top of page

FAQ's

What's the difference between cement and concrete?

Cement is merely an ingredient in concrete, much like flour is an ingredient in cake mix. Dry, powdered (portland) cement is blended with sand, stone and water to produce concrete.

 

Why does concrete crack?
Concrete contracts and expands if it gets too cold or hot or if it is under tremendous pressure from water or heavy materials. Cracks may then result. You can help prevent cracking by properly curing the concrete.

 

What is air-entrained concrete?
Air entrainment helps protect concrete that is open to the elements. A contractor makes sure tiny bubbles of air mix thoroughly with the drying concrete, using a chemical process. These bubbles function as buffers when water in the concrete expands and contracts during freezing weather.

 

What is slump?
Slump is a measure of the consistency and stiffness of the concrete. Slump is affected by the amount of water and admixtures in the concrete and is measured in inches by a standard slump test. The higher the slump, the wetter or less firm your concrete is. A three-inch slump is common for a commercial site, as well as steps or any self-sustaining structure which would require very firm concrete. For residential projects, a four or five inch slump is usually specified.

 

What is reinforced concrete, and when should I use it?
Most concrete that you see in construction sites is reinforced; however, flat work such as sidewalks does not require it if proper jointing procedures will be followed later. Wire mesh or steel reinforcing rods such as rebar are generally the materials used to reinforce concrete. Consider fiber-reinforced concrete as an alternative.

 

When can I drive on my new driveway?
Usually you may drive on your driveway after seven to ten days if the concrete has been cured properly. However, uncured concrete requires at least three weeks before you may drive on it.

 

What type of mix do I need?
This is determined by discussing with your engineer or architect the type of project you have. Here are some general guidelines recommended by Landvatter Ready Mix®, Inc.:

  •            For footings and foundations-- 3000 psi River Sand and Gravel Concrete

  •            For driveways and other flatwork -- 4000 psi Meramec Sand and Gravel Concrete

  •            For basement floors -- 2500 psi Meramec Sand and Gravel Concrete

* For each of these types of concrete, Stone may be substituted for Gravel

​

What information is needed to place an order for concrete?
The following information is needed to process an order:

  •            The Customer's Name

  •            A Contact Telephone Number at which Customer could be reached during Time of Delivery

  •            Delivery Address and Directions, including City and Major Roads

  •            Number of Yards; What Type of Mix; What Slump

  •            Date and Time of Delivery;

  •            Order or Will Call.

 

What is the cancellation policy on an order?
All orders can be cancelled or changed without penalty up until one hour before scheduled delivery time. Orders can also be changed to Will Call status up until one hour before scheduled delivery time. After concrete has been loaded on the truck, no cancellations are permitted since Landvatter Ready Mix®, Inc., is unable to resell or restock the concrete at this point in time. Therefore, payment is due for the loaded concrete.

 

What clearance is needed to accommodate the truck at the pour site?
Truck clearance is 10' wide and 12' 6" high. Additional clearance must be allowed when truck needs to make turns.

 

How far do the chutes extend?
On a booster load truck, the chutes extend 14 feet, 6 inches past the end of the truck. On a standard truck, they extend 16 feet past the end of the truck.

 

What is the length of time for unloading concrete?
Time to unload is five minutes per yard, or any part of a yard, and thereafter there is a demmurage charge.

 

What is the smallest amount that can be delivered?
The smallest amount we deliver is one yard.

 

What are some additional charges that may be applied to my bill?
A hauling charge is added to every yard of concrete, but will be separated on your bill for tax purposes. In addition, the following conditions require additional charges:

  •            Deliveries after 3:30 p.m.

  •            Deliveries on Saturday

  •            Winter Service- deliveries between December 1 and March 31

  •            Minimum Load Charges- deliveries less than 5 yards

  •            Towing serviced, if required

  •            Color handling and equipment cleaning

  •            Hot water upon request (excluding Winter Service months)

 

What is a lien waiver?
A document that can be issued by a material supplier to a customer stating that payment has been received for material delivered through a particular date for a particular invoice or project. This waives the rights of the supplier to file mechanics liens on the property.

 

What building materials can be delivered on the truck?
The following materials can be delivered:

  •            Expansions joints

  •            Polyethylene plastic

  •            Reinforcing rods

  •            Sacks of cement

  •            Sacks of sand

  •            Zip strips

  •            Pump aid

  •            Super plastersizers

  •            Micro fiber

  •            Anchor bolts

bottom of page