Dear Customer:

We look forward to serving your community to the best of our abilities. This letter is to provide additional information regarding our warranty, which states that we will strive to follow best practices in installing new driveways and patios. We will also use the materials detailed in our estimate.

That being said, our company does not warranty against cracks or spalling. We don’t warranty against cracks or spalling because if they develop, it is because they are outside of our control. More specifically, we attempt to follow best practices to mitigate the risk of cracking, which includes the following:

1. We order our concrete directly from a manufacturer like Martin Marietta rather than a 3rd party. This helps ensure that what we order is what we get. That being said, we don’t control the manufacturing of the concrete. It is simply delivered, poured, and finished.
2. We compact the area. We also ensure that the surface has the correct slope.
3. We tie the concrete into adjacent surfaces with rebar to hold it in place.
4. We attempt to pour earlier in the day before it gets too hot, too cold, or too windy. All of these things cause the surface of the concrete to cure at a different rate than the center of the concrete. That results in tension that can develop hairline cracks.
5. We reinforce the concrete with wire mesh so that if/when your concrete does crack, it will be held together by the reinforcement.
6. We install control joints. Control joints are used so that cracks will run to the joint and then out to the outer edge of the slab rather than continue through the surface.
7. We also compact the surface so that the risk of erosion is reduced.
8. We order and install 4,000 psi concrete for added strength.

In summary, as concrete cures, there are billions of hair-line cracks throughout the concrete as it cures. This is the definition of curing. Unfortunately, sometimes those cracks work themselves to the surface.

So, what can you do to help us achieve a great outcome? Here’s a list:

1. Do not walk on the concrete until the next day.
2. Don’t drop tools on the concrete until 2-3 days
3. Don’t drive on the concrete for 5-7 days.
4. Following the day of the pour, attempt to keep the surface moist to slow the curing process at the surface. Do this for 7 days if possible. By moisture, we mean spraying the driveway with a garden hose several times a day.

Please note that 80% of the curing occurs in the first 30 days; however, the concrete will continue to cure for up to 12 months. Any discolorations (if applicable) should work there way out as the concrete cures.

We need to carefully watch the weather to ensure it will not rain on the day of the pour. We also want to do our best to ensure that the temperature does not drop below freezing within 48 hours after the pour unless winter precautions are undertaken. If temperatures are expected to drop below freezing within 48 hours after the pour, best practice is to cover the pour with blankets during that time. Blanketing comes with some discoloration and/or finish risks. You should ask your pour to be delayed if you feel there is a risk in either of these areas. We do our best to watch for these things; however, Colorado can be very unpredictable.

Warmly,

Sage Solutions Inc. (dba Best Denver Concrete)