Frequently Asked Questions

Building Excellence Since 1998

Concrete F.A.Q.

My landscape designer said concrete in Alberta is not as structurally sound, long term, as interlocking brick and paver products because of our freeze-thaw climate that causes “cracks and heaving “. Whereas, they said, interlocking bricks and pavers are more able to “move & shift” and is a better choice, long term. Is this true?"

Concrete, when installed properly and with correctly compacted gravel base, correctly installed rebar and correctly finished concrete, will not only prohibit heaving & mitigate cracks, but will ensure your concrete investment lasts for decades with the least amount of maintenance required for any exterior “flooring” on the market, including pavers and interlocking brick. Simply look around your city streets, sidewalks and public spaces; does your city typically invest in concrete or cobblestone pavers as their public spaces’ exterior flooring choice? Ironically, even the “upgraded” design choice of exposed aggregate concrete is more economical for the consumer than the most basic pattern of cobblestone pavers… and without the notorious sinking, weeds, and ants that cobblestone attracts.

How thick should my concrete be poured?

Residential concrete should be a minimum of 4-5” of consistent thickness.

What is the minimum depth of excavation required for a residential patio, driveway or walkway?

The minimum depth of excavation in residential construction should be 8" to allow for a minimum 4"compacted gravel base and for a consistent 4" thick concrete floor, driveway or patio.

Do I really need to have rebar included if the gravel base is 4-5” and compacted?

Rebar helps to control cracks and shrinkage and can also provide structural support. Rebar is to concrete what joists are to a roof. The proper installation of residential rebar applications is minimum 24” on centre.

Why do I need brackets in my front yard sidewalk? Are they just an upsell?

Brackets, when properly spaced and properly installed reduce the risk of your sidewalk “settling or sinking” over time. A sidewalk without brackets installed can sink to the point where it becomes a complete structural failure and needs to either be replaced or at the very least, professionally “mud-jacked” and propped back up: both outlooks being much more expensive than installing brackets during the initial project. Brackets also help to mitigate the size and quantity of cracks in your concrete.

About

EXPERIENCED CONCRETE CONTRACTORS IN CALGARY | ABOUT US

For over 28 years, Pittman Concrete Ltd. has been one of the leading concrete contractors in Calgary AB and surrounding areas, with projects stretching across Canada (more on areas we serve here). Our prior experience in home building and general construction has gifted us with a unique ability to provide the most cost-effective concrete solutions in a timely manner, and ultimately provide a superior concrete product. Whether you’re seeking residential concrete contracting services or light commercial concrete contracting services, we have you covered. We pride ourselves on our extensive knowledge base, timeliness, and uncompromising commitment to quality and ethical business practices. These qualities and more are what we owe our reputation as among the best concrete contractors in Calgary to. If you’re in search of aesthetic, durable concrete that meets the highest of standards, we look forward to providing you with a free consultation.

Vertical crack repairs and window sill repairs on a high rise apartment building in Calgary, AB.

Service Areas

Pittman Concrete provides residential and commercial concrete services throughout Alberta in the following areas:

Concrete Contractor in Airdrie, AB

Concrete Contractor in Aldersyde, AB

Concrete Contractor in Banff, AB

Concrete Contractor in Balzac, AB

Concrete Contractor in Bearspaw, AB

Concrete Contractor in Bragg Creek, AB

Concrete Contractor in Calgary, AB

Concrete Contractor in Carseland, AB

Concrete Contractor in Cheadle, AB

Concrete Contractor in Chestermere, AB

Concrete Contractor in Conrich, AB

Concrete Contractor in Canmore, AB

Concrete Contractor in Crossfield, AB

Concrete Contractor in Dalemead, AB

Concrete Contractor in De Winton, AB

Concrete Contractor in Diamond Valley, AB
Concrete Contractor in High River, AB

Concrete Contractor in Kathryn, AB

Concrete Contractor in Langdon, AB

Concrete Contractor in Millarville, AB

Concrete Contractor in Okotoks, AB

Concrete Contractor in Priddis, AB

Concrete Contractor in Strathmore, AB

& Upon request, throughout Canada

Our Services Include

Commercial

Residential

We provide concrete forming, placing, finishing, resurfacing, and/or heating and hoarding for almost any concrete project imaginable.

Common projects include heated concrete floors, concrete garages and garage pads, retaining walls, concrete walk ups/walk-up basement stairwells, poured-in-place (site-cast/cast-in-place) entrance concrete stairs, foundations and foundation additions, curbs and sidewalk paving, accessibility ramps and railings, complete parking lots, parking lot asphalt resurfacing and repainting, common space sidewalks, steps & landing overhauls at multi-residential sites, public stairways, public landings, commercial condo concrete pads, concrete for car washes, concrete curbs, specialty concrete projects such as concrete ponds with bridges, other water features, concrete removal and excavation, steps, curbs, driveways, curved walls, curved stairs, concrete basements, suspended slabs, and more.

Why Choose Us

Fully Insured

Commercial General Liability (CGL) Insured.
WCB Insured.

Proven Track Record

Decades of work as concrete contractors in Alberta.
In-depth knowledge of the impact of Alberta’s weather and soil conditions on concrete, and Alberta’s building codes.
5-star reviews.

Collaborative

Expect prompt, professional, and open communication from our contractors with all homeowners, engineers, prime contractors, and other trades.

Unique Insight

10 years as project managers in home building and general construction prior to specializing in concrete allow us to understand the entire building envelope, and given a unique insight into how your concrete project needs to be specially designed to fit within its environment.

Design Team

Our talented, award-winning designer will help you make your dreams a reality while respecting your budget.(Design services are complementary for all residential projects over $30,000).

Quality & Durability

Exceptional forming, placing, and finishing standards.
Use steel support brackets to avoid structural collapse down the road.
Use proper compaction techniques to ensure your concrete passes testing process.
Highly knowledgeable about the permit process.
Meet – and often exceed – engineering specifications.

What our clients are saying

“I hired John to extend our existing builder sized patio and sidewalk because once we put a BBQ and patio set on it, it was clearly not an efficient entertaining space. The whole process was a lot easier than I expected and our yard is now a space we can actually entertain in. Instead of trying to match up the existing concrete, John suggested we do it in a coordinating exposed aggregate and it looks like it was all done at the same time. We are beyond happy with the outcome!”

– Michael S

“We hired Pittman Concrete for our garage pad and couldn’t be happier. They were fast, affordable, respectful and cleaned up the jobsite after themselves. I highly recommend!”

– R. Greer

“Before we hired John we were overwhelmed with design choices and how we were going to put all our ideas down on paper, then John brought in his designer and within 2 hrs of talking, we had a concept plan for our entire backyard (not just the concrete) that we can now work on as our budget & time permits. I highly recommend Pittman Concrete (& his designer) if you want a great outdoor space but don’t know where to start!”

– T.J. Richmond