Moncton Concrete Pros
by Custom Crete Moncton Ltd.
Frequently Asked Questions
General & Process
Who is Moncton Concrete Pros and what areas do you serve?
We’re a local concrete contractor serving Moncton, Riverview, Dieppe, and surrounding Southeast NB communities, delivering residential and commercial flatwork and structures.
What is your start‑to‑finish process?
Free site visit & quote → design/specs (thickness, base, rebar/mesh) → schedule → excavation & compacted granular base → formwork & reinforcement → place & finish concrete → curing & sealing (as requested) → cleanup & walkthrough.
Do you provide free estimates?
Yes—on‑site assessments and written, itemized quotes are free and no‑pressure.
Who will be my point of contact?
A dedicated coordinator manages updates from booking to final walkthrough.
How quickly can you start after I approve the quote?
We confirm a schedule window based on weather, crew availability, and material lead times; residential work typically starts within a few weeks in season.
Residential Concrete (Driveways, Walkways, Patios, Slabs)
What driveway thickness do you recommend for Moncton homes?
Typically 4–5 inches with a compacted base; 6 inches for RV/boat loads. Reinforcement is specified by use and soil conditions.
Do you install rebar or wire mesh in driveways?
Yes—rebar or welded wire mesh is used where beneficial; we follow local best practices and soil conditions.
How long before I can drive on a new driveway?
Light foot traffic in 24–48 hours; vehicles after 5–7 days, longer in cool, damp weather.
What joint spacing do you use to control cracking?
Saw‑cut control joints are typically placed at panels of 8–12 feet each way, adjusted to slab thickness and layout.
Are heated (snow‑melt) driveways an option?
Yes—hydronic or electric systems can be installed prior to pour; we coordinate with your HVAC/electrical contractor.
What’s best for walkways and sidewalks in winter climates?
A broom finish for traction, proper slopes, and air‑entrained mixes to handle freeze–thaw and de‑icers.
Can you handle complex patio layouts and borders?
Absolutely—curved forms, saw‑cut patterns, decorative bands, and multiple finishes/colours are available.
Do you pour shed, workshop, or hot‑tub slabs?
Yes—engineered or standard slabs with thickened edges, anchor bolts, and electrical sleeves as needed.
Can you pour inside existing garages or basements?
Yes—interior slabs with vapour barrier, insulation (if specified), and smooth machine finish.
Will you remove and replace an existing cracked slab?
We handle demolition, disposal, base remediation, and replacement to current standards.
Commercial/Retail Concrete
What commercial services do you offer?
Storefront sidewalks, barrier‑free ramps, loading pads, dumpster pads, interior toppings, and exterior flatwork for retail and light industrial.
Can you work off hours to reduce business disruption?
Yes—night or early‑morning pours and phased areas are available by arrangement.
Do you provide engineered drawings for commercial scopes?
We coordinate with engineers where required and include details in your submittal package.
Can you meet accessibility requirements?
We build ramps and landings to meet NB accessibility and municipal standards for slope, landings, and handrail placement.
Do you handle traffic control and hoarding?
Yes—cones, signage, and temporary barriers are included as needed for safe pedestrian and vehicle flow.
Can you coordinate with other trades?
We work with electricians, plumbers, and landscapers to align sleeves, drains, and grades.
Garages & Parking Lots
What slab specs do you recommend for garages?
Commonly 4–6 inch slabs with thickened edges, vapour barrier, and rebar; slopes direct meltwater to the door or trench drain.
Do you pour aprons and trench drains?
Yes—garage aprons, trench drains, and curb returns are routinely included.
How do you build parking lot sections?
Proper subgrade proof‑roll, thick granular base, thicker concrete sections at drive lanes, and dowelled joints for load transfer.
Can you stage parking lot work to keep businesses open?
Yes—phased pours and clear access routes minimize downtime.
What de‑icing chemicals are safe for new concrete?
Avoid salt the first winter; use sand or calcium magnesium acetate alternatives to reduce surface scaling.
Pool Decks
What finish is safest for pool decks?
Broom, exposed aggregate, or textured stamped finishes provide traction when wet; we discuss slip‑resistant sealers.
Do you install drainage around pools?
Yes—controlled slopes, trench drains, and deck‑to‑coping details reduce standing water.
Can you tie a new deck into an existing patio?
We saw‑cut clean edges, dowel where appropriate, and match finish/colour as closely as possible.
Do pool decks need special joints?
We plan control and isolation joints around fixtures and corners to reduce random cracking.
Retaining Walls
Do you build concrete retaining walls?
Yes—poured concrete or block walls with engineered footings, drainage stone, weeping tile, and geotextile separation.
When is engineering required for retaining walls?
Typically for heights over municipal thresholds, tiered walls acting as one, or walls supporting driveways/structures.
How do you prevent wall failure in wet seasons?
Robust drainage behind the wall, granular backfill, filter fabric, proper setback, and weep outlets to daylight.
Can you add stairs or railings to a wall?
Yes—cast‑in stair flights, landings, and post sleeves can be integrated into the design.
Materials & Mixes
What concrete mix do you use for exterior work?
Air‑entrained mixes designed for freeze–thaw and de‑icer exposure, with strength selected to suit use (e.g., driveways vs. patios).
Do you add fibres to reduce cracking?
We can include micro‑fibres for shrinkage control; they complement, not replace, joints and reinforcement.
When do you recommend rebar vs. mesh?
Rebar for concentrated loads and edges; welded wire mesh for general slab reinforcement—chosen per slab thickness and use.
Do you offer insulated slabs?
Yes—rigid foam under or at slab edges for heated spaces or where thermal performance is desired.
Can you pour in cold weather?
Yes—with mix adjustments, heated enclosures, and curing blankets; we place only when conditions allow quality results.
Do you use water reducers or admixtures?
We specify admixtures (plasticizers, accelerators, air entrainment) as needed for workability and weather.
Finishes & Aesthetics
What finishes are available?
Broom, smooth trowel, exposed aggregate, stamped patterns, integral colour, and decorative saw‑cuts.
Which finishes are best for driveways?
Broom or exposed aggregate for traction; stamped borders can add curb appeal without full‑surface stamping.
Will coloured or stamped concrete fade?
Quality pigments and sealers help colour longevity; periodic resealing maintains appearance.
Can you match an existing concrete colour?
We can get close with samples; exact matches are difficult due to age and batch differences.
Do you seal new concrete?
Sealing is optional but recommended for decorative work; we offer breathable, penetrating sealers suited to NB climates.
Weather, Curing & Seasonality
How does weather affect schedule?
We avoid pours during heavy rain or extreme cold; forecasts guide scheduling to protect finish quality and strength gain.
How do you cure slabs?
Curing compound, wet cure, or blankets depending on temperature and wind; proper curing reduces shrinkage cracking and improves durability.
When can I place furniture or BBQs on a new patio?
Light items after 3–5 days; heavy loads after 7–10+ days depending on temperatures.
Can you pour in early spring or late fall?
Yes—with weather monitoring and thermal protection. Expect longer cure times.
Why do cracks happen even with control joints?
Concrete shrinks as it cures; joints manage where cracks form. Proper base, joints, and curing minimize random cracks but cannot eliminate them entirely.
Permits, Code & Accessibility
Do I need a permit for a driveway or walkway replacement?
Often no; curb cuts, city sidewalks, or retaining walls may require municipal permits. We’ll advise for your address.
Can you build barrier‑free ramps?
Yes—slopes, landings, handrails, and surface textures are designed to meet accessibility guidelines.
Will my project meet local bylaws?
We align slopes, setbacks, and drainage with City of Moncton and neighbouring municipalities’ rules.
Do you call for utility locates?
Yes—utility locates are arranged prior to excavation.
Pricing, Quotes & Payments
What’s included in your quote?
Clear line items for excavation, base prep, formwork, reinforcement, concrete supply, finishing, joints, cleanup, and optional sealing.
Can you provide ballpark pricing from photos?
We can share ranges based on dimensions and finish; final pricing follows a site visit to confirm base and access.
How are payments structured?
Typically a deposit to schedule, a progress draw (for larger jobs), and the balance at completion after the walkthrough.
Do you offer value‑engineering options?
Yes—finish, thickness, and reinforcement choices can be tailored to budget without compromising safety.
Maintenance & Aftercare
How do I maintain a new driveway through winter?
Use sand, avoid salt the first winter, keep edges supported, and clear snow with plastic‑edged shovels to protect the surface.
When should I reseal decorative concrete?
Every 2–3 years or as needed; penetrating sealers may last longer than film‑forming products.
How do I clean exposed aggregate or stamped surfaces?
Gentle pressure wash and pH‑neutral cleaners; avoid harsh acids that can damage sealers.
What if I notice hairline cracks?
Most are cosmetic; we review during the walkthrough and advise on care. Structural cracks are evaluated and addressed.
Scheduling, Access & Site Logistics
Can you work around landscaping or tight side yards?
Yes—compact equipment, hand tools, and temporary mats protect lawns and access routes.
Do you handle demolition and disposal?
We include removal and responsible disposal of old concrete when specified in the scope.
How noisy or disruptive is the work?
Expect construction noise during excavation and cutting; we keep sites tidy and communicate daily with homeowners.
Will rain cancel my pour?
If rain threatens finish quality, we will reschedule and notify you promptly to protect the result.
Warranty & Service Area
What warranty do you provide?
A written workmanship warranty plus product warranties where applicable. Warranty terms are detailed in your proposal.
Do you return for post‑pour checks?
Yes—on request, we review joints, drainage, and any concerns after the initial cure.
Which communities do you serve?
Moncton, Riverview, Dieppe, and nearby Southeast NB towns. If you’re just outside this area, ask—we may still be able to help
Ready to plan your concrete project?
Contact Moncton Concrete Pros for a free on‑site estimate and an itemized proposal tailored to your driveway, walkway/sidewalk, patio, slab, pool deck, retaining wall, garage, or parking lot.