Here are some of the questions you may have about your next concrete job, along with the answers.

Yes. If you already have a concrete walkway, for example, your contractor can pour more concrete over the top to create a new, slightly higher concrete surface.

This process is slightly different than pouring without a previous concrete surface. The contractor will look over the concrete to make sure it's in good condition before cleaning it and pouring over the top of it.

The conditions your contractor has to work in can affect the concrete pouring job in several ways. The effects can be especially significant if the worksite is outside rather than in a sheltered place (such as a garage or basement). For example:

• Cold temperatures can keep the concrete from curing as quickly
• Cold temperatures can result in frozen ground that's unsuitable for concrete pours
• Extra water in the concrete (such as from rain) can freeze inside the concrete and cause problems

Some workarounds to enable concrete pouring in winter include concrete curing blankets, snow melting mats to remove snow before a pour, and using a slightly drier concrete mix that has additional cement for strength.

Concrete that's past the stage of reasonable repairs will need replacement. But you may wonder how to tell whether something needs to be repaired or replaced. Some signs that you should repair your concrete include:

• Chipped corners on your steps
• Localized rather than widespread damage
• A well-maintained concrete surface that's not too old
• Just a couple of small cracks in the surface

If your concrete really needs to be replaced, on the other hand, you may observe some of these signs:

• Old concrete with large areas of damage
• Actual potholes in the surface
• Cracks that are spider-webbing everywhere
• Ultimately, if you're still unsure, you'll want to have a professional come out to assess your current concrete before you make the final decision to repair or replace.

If your existing concrete surface needs to be replaced, you don't need to have it hauled off to the landfill. In fact, concrete is a very recyclable material. Recycling your concrete means it won't need to take up space in a landfill. Your recycled concrete can be used in construction in the future.

As with all recycling, concrete recycling is actually great for the planet because it helps reduce the need to create new concrete, thereby saving energy, reducing greenhouse gases, and more.

Concrete pouring typically isn't a quick and easy job. The weather doesn't always cooperate, and you need professional expertise and experience to determine things like how much extra cement to add when pouring in wet weather or whether a current concrete surface is structurally sound enough to pour over.

These are just a few reasons why it's important to hire a professional as you consider your upcoming concrete project.

These questions and answers can help you get a handle on your expectations for your next concrete job and perhaps what the extent of that job should be. If you need more information to help you make repair versus replacement decisions or understand the concrete pouring process, get in touch with us at Central Carolina Concrete, L.L.C. today. We're here to assist you!