Concrete Contractors Serving Glenlake, TX

Frequently Asked Questions

Our driveway is original from when the house was built in 1987. Why is it falling apart now?

Concrete from the late 1980s was constructed using methods that don’t meet current standards. Wire mesh reinforcement was common but provides less crack control than modern rebar. Control joints were often spaced farther apart than we recommend today. Base preparation on Hill Country sites sometimes didn’t adequately address soil or rock conditions. Combined with nearly 40 years of Central Texas weather cycles and possible tree root pressure, most original driveways from this era have exceeded their useful life. Replacement with modern materials and techniques provides significantly better long-term performance.

There’s a big oak tree whose roots have lifted several sections of our front walkway. Can you fix it without harming the tree?

Yes, tree preservation is typically achievable. We assess which roots are causing problems and their importance to tree health. Surface roots can often be carefully trimmed without major impact. For larger structural roots, we design solutions that work around them: rerouting the walkway, bridging over root masses with formed sections, or installing root barriers directing future growth away from concrete. Cutting major roots risks tree stability and health, so we design avoidance solutions when possible.

We want to expand our patio, but there are several trees nearby. How close can you pour concrete to tree trunks?

Safe distance depends on tree species, size, and health. Generally, we avoid significant excavation within the drip line, the outer edge of the canopy. For large oaks, this may mean staying 15-25 feet from the trunk for major poured areas. Smaller installations, such as narrow walkways, can sometimes work more closely together using careful hand excavation and root-conscious techniques. We assess your specific trees during estimates and recommend approaches to protect tree health while achieving practical patio goals.

Our neighbor had rock close to the surface, but we’ve never encountered it in our yard. Why such variation?

Geology near the Balcones Escarpment varies dramatically over short distances. Limestone layers were deposited millions of years ago and don’t follow property lines. One lot may have rock at 6 inches, while the adjacent property has clay soil several feet deep. We probe during estimates to assess your specific conditions rather than assuming based on what others have found nearby.

The builder’s patio slopes toward the house, and water pools against the foundation. Can you fix this?

Yes, improper drainage is a common reason for patio replacement. We evaluate the existing situation to understand why water flows toward the house: was the original slope wrong, has the soil settled, or have grade changes elsewhere directed water onto the patio? New concrete establishes a proper slope directing water away from the foundation. If surrounding grades contribute to the problem, we address those as part of the project. The result is a patio that protects your foundation rather than threatening it.

We’re considering both a new driveway and a patio. Does combining projects save money?

Combining projects typically provides modest savings through mobilization efficiency, since equipment and crew setup occur only once. You also get disruption concentrated in one period rather than spread across two projects. The more significant benefit is ensuring that both installations use consistent techniques and are coordinated to achieve overall drainage and appearance. We’re happy to quote projects separately or combined based on your preference and budget.