Concrete Installation Process

Carmen & Sons Concrete is in fact; licensed, bonded, and insured throughout there dedicated years serving Chicagoland area.

Yes, through our many years we do indeed read many prints and have worked with the top edge engineering teams and collaborated with other construction companies and professional builders.

Yes, we are familiar with our local communities and towns being involved with variety civil codes/ plans. We work hard so our clients can relax through the tiring process of obtaining building/ structural permits.

Carmen and Sons Concrete gives a one year warranty after work has been complete.

Yes, Carmen and Sons Concrete does in fact offer Epoxy service for both commercial and residential properties.

Yes, we indeed offer senior and military discounts as well as police/ firefighter/ EMT special pricing.

Our team specializes in new cement installation for the following;

-Steps

-Curbs

-Patios

-Porches

-Sidewalks

-Driveways

-Garage Floors

-Retaining Walls

-Garage Floor Foundation walls

Repair and Resurfacing service is when our team saves our customers money and time on cement projects. For example, instead of spending a fortune on replacing new cement steps, we can instead save them and no permit is needed. Our team grinds down the necessary area (cracks and/ or spalling), removes and loose old concrete and aggregate. Pressure washes the entire area for a clean surfaces and completes the necessary repairs needed. Finally, a resurfacing brush finish is applied to the entire area for a new cement look. 

No, and that’s the great reason why we offer the service to save our customers the time, headaches, and money with the repair and resurfacing services.

On average, cement take a minimum of 90 to fully cure to a solid rock. 

On average, we recommend a minimum of 3 weeks before driving on the new concrete. Dependent on the cement mixture and weather conditions.

We generally recommend to wait a minimum of two weeks for the new cement to cure. Dependent on the type of railings and materials plus installation is a huge factor on timing as well.

Concrete sealer is an additive in the cement mixture or could be applied after the concrete is poured as a protective coat. The sealer helps with UV sun rays, keeps the concrete hydrate plus helps from the cement staining from other factors. It also helps with salt damage in the winter time and snow/ water/ and ice accumulation. These are only some of the great benefits of using concrete sealer.

Micro-fiberglass makes the concrete more dense and rigid, creating more strength in the cement (PSI) Pound per Square Inch. Great for using in steps or patios for railings or cabana/ pergola.

We have been happy to service the Chicagoland and neighboring villages/ town communities since 1999 for nearly 30 years. Creating a beautiful concrete welcome to all for 3 decades.

Best time to pour concrete is in the late spring and summer months dependent on the weather. Typically, April - September to fully let the new cement cure for 90 days before the cold weather starts.

There are various pigments to new cement depending on the mixture and how much the new cement is watered after being cured. Majority of cement is an off white, although there are various factors.

The reason why new concrete has a brush finish is to give the concrete texture and make sure it’s non-slip especially  in the winter time with snow and ice accumulation.

Typically, for cement steps normal traditional height allowed by majority of village halls codes range from 6” - 7” & 3/4”. For more elderly people we recommend small steps closer to six inches in height.

There are many factors to this question, overall for long term in the four seasons climate concrete is the better option for lasting longer. Cement is more dense and stronger, plus holds up in comparison to asphalt during the cold snowy seasons. Cement is more costly, but more efficient for Illinois weather.

PSI stands for Pounds per Square Inch, and typically villages and towns require a minimum of 4,000 PSI mixture for the concrete. Our team on average uses 5,000 PSI, which is more grade resistant for the four seasons and is better for commercial development as well.

Yes, our team does provide free one time consultation to discuss the best options to get the best results for the project. 

Cement begins to harden within hours, but full strength takes about 28 days. Initial curing—critical for durability—requires the first 7 days to be moisture-retentive and above 50°F. In Chicago, where spring and fall temperatures fluctuate, using curing blankets or plastic sheeting helps maintain ideal conditions and prevents early drying or freeze damage.

Expansion joints absorb movement caused by Chicago’s dramatic temperature swings and freeze-thaw cycles. Install them every 8–12 feet in driveways and patios, and always where concrete meets the house, garage, or another slab.

While accelerators exist, rushing curing can compromise strength and long-term integrity. Instead, focus on proper moisture retention and temperature control during the first week. Patience ensures a durable, weather-resistant surface.