New Era Construction Frequently Asked Questions

New Era Construction can assist with all of your concrete needs! From new construction footings, driveways, sidewalks, patios, and basements to parking lots, our concrete contractors have the necessary experience and equipment to complete tasks quickly and efficiently. Call us today to learn more about our services.

It all depends on the depth of concrete poured, the temperature outside, and the type of cement used in the mix. According to our experts, on average, it takes around two to three hours to set and then around seven days to fully cure. According to ScienceDirect, it will continue to gain strength for about 28 days. Whenever you're looking for concrete contractors you can depend upon, call New Era Construction!

Because concrete isn’t flexible, it’s likely to crack during severe weather conditions. This is perfectly normal. Small cracks won’t compromise the concrete’s strength. Moreover, hairline cracks won't affect the structural integrity of your new concrete.

These cracks can be addressed by calling upon the expert concrete contractors at New Era Construction. Our team has the experience and knowledge to keep cracking to a minimum. We understand what type of concrete mix to use and have the skills necessary to design control joints.

While concrete is pretty durable on its own, there are some things you can do to ensure that it stays in good shape. Don’t use harsh acids to remove stains. Clean your concrete regularly and call upon the concrete contractors at New Era Construction to apply a sealant to protect it from the elements.

According to Forbes, a well-maintained concrete parking lot can last as long as 30 or 40 years. In addition to their long life, the required maintenance is minimal for concrete parking lots. This translates to low annual costs and few business interruptions. Plus, due to their lighter color and smooth surfaces, concrete parking lots reflect more light than other paving materials. For more information about the benefits of concrete paving, talk to one of the concrete contractors at New Era Construction today!

While some use the terms interchangeably, cement is actually an ingredient of concrete. Concrete is a mix of sand, gravel or crushed stone, and paste. According to our experts, cement makes up anywhere from 10% to 15% of the mix. To learn more about the differences between these materials, contact one of the concrete contractors at New Era Construction today!

Properly installed and maintained concrete surfaces hold up very well in Iowa despite our frigid winters. From driveways and patios to sidewalks and more, concrete works well in Iowa and offers unique advantages. New Era Construction has concrete contractors you can depend upon for high-quality and durable concrete. Contact us today to learn more about our services!

Like any hard or smooth surface, stained concrete can become slippery when wet. This is especially true if it has been coated with a high-gloss sealer. For concrete floors or walkways exposed to moisture or in areas with a lot of foot traffic, there are ways you can increase the slip resistance without affecting the color. Talk to one of the concrete contractors at New Era Construction today to learn more about this process!

The semi-transparency of most stains will fail to hide the existing imperfections in the concrete surface. Staining concrete isn't the easiest job for the amateur weekend warrior, so it's best left to professional concrete contractors. Call New Era Construction today to schedule an estimate and to learn more about our other available services.

The concrete contractors at New Era Construction take two days for most standard residential jobs. The first day is to tear out the existing driveway. The second day is used to pour the new one. We suggest waiting up to a week before parking on your new concrete driveway so that it will be hard enough to sustain the weight of your vehicle.