- [Why Cracks Start at Inside Corners of a Slab](https://centralflconcrete.com/blog/reentrant-corner-cracks/)
- [Does Rebar Stop a Driveway From Cracking?](https://centralflconcrete.com/blog/crack-control-rebar-joints/)
- [Before Filling a Crack, Find Out Whether It Is Still Moving](https://centralflconcrete.com/blog/active-versus-dormant-cracks/)
- [Will Filling a Concrete Crack Make It More Noticeable?](https://centralflconcrete.com/blog/repair-visible-cracks/)
- [A Crack Inside a Control Joint: What It Does and Does Not Mean](https://centralflconcrete.com/blog/control-joint-cracks/)
- [Control, Expansion and Construction Joints: Which One Are You Repairing?](https://centralflconcrete.com/blog/control-expansion-construction-joints/)
- [Can a Late or Shallow Saw Cut Still Control Cracking?](https://centralflconcrete.com/blog/late-shallow-saw-cuts/)
- [Self-Leveling or Non-Sag Sealant for a Sloped Driveway?](https://centralflconcrete.com/blog/joint-sealant-slope/)
- [Deep Concrete Joints: Backer Rod Is Not a Repair for Missing Support](https://centralflconcrete.com/blog/deep-joints-backer-rod/)
- [Should You Keep New Concrete Wet or Water It Every Few Hours?](https://centralflconcrete.com/blog/concrete-curing-watering/)
- [Can Plastic Sheeting Leave Marks on New Concrete?](https://centralflconcrete.com/blog/curing-plastic-discoloration/)
- [Will Curing Compound Interfere With a Future Coating?](https://centralflconcrete.com/blog/curing-compound-coatings/)
- [New Concrete Looks Blotchy: When to Observe and What to Check](https://centralflconcrete.com/blog/new-concrete-color-variation/)
- [White Powder on Concrete: How to Investigate Possible Efflorescence](https://centralflconcrete.com/blog/efflorescence-white-powder/)
- [White Concrete or White Sealer? Why the Difference Matters](https://centralflconcrete.com/blog/white-sealer-versus-efflorescence/)
- [White Marks Under Patio Mats on Stamped Concrete](https://centralflconcrete.com/blog/mats-white-stamped-concrete/)
- [Can Old and New Concrete Be Made the Same Color?](https://centralflconcrete.com/blog/old-new-concrete-color-match/)
- [Concrete Is Flaking: How to Investigate Scaling Without Guessing Blame](https://centralflconcrete.com/blog/concrete-scaling-causes/)
- [Can Sealer Stop Concrete That Is Already Spalling?](https://centralflconcrete.com/blog/sealer-stop-spalling/)
- [Repairing Concrete Damaged by an Acid Spill](https://centralflconcrete.com/blog/acid-damaged-concrete/)
- [Hollow or Flaking Concrete Found During Epoxy Preparation](https://centralflconcrete.com/blog/concrete-delamination-before-epoxy/)
- [Resurface or Replace Damaged Concrete? A Substrate-First Decision](https://centralflconcrete.com/blog/resurface-or-replace/)
- [Why Old Cracks Can Show Through a New Concrete Overlay](https://centralflconcrete.com/blog/overlay-cracks-return/)
- [Why a Concrete Resurfacer Needs More Than a Clean-Looking Slab](https://centralflconcrete.com/blog/resurfacer-preparation/)
- [A Garage Floor Looks Dry: Is It Ready for Epoxy?](https://centralflconcrete.com/blog/moisture-test-before-epoxy/)
- [Recurring White Deposits in a Garage: Find the Water Before Covering the Floor](https://centralflconcrete.com/blog/garage-efflorescence-moisture/)
- [Water Pools on a New Patio: How to Document the Low Spots](https://centralflconcrete.com/blog/patio-puddles-low-spots/)
- [A Patio Slopes Toward the House: Why Caulk Alone Is Not the Fix](https://centralflconcrete.com/blog/patio-slopes-house/)
- [Should You Drill Holes in a Patio to Drain a Puddle?](https://centralflconcrete.com/blog/drill-holes-patio-drainage/)
- [A Patio Starts Sinking Near a Downspout: What to Investigate](https://centralflconcrete.com/blog/sinking-slab-water/)
- [Lifting a Sunken Slab or Replacing It: Questions That Decide the Choice](https://centralflconcrete.com/blog/slab-lifting-versus-replacement/)

## Materials & methods

- [Concrete, Cement, and Mortar: Which Material Does Your Project Need?](https://centralflconcrete.com/blog/concrete-cement-mortar-differences/)
- [Bagged Concrete vs. Ready Mix for a Small Patio](https://centralflconcrete.com/blog/bagged-concrete-vs-ready-mix/)
- [How Much Concrete Should You Order Above the Calculated Volume?](https://centralflconcrete.com/blog/calculate-concrete-yards-and-extra/)
- [Ordering Ready Mix for the First Time: What to Tell the Plant](https://centralflconcrete.com/blog/ordering-ready-mix-first-time/)
- [3000 vs. 4000 PSI Concrete: Why Slab Thickness Still Matters](https://centralflconcrete.com/blog/concrete-psi-vs-slab-thickness/)
- [Does High Slump Always Mean Weak Concrete?](https://centralflconcrete.com/blog/concrete-slump-water-reducer/)
- [Can the Driver Add Water to Concrete on Site?](https://centralflconcrete.com/blog/adding-water-concrete-truck/)
- [Need More Time to Place Concrete? Understand Set Retarders First](https://centralflconcrete.com/blog/concrete-retarder-working-time/)
- [Concrete Accelerators: Faster Setting Does Not Mean Freeze Protection](https://centralflconcrete.com/blog/concrete-accelerator-cold-weather/)
- [When Does an Exterior Slab Need Air-Entrained Concrete?](https://centralflconcrete.com/blog/air-entrained-concrete-exterior-slabs/)
- [Can Fiber in Concrete Replace Rebar? Ask Which Fiber](https://centralflconcrete.com/blog/fiber-concrete-replace-rebar/)
- [Wire Mesh vs. Rebar in a Slab: Placement Matters as Much as the Name](https://centralflconcrete.com/blog/wire-mesh-rebar-slab-placement/)
- [Gravel, Sand, or Existing Soil Under Concrete? Start With the Site](https://centralflconcrete.com/blog/gravel-sand-base-under-concrete/)
- [How Do You Know the Base Is Compacted Enough for Concrete?](https://centralflconcrete.com/blog/compact-base-before-concrete/)
- [Where Should the Vapor Barrier Go Under a Concrete Slab?](https://centralflconcrete.com/blog/vapor-barrier-under-concrete-position/)
- [Concrete Forms and Stakes: Keep the Pour at the Intended Line and Grade](https://centralflconcrete.com/blog/concrete-forms-stakes-bracing/)
- [How to Consolidate Concrete Around Forms Without Overworking It](https://centralflconcrete.com/blog/consolidate-concrete-formed-edges/)
- [Concrete Finishing Tools for a First Slab: What Each One Actually Does](https://centralflconcrete.com/blog/concrete-finishing-tools-first-slab/)
- [Magnesium, Wood, and Resin Floats: Choosing the Right Finishing Tool](https://centralflconcrete.com/blog/magnesium-wood-resin-float/)
- [How to Specify a Light Broom Finish Before the Concrete Arrives](https://centralflconcrete.com/blog/specify-light-broom-finish/)
- [Does a Broom-Finished Slab Need a Power Trowel?](https://centralflconcrete.com/blog/power-trowel-patio-broom-finish/)
- [When Should New Concrete Be Saw-Cut? Use a Window, Not a Calendar Rule](https://centralflconcrete.com/blog/when-saw-cut-concrete-joints/)
- [Hit Metal While Drilling Concrete? Stop and Identify What Is in the Slab](https://centralflconcrete.com/blog/drilling-concrete-hidden-reinforcement/)
- [Stamped vs. Exposed Aggregate Patios: Compare the Finished Surface](https://centralflconcrete.com/blog/stamped-vs-exposed-aggregate-patio/)
- [How Exposed Aggregate Concrete Is Made and Why Sample Panels Matter](https://centralflconcrete.com/blog/exposed-aggregate-process/)
- [Planning a New Slab for Polished Concrete: Decide Before Pour Day](https://centralflconcrete.com/blog/new-slab-polished-concrete-planning/)
- [Pouring Concrete in Hot Weather: What the Plan Should Include](https://centralflconcrete.com/blog/hot-weather-concrete-pour-plan/)
- [Cold-Weather Concrete: How to Plan Protection Beyond Pour Day](https://centralflconcrete.com/blog/cold-weather-concrete-protection/)
- [Rain During a Concrete Pour: Plan for the Stage of the Work](https://centralflconcrete.com/blog/rain-during-concrete-pour/)
- [Choosing Concrete for an Outdoor Countertop: More Than a PSI Number](https://centralflconcrete.com/blog/concrete-countertop-mix-selection/)
- [Mixing Bagged Concrete Consistently Across Many Batches](https://centralflconcrete.com/blog/mix-bagged-concrete-consistently/)
- [Choosing Aggregate Size for Thin Sections and Congested Forms](https://centralflconcrete.com/blog/concrete-aggregate-size-selection/)
- [Integral Color vs. Color Hardener for a New Stamped Patio](https://centralflconcrete.com/blog/integral-color-vs-color-hardener/)

## Contracts & inspections

- [Comparing Concrete Quotes: Build a Scope Checklist Before Comparing Prices](https://centralflconcrete.com/blog/comparing-concrete-quotes-build-a-scope-checklist-before-comparing-prices/)
- [How to Verify a Concrete Contractor Before Paying a Deposit](https://centralflconcrete.com/blog/how-to-verify-a-concrete-contractor-before-paying-a-deposit/)
- [Concrete Deposits: Why California Rules Do Not Apply Everywhere](https://centralflconcrete.com/blog/concrete-deposits-why-california-rules-do-not-apply-everywhere/)
- [What Belongs in a Written Concrete Contract?](https://centralflconcrete.com/blog/what-belongs-in-a-written-concrete-contract/)
- [Concrete Change Orders: Record the Price Before the Work Changes](https://centralflconcrete.com/blog/concrete-change-orders-record-the-price-before-the-work-changes/)
- [Unexpected Thick Concrete During Demolition: Handling the Extra-Cost Discussion](https://centralflconcrete.com/blog/unexpected-thick-concrete-during-demolition-handling-the-extra-cost-discussion/)
- [A Concrete Contractor Wants More Money Mid-Job: What to Check](https://centralflconcrete.com/blog/a-concrete-contractor-wants-more-money-mid-job-what-to-check/)
- [Concrete Progress Payments: Define Milestones You Can Verify](https://centralflconcrete.com/blog/concrete-progress-payments-define-milestones-you-can-verify/)
- [Your Patio Contractor Took a Deposit and Missed the Start Date](https://centralflconcrete.com/blog/your-patio-contractor-took-a-deposit-and-missed-the-start-date/)
- [Who Is Responsible When Your Concrete Contractor Uses a Subcontractor?](https://centralflconcrete.com/blog/who-is-responsible-when-your-concrete-contractor-uses-a-subcontractor/)
- [The Concrete Completion Walkthrough: A Practical Punch List](https://centralflconcrete.com/blog/the-concrete-completion-walkthrough-a-practical-punch-list/)
- [Repair, Replacement or Credit: Evaluating an Offer for Concrete Defects](https://centralflconcrete.com/blog/repair-replacement-or-credit-evaluating-an-offer-for-concrete-defects/)
- [Concrete Warranties: Questions About Cracks, Drainage and Exclusions](https://centralflconcrete.com/blog/concrete-warranties-questions-about-cracks-drainage-and-exclusions/)
- [A Twenty-Year No-Crack Promise: How to Evaluate Concrete Sales Claims](https://centralflconcrete.com/blog/a-twenty-year-no-crack-promise-how-to-evaluate-concrete-sales-claims/)
- [Contractor Stopped Responding Before Saw Cuts and Cleanup](https://centralflconcrete.com/blog/contractor-stopped-responding-before-saw-cuts-and-cleanup/)
- [Documenting a Concrete Dispute Without Losing the Evidence](https://centralflconcrete.com/blog/documenting-a-concrete-dispute-without-losing-the-evidence/)
- [California Concrete Complaints: What CSLB Can and Cannot Do](https://centralflconcrete.com/blog/california-concrete-complaints-what-cslb-can-and-cannot-do/)
- [Florida Concrete Complaints: Preparing a DBPR Evidence Package](https://centralflconcrete.com/blog/florida-concrete-complaints-preparing-a-dbpr-evidence-package/)
- [Does a New Concrete Driveway Need a Permit? Start With the Jurisdiction](https://centralflconcrete.com/blog/does-a-new-concrete-driveway-need-a-permit-start-with-the-jurisdiction/)
- [Pre-Pour Inspection Delayed: What to Do Before the Truck Arrives](https://centralflconcrete.com/blog/pre-pour-inspection-delayed-what-to-do-before-the-truck-arrives/)
- [What to Photograph Before Concrete Covers the Work](https://centralflconcrete.com/blog/what-to-photograph-before-concrete-covers-the-work/)
- [Concrete Delivery Tickets: Which Records Should an Owner Keep?](https://centralflconcrete.com/blog/concrete-delivery-tickets-which-records-should-an-owner-keep/)
- [Concrete Strength Tests: Cylinders, Cores and What the Results Mean](https://centralflconcrete.com/blog/concrete-strength-tests-cylinders-cores-and-what-the-results-mean/)
- [A Low Concrete Strength Result Does Not Tell the Whole Story](https://centralflconcrete.com/blog/a-low-concrete-strength-result-does-not-tell-the-whole-story/)
- [Can Photos Prove a Concrete Slab Is Structurally Sound?](https://centralflconcrete.com/blog/can-photos-prove-a-concrete-slab-is-structurally-sound/)
- [Planning a Concrete Wheelchair Ramp: Questions Beyond the Slope](https://centralflconcrete.com/blog/planning-a-concrete-wheelchair-ramp-questions-beyond-the-slope/)
- [Accessible Concrete Walkways: Surface Changes, Joints and Slip Resistance](https://centralflconcrete.com/blog/accessible-concrete-walkways-surface-changes-joints-and-slip-resistance/)
- [Concrete Cutting Dust in the House: Questions for the Contractor](https://centralflconcrete.com/blog/concrete-cutting-dust-in-the-house-questions-for-the-contractor/)
- [Wet Concrete Can Burn Skin Before It Hurts](https://centralflconcrete.com/blog/wet-concrete-can-burn-skin-before-it-hurts/)
- [Suspiciously Cheap Concrete Offers: Red Flags Worth Checking](https://centralflconcrete.com/blog/suspiciously-cheap-concrete-offers-red-flags-worth-checking/)
- [Buying a House With Freshly Covered Concrete: How to Investigate Hidden Defects](https://centralflconcrete.com/blog/buying-a-house-with-freshly-covered-concrete-how-to-investigate-hidden-defects/)
- [Selling a Home After Concrete or Foundation Repairs: Keep the Disclosure Record](https://centralflconcrete.com/blog/selling-a-home-after-concrete-or-foundation-repairs-keep-the-disclosure-record/)
- [Missing Permit Records and Concrete Defects: Building a Reliable Timeline](https://centralflconcrete.com/blog/missing-permit-records-and-concrete-defects-building-a-reliable-timeline/)