How to Plan and Prepare for a Concrete Patio Installation

Concrete PatioThinking about installing a new concrete patio so that you and your family can enjoy spending more time outside this summer? This is a great idea, but it’s important to do some preliminary planning before you start pouring concrete. You can start designing your new patio with the suggestions below!

Figure out where you want the patio to go.

There are probably a few different places where you might install a concrete patio on your property. Many people like to put their patio in a place that’s not too far from their kitchen, especially if they like to entertain guests. You might also want to install your patio adjacent to an exterior door so that you can shade it with a retractable awning.

Determine how big the patio is going to be.

Your concrete patio can be as big or as small as you want it to be, depending on the size of your family and the amount of outdoor furniture you have. If your yard is relatively small, however, an especially large patio might overwhelm other features of your property. Ideally, your new patio should complement your existing landscaping efforts rather than distracting from them.

Obtain the proper permits.

Before installing a concrete patio, you’ll need to make sure you have the necessary permits from your local city or town. The permitting process can vary from town to town, so check with your local building department to find out exactly what you need to pour a new patio on your property. If you haven’t done this type of work on your own in the past, consider recruiting the help of a professional paving company as well.

Get your concrete from a reliable source.

Once you’ve planned out your patio and found an experienced installer, it will be time to schedule your concrete delivery. At Bergen Mobile Concrete, our metered mobile mixers are designed to make sure you never have to pay for more concrete than you need. Plus, our concrete is made fresh for each job so you can get the best possible results.

To learn more, or to schedule your next concrete delivery, feel free to give us a call at (201) 979-7550 today!

Why are Concrete Floors Gaining Popularity?

It’s no surprise that people are discovering the benefits of concrete floors. Their cost effective, easy to maintain, and are simply cleaned. Concrete slays in the face of its competitors. Rugs are easily outdated, consume odors, and trigger allergies for many homeowners. Tiles can accumulate mold and mildew in the grout that lies between them. Wood, while beautiful, is temperamental. The list could go on and on.

Concrete Patio

Functional and Economical

Concrete is a functional and economical material. They are easy to sweep and mop, becoming particularly important for families with children or pets who shed. They also compliment designs in a unique way. Concrete in its simplicity becomes a base to the vibrant, edgy, or classic personality of your home.  The cost of concrete is also very low in comparison to other flooring materials. It’s variety of finishes offers you the chance to create your own masterpiece and make your house a home. Subtle cracks and tonal differences in the pour add flavor to any home.

Longevity of Concrete

The last and possibly most important benefit of concrete floors is its longevity. Concrete can last for years to come without any major repairs or fixes. It can also be swapped out at a later time for any of the aforementioned materials. However, after reading up on the benefits of concrete why would you choose any other materials?

Contact us with any concrete questions you may have and upgrade your home today with Bergen Mobile Concrete.

How to Clean Your Concrete Patio This Summer

Concrete patios are great because they are durable and long-lasting. They make for great surfaces, whether they’re patios, sidewalks, walkways, etc. You still need to make sure you’re cleaning the patio because weather can put some wear on them. If you have a beautiful concrete patio, here are some ways to keep it looking clean and bright.

concrete patio cleaning

Clear Debris and Moss

If you have debris and moss on the concrete, it’s important to clean this off before using any water. What you’ll need to do is loosen up the moss and sweep it off with a broom or use a leaf blower to clear it.

Hose Down and Power Wash

After blowing off the debris, use a hose or power washer to wet the concrete and power wash all the mildew and stains on the concrete. You’ll notice the color change from over the years when you’re using a power washer.

Do it Yourself Cleaner:

A great way to get rid of stains and mildew is to mix your own cleaning ingredients and scrub them on the concrete patio. Take distilled white vinegar and mix it with a cup of baking soda. Spread the mix over the patio with a sponge and let it sit for a half and hour. Then, scrub the patio with a nylon-bristled scrub brush. After you scrub, it’s time to take out the hose or power washer and rinse it off. Let it dry before putting your furniture back on.

Bergen Mobile Concrete

At Bergen Mobile Concrete, we specialize in concrete mixing and delivery for whatever your project is. If you need to replace your concrete patio with new concrete or you would like to install a concrete patio or walkway, we are the perfect solution for you. Using our mobile concrete mixer trucks and concrete buggy, we can supply you with the right amount of concrete for your project. Contact Bergen Mobile Concrete at 201-797-7550!

The Benefits of Concrete Delivery

Concrete projects, whether it’s at a home or a business, can be quite tricky when you don’t have the right equipment. Bergen Mobile Concrete is your best choice when it comes to mobile concrete delivery. Saving time and headaches with mobile concrete mixer trucks and concrete buggies from us can help you get the concrete project done the right way.

Concrete mixer delevery

Concrete Buggy Trucks

We offer and supply a concrete truck that comes with a buggy, so that your workers won’t have to worry about spending time pushing a wheelbarrow full of concrete mix. This is the perfect choice for smaller projects that only require a 37-inch opening. Pool decks, patios, and walkways that are concrete will benefit from our concrete buggy.

Metered Concrete Mixer

Our mobile mixer is quite beneficial because it eliminates waste unlike a traditional ready-mix truck. The customer benefits because they only pay for the amount that they use, which means they are saving money. This metered mobile concrete mixer truck allows us to provide the exact amount of concrete needed for the mix design.

The Benefits of Hiring Bergen Mobile Concrete:

  • Same day concrete delivery
  • Only pay for what is used
  • Concrete is made fresh to order on the job
  • Waste is close to zero
  • Supply low range concrete to high performance Rapid Set concrete
  • All-wheel drive concrete buggy

Save money and time with our concrete delivery services. We can help you get your concrete mixed, whether it’s a short load concrete order or a large concrete order. We make just enough for your project and charge you for what is mixed.

Many other companies tell customers to order at least 10% more than they need just in case they run short. This can be costly to the customer. This is not how we work, and we can determine exactly what you need, so you’re not over-charged and you don’t have any extra concrete.

Contact Bergen Mobile Concrete at 201-797-7550 today!

How to Remove Unsightly Oil Stains From a Concrete Driveway

Oil LeakHas a vehicle with a leaky oil pan left a dark oil stain on your concrete driveway? It’s a good idea to remove these stains sooner rather than later so that they don’t have an opportunity to soak into the concrete. Oil and grease stains will also need to be cleaned before the driveway is resealed.

Start With Cat Litter

If the stain is relatively small, you can start by applying a generous amount of cat litter to the affected area. Cat litter is an absorbent poultice that effectively sucks oil and grease out of concrete. Let the cat litter sit on the oil stain for about 30 minutes, and then use a heavy tool like a tamper to scrub the litter into the stain. Once you’re done, you can sweep up the remaining cat litter and discard it.

Use a Degreaser

If there’s still evidence of a stain after using the cat litter method, you can use a concrete degreaser to loosen the oil and make it easier to remove. Just dilute the degreaser according to the directions on the bottle, and use a scrub brush and some elbow grease to scour the stain away.

Try a Microbial Cleaner

For particularly stubborn stains, consider using a microbial cleaner instead. These products contain enzymes that digest the oil and convert it into harmless byproducts. The enzymes will continue to consume the oil until it’s gone, at which point they will die off leaving your driveway clean and spot-free. This is the same method that’s used to clean beaches and waterways following oil spills.

What Makes Concrete the Ideal Material for a Patio Surface?

Concrete Patio If you’re thinking about upgrading your home with a patio installation, you’re probably deciding between several different materials, including concrete, wood and paving stones. At Bergen Mobile Concrete, we think concrete is the ideal material for a patio surface.

Here are some reasons why.

You’ll Enjoy It for Years

With basic maintenance and proper installation, your concrete patio can last for 30 years or more. Concrete stands up to cold temperatures, snow and rain. Unlike wood, it won’t rot or splinter, and unlike paving stones, it’s less likely to shift and need readjusting.

It’s Low-Maintenance

All you need to do to maintain your concrete patio and keep it looking nice is seal it and give it a good cleaning once every year or two. No constant touch-ups needed, so sit back, relax and enjoy your concrete patio!

You Can Choose Your Style

Concrete is also an incredibly versatile material. With stamping patterns, it can imitate brick, stone or tile. Jazz it up with geometric patterns, or stain it in a wide variety of solid colors or blended patterns—the choice is yours!

Save on Installation Costs

Concrete is one of the most economical patio materials on the market. Your design choices can increase your costs, but with simple designs, you’ll be paying less than other materials for your patio

Need some high-quality concrete for your patio? Our metered mobile mixers can deliver fresh concrete right to your door. Plus, you’ll never pay for more than you need. To get started, give us a call at (201) 797-7550 today!

Save Time and Money With Our Metered Mobile Concrete Mixers

Concrete Pouring in Cold WeatherDo you need concrete for your next big job? You could go ahead and order a traditional ready mix concrete truck and have the concrete delivered to you. But the problem with this approach is that you will have to estimate how much concrete you need, and then hope that you don’t order either too much or too little material for the job. If you order too much, the excess constitutes a waste of money and resources for your business. If you order too little, on the other hand, the cost of ordering a second truck can be quite expensive as well.

Fortunately, the solution to this problem is surprisingly simple.

At Bergen Mobile Concrete, you can order a metered mobile concrete mixer that can mix just the right amount of concrete for your project on site. With a metered mixer, you’ll never have to pay for more concrete than you need. You also won’t have to stop in the middle of a project and wait for more concrete to arrive. Bergen Mobile Concrete will bring the maximum amount of concrete that you think you might use, mix it right on site and charge you for the exact amount you use.

In addition to their money-saving potential, metered mobile concrete mixers have a few other important benefits as well.

With our mobile mixer, we’re able to mix fresh concrete so that you know you’re getting the best possible material for your project. You can also still customize your concrete color and use admixtures just like you would be able to do with a concrete truck. It’s just a much simpler way to get the concrete you need, wherever you need it.

Interested in learning more about our same day concrete delivery services? Give us a call today at (201) 797-7550 to speak with a representative!

Winter Maintenance Tips for Concrete Driveways

A durable concrete driveway can last for many years, but if you don’t take good care of it during the winter, cold weather and freezing precipitation can take a serious toll on its surface. Below you can find a few winter maintenance tips that will keep your concrete driveway in great condition.

Apply Concrete Sealer Before Winter Begins

One easy way to protect your concrete driveway in the winter is to apply a protective sealer before the season begins. A sealer can stop moisture from penetrating the concrete’s surface during the winter, thereby preventing it from spalling and cracking.

Throw Down Sand Instead of Salt

Many people pour salt and other deicing chemicals on their driveway when it snows. While these products can effectively melt snow and ice, they can also wreak havoc on your driveway. Use sand instead of deicing products to gain traction on your driveway without shortening its lifespan.

Remove Snow and Ice Regularly

If you let snow and ice pile up on your driveway during the winter, it will be more likely to cause moisture damage to your driveway. Get into the habit of removing snow and ice from your driveway as soon as it starts to build up. This will not only make shoveling easier, but also prevent moisture-related cracks from developing during the winter.

If your driveway has already survived a few too many winters, the team at Bergen Mobile Concrete can help you replace it with our convenient concrete buggies and mobile mixers. To learn more, feel free to give us a call or contact us online today!

Pour Concrete Perfectly With These Seasonal Pouring Tips

Concrete can be poured at almost any point in the year, but the different seasons bring with them both positives and negatives that need to be considered. This is especially true for those of us in the Northeast United States where we tend to get a little bit of each season, even though both spring and fall seem too short. Here are a few tips on pouring concrete in and around your home for each season.

Winter Concrete PourWinter

Because of the cold weather, the ground tends to freeze the farther north you go. Since this is the case, use a cold-weather concrete mix for all exterior concrete placed in the winter months. These specially formulated mixed include set accelerators that help the concrete cure faster, as well as air-entrainment admixtures that can help with frozen conditions. It also may seem obvious, but be sure to use hot water when mixing concrete this time of year.

Spring

With wet and sometimes windy weather, think about placing plastic sheeting over poured concrete to keep moisture at bay. Surface evaporative control agents can also be added to help cure the concrete quickly and completely when the weather is wetter. Be sure to also consider the frost in the ground when pouring concrete at this time of year to ensure that your foundations set properly.

Summer

While in the winter, we want to shorten the set time, in summer we want to extend it. Hydration stabilizers and water reducers are commonly used to allow concrete more time to set in humid conditions. Using the proper amount of water, along with allowing the extra time for finishing, are highly recommended. Fortunately, summer soils are generally free of frost, which means that there’s less risk of instability or uneven pours following any frost heaving.

Fall

Due to freeze-thaw conditions, the Northeast is prone to spalling and scaling of concrete, so spend extra time again on finishing. Air-entrainment additives should be mandatory on all jobs done in the fall, and hydration stabilizers and water reducers frequently used to extend the working life of concrete without weakening it.

If you have any questions, reach out to us at Bergen Mobile Concrete anytime. We’re happy to help you with your next project and can deliver concrete wherever it’s needed. We know all the tips and tricks to make sure your concrete looks and performs the best it can, no matter what season you’re pouring in. Call us at 201-797-7550 to schedule a concrete delivery today.

Why You Should Choose Concrete for Your Driveway

906162_SWhen it comes to creating a new driveway, many people think that asphalt is their only option. However, we’re here to tell you that not only is concrete a viable material for driveway construction, but it actually offers several benefits over asphalt. At Bergen Mobile Concrete, we offer our services for a variety of applications, including driveways. If you’re on the fence about using concrete for your driveway, read on to learn why it may be your best option.

Concrete Driveway Comes with Benefits

Unlike asphalt, concrete is an incredibly functional material that is used around the world for a variety of surfaces including everything from sidewalks to bridges. When it comes to your driveway, you can expect concrete to hold up for years, without showing any signs of wear or degradation. In fact, concrete is strong enough to support thousands of pounds of weight, which it will most likely need to if you plan on parking even a single car in your driveway.

Not only is concrete extremely functional and durable, but it also looks great too. A concrete driveway will help your home stand out in the best way possible, enhancing the look of your entire property. Concrete is a great choice if you want to increase the curb appeal of your home, which is always something a homeowner should be thinking about.

Concrete Driveway for the Long Term

Last but not least, concrete requires much less maintenance than asphalt. It is easy to remove stains from concrete, and you can even apply a sealant to it to keep the entire driveway better protected.

If you would like to learn more about why concrete is the best choice for your driveway, contact our team today!