RLW: The Mixer Minute

  Why Surface Cleaning Matters Before a Concrete Overlay When it comes to concrete overlays, what’s underneath matters just as much as what goes on top. A beautiful, smooth overlay can completely transform a driveway, patio, garage floor, or walkway — but without proper surface preparation, even the best materials won’t perform the way they should. That’s why surface cleaning isn’t just a step in the process — it’s the foundation of the entire project. What Is a Concrete Overlay? A concrete overlay is a thin layer of specialized cement-based material applied over existing concrete. It’s often used to: Refresh worn or stained concrete Add decorative finishes (stamped, textured, or stained) Improve appearance without full replacement Restore minor surface damage Overlays are a cost-effective way to upgrade concrete — but they rely heavily on proper bonding to the existing surface. Why Surface Cleaning Is So Important 1. Adhesion Depends on It Concrete overlays bond mechanically to th...

  Side by Side Thursday: Concrete vs. Asphalt Which Driveway Is Right for You? When it comes to upgrading your driveway, patio, or walkway, one of the biggest decisions homeowners face is concrete vs. asphalt . While both materials serve a purpose, they offer very different long-term benefits. At RLW Concrete LLC , we believe in helping homeowners make informed decisions — so let’s break it down. Appearance & Curb Appeal Concrete offers a clean, bright, and polished look that instantly boosts curb appeal. It can also be customized with: Multiple color options Stamped designs Decorative finishes Broom or smooth textures Asphalt has a uniform black finish and limited design flexibility. While it may look clean initially, it tends to fade over time and requires sealing to maintain its appearance. If customization and long-term curb appeal matter to you, concrete gives you more options. Durability & Longevity Concrete is known for its strength and long ...

  Why Experience Matters in Concrete Work When it comes to concrete, experience isn’t just a bonus — it’s everything. Concrete might look simple from the outside. It’s gray. It’s smooth. It hardens. But behind every clean driveway, stamped patio, or smooth garage floor is years of hands-on knowledge that most people never see. At RLW Concrete LLC, we know that experience is what separates a short-term fix from a long-term investment. Concrete Is Timing Concrete doesn’t wait. Once it’s poured, the clock starts ticking. Knowing exactly when to screed, float, edge, stamp, and finish takes years of practice. Weather conditions, humidity, temperature, and even wind can affect how the concrete sets. An experienced crew understands how to adjust in real time so your project turns out smooth, level, and durable. That kind of judgment doesn’t come from a manual — it comes from being in the field for years. Proper Preparation Prevents Problems A driveway or patio is only as good as ...

  Side-By-Side Thursday: Chemical Cleaner vs. Pressure Washing Concrete When it comes to cleaning your concrete, many homeowners assume all cleaning methods are created equal. But choosing the right approach can make a big difference in both results and long-term durability. Today on Side-By-Side Thursday , we’re breaking down Chemical Cleaning vs. Pressure Washing so you can decide what’s best for your concrete surfaces. Chemical Cleaners Best for: • Oil stains • Rust marks • Algae or mildew buildup • Deep-set discoloration How it works: Specialized concrete-safe cleaning solutions break down stains at a chemical level, lifting them from the pores of the concrete. This method is gentle on the surface while targeting tough spots that water alone can’t remove. Pros: ✔ Effective on stubborn stains ✔ Less risk of surface damage ✔ Reaches deep into concrete pores Cons: • Requires proper product selection • Needs thorough rinsing afterward Important Tip: If you use a...

  Myth Buster Monday: Thicker Concrete Is Always Better When it comes to concrete construction, one of the most common assumptions we hear is: “If it’s thicker, it must be stronger.” It sounds logical, but like many construction myths, it is not the full story. Let’s bust this myth. The Myth Thicker concrete always means better performance, more strength, and longer life. The Reality Concrete thickness is only one piece of a much larger puzzle. In many cases, adding more thickness provides little to no benefit and can even create new problems. What Actually Matters More Than Thickness 1. Proper Design Loads Concrete slabs are designed based on how they will be used. A residential driveway, warehouse floor, and highway pavement all require different thicknesses. Pouring extra concrete without considering load requirements does not automatically improve performance. 2. Subgrade Preparation A well-prepared, properly compacted base often matters more than an extra inch of concrete. Po...

  Why It Matters Wednesday: Joint Control in Concrete Construction In concrete construction, joint control plays a critical role in durability, safety, and long-term performance. While joints may look like simple breaks in concrete, they are intentionally designed systems that control how concrete moves, cracks, and responds to stress. What Is Joint Control in Concrete? Concrete naturally shrinks, expands, and moves due to: Temperature changes Moisture loss Load stress Curing conditions Because concrete is strong in compression but weak in tension, uncontrolled movement leads to random cracking . Joint control refers to the planned placement of joints to manage where and how cracking occurs. Common joint types include: Control joints – guide cracking to predetermined locations Expansion joints – allow concrete to expand without damage Construction joints – separate pours while maintaining structural integrity Why Joint Control Matters Without p...