Project timelines depend on scope and weather conditions. A standard residential driveway typically takes 3-5 days from excavation to final finishing, with an additional 7-day cure period before heavy use. Concrete patios require 2-4 days of active work, while simple repairs often complete in one day. Larger projects like commercial slabs or foundations extend to 1-2 weeks. Conroe's humidity actually benefits curing times, but we avoid pours during heavy rain forecasts or temperature extremes below 40°F or above 90°F, which can compromise concrete strength.

Concrete costs break down into materials, labor, and site preparation. In Conroe, basic concrete slabs run $6-8 per square foot, while decorative stamped concrete ranges $12-18 per square foot. Driveway projects typically cost $4,000-8,000 for standard two-car sizes, and patios average $2,500-6,000 depending on size and finish. Site conditions significantly impact pricing—poor soil requires additional excavation and base material, and properties with difficult access increase labor costs. We provide written estimates after evaluating your specific site conditions and soil type.

We can overlay existing concrete if the base slab is structurally sound, level, and properly bonded. The existing surface must be stable without significant cracking, settling, or heaving. We assess whether the old slab can support additional weight and check that the height increase won't create drainage problems or door clearance issues. Overlays work well for resurfacing garage floors or patios with surface damage but solid foundations. However, if the original slab has structural issues, foundation problems, or improper drainage, we recommend removal and replacement. Pouring over bad concrete just transfers those problems to the new surface.

In Conroe, late fall through early spring (October through April) provides the most consistent conditions for concrete work. Temperatures stay within the ideal 50-80°F range, and lower humidity reduces surface moisture issues during finishing. Summer pours are possible but require more intensive curing management—we use evaporation retardants and schedule pours for early morning to avoid midday heat that causes rapid surface drying and cracking. We avoid pouring when temperatures will drop below 40°F within 72 hours of placement, as freezing damages concrete before it reaches minimum strength. Rain isn't necessarily a problem if it's light, but we postpone pours when heavy rainfall is forecast within 24 hours.

Significant cracking beyond hairline surface cracks indicates structural problems, especially if cracks are wider than 1/4 inch or show vertical displacement where one side sits higher than the other. Settling or heaving creates uneven surfaces and gaps between the slab and foundation walls. Water pooling on the surface signals improper grading or base failure underneath. Spalling—where the concrete surface flakes or pops off—suggests freeze-thaw damage or poor mix quality. If you can push a screwdriver into the concrete surface with hand pressure, the mix was likely compromised. In Conroe's clay soils, watch for cracks that widen seasonally, which indicates ongoing soil movement that will continue damaging the concrete.

Rebar reinforcement is essential for driveways, foundations, and any concrete slab that will bear significant weight or span soft soil. In Conroe's expansive clay conditions, we use rebar in virtually all exterior flatwork because the soil movement stresses concrete beyond what wire mesh can handle. Standard practice uses #4 rebar (1/2 inch diameter) in a grid pattern 18-24 inches apart, positioned in the lower third of the slab thickness. For residential patios without heavy loads, we sometimes use fiber reinforcement or wire mesh instead, though rebar provides superior crack prevention. Sidewalks and decorative concrete can often skip rebar if they're properly supported on compacted base material, but we evaluate soil conditions first.

Concrete pricing works by cubic yard or square foot, not linear foot, since thickness and width both affect quantity needed. A cubic yard of standard concrete costs $125-150 delivered in Conroe, which covers about 80 square feet at 4 inches thick. Per square foot installed, basic concrete runs $6-8 including labor and materials for simple slabs, $8-12 for driveways with proper base preparation, and $12-18 for decorative or stamped finishes. Thicker concrete for heavy-use areas or poor soil adds $2-3 per square foot. Small repair jobs have higher per-foot costs due to minimum charges for equipment and setup.

Standard residential slabs require 4 inches for patios, walkways, and light-use areas. Driveways need 5-6 inches to handle vehicle weight without cracking, and we recommend 6 inches for areas where trucks or heavy equipment will drive. Garage floors typically use 4-6 inches depending on vehicle types. Foundation slabs for structures require 4-6 inches, with thickness determined by load calculations and soil bearing capacity. In Conroe's clay soils, we often increase thickness by one inch beyond standard specifications because soil movement places additional stress on concrete. Commercial applications and areas with poor soil conditions may require 8-10 inches or more, with engineering specifications guiding thickness decisions.