FAQ

  • Do I need to wait for warmer weather to start my project?

    No! - we do concrete work all year! While many assume cold weather is off-limits, winter is actually one of the best times to book a concrete project—it's the industry’s “slow season,” so you’ll typically find faster scheduling, quicker turnaround, and smoother project flow with fewer delays. This makes winter a smart choice for getting things done efficiently.

  • Why is my new concrete cracking?

    Cracking is a normal part of concrete's behavior, resulting from natural processes like drying shrinkage, thermal expansion, or settling. Concrete is strong under compression but weak under tension, making it susceptible to cracking without reinforcement. To control where and how cracks form, we recommend reinforcing your concrete with materials like rebar, wire mesh, or fibers. This reinforcement helps maintain the slab's integrity and appearance over time. Additionally, we provide a comprehensive maintenance guide to help you care for your concrete project, monitor its condition, and address any issues promptly.

  • You haven't seen my property in person, how can you provide an estimate?

    After you provide your desired finish, any existing structures that may need to be demolished, and accurate measurements, we utilize advanced tools like Google Earth, specialized software, and customer-provided photos to accurately assess your project. Google Earth allows us to measure distances and areas with reasonable accuracy, typically within a few feet, depending on image resolution and terrain. Additionally, Google Earth provides terrain statistics such as elevation and slope, which help us understand the site's topography and potential challenges. By combining these measurements with your photos, we can create a detailed estimate tailored to your specific needs. This approach enables us to offer efficient and precise estimates without the need for an initial site visit.

    However, we understand that some customers prefer a more personal approach. If you'd like us to visit your property in person to discuss your project and answer any questions before we begin the estimating process, simply request an in-person bid when submitting your project details. We're more than happy to accommodate your preference and ensure you're comfortable every step of the way.

  • What is an overlay?

    A concrete overlay is a thin layer of specially formulated concrete applied over an existing concrete surface to restore, enhance, or transform its appearance and functionality. Typically ranging from 1/4" to 3/4" in thickness, overlays can be customized with various textures, colors, and patterns to mimic materials like stone, brick, tile, or wood. This process provides a cost-effective solution for rejuvenating worn or damaged concrete surfaces without the need for complete removal and replacement. Overlays are suitable for both interior and exterior applications, including driveways, patios, pool decks, garage floors, and interior flooring. Common types of concrete overlays include stamped overlays, microtoppings, self-leveling overlays, and spray-down overlays. While concrete overlays offer numerous benefits, including aesthetic enhancement, cost-effectiveness, and durability, it's important to note that they require proper surface preparation and may not be suitable for surfaces with active structural issues.

  • Why is concrete work so expensive?

    At LionHeart Concrete, we believe in delivering exceptional value, which is why our concrete services may come at a premium. We prioritize paying our skilled employees fair wages and offering comprehensive benefits, ensuring a dedicated and experienced workforce. Our commitment to quality means we source premium materials and utilize efficient practices to minimize waste and maximize durability. While our pricing reflects these standards, we strive to provide transparent estimates that align with your budget, ensuring you receive lasting results that justify the investment.

  • Antique Vs. Stain...What's the difference?

    Antiquing and staining are both popular methods for enhancing concrete surfaces, but they achieve different effects:

    Antiquing involves applying a colored release agent—either powder or liquid—to stamped or textured concrete. This technique highlights the low areas of the pattern, creating a shaded, three-dimensional appearance that accentuates the texture. When applied over colored concrete, antiquing enhances the existing hue, adding depth and richness. On non-colored concrete, antiquing introduces a contrasting color that provides definition and visual interest.

    Staining, on the other hand, involves applying a chemical solution that reacts with the concrete to produce a translucent color. This method penetrates the surface, allowing the natural variations and textures of the concrete to show through, resulting in a rich, variegated finish.

    It's important to note that antiquing over non-colored concrete may result in a more subtle effect, as the base color is neutral. In contrast, staining can provide a more vibrant and consistent color, especially when applied over non-colored concrete. Therefore, for a more pronounced and uniform color enhancement, staining is often recommended.