At Valmel Concrete, all work is completed in a substantial workmanlike manner according to standard practices. Our crews are trained to prepare, set up, place, and finish concrete to industry standards. We work with suppliers and producers for quality materials, and we take pride in the job.
Concrete is made by people, outdoors, over soil. Small imperfections can be expected. If an issue exceeds regular industry standard, we may repair or replace it at our sole discretion. Repairs are promised to return the work to its as-built integrity — not its as-built appearance. Cosmetics of a repair are not warranted.
This Limited Workmanship Warranty expires one year from the date of completion. Damage from wear, de-icers, chemicals, equipment, vehicles, misuse, ground settlement, winter conditions, accidents, or acts of God is not covered.
What to expect
Cracks
Concrete will crack. We cannot guarantee that it will not, even when every precaution is taken. Industry standard for repair or replacement is greater than ¼ inch displacement in height or gap. If we determine repair is required, we repair or replace only the affected area. Caulk or mortar is an acceptable repair. Surface or hairline cracks may not be covered. Top coats and caps over existing concrete are not covered.
Flaking or popping
Harsh weather can flake or pop the surface and expose a stone near the top. That does not compromise the slab. We do not warranty weather damage. Repair is considered when 20% or more of the work area is affected.
Discoloration
We cannot match the color of existing porches, sidewalks, or driveways. Different pours on larger jobs can vary. Gray concrete is not warranted to match existing product. Screen and brochure colors are representations only. Color variation is not covered.
Shifting and settling
Driveways, sidewalks, porches, patios, and garage floors commonly crack or shift over time. Sub-grade settling, roots, and subsurface shrinkage are beyond our control. Settling is not warranted.
Frost heave
Freeze-thaw cycles can heave concrete and then let it settle back. Cracking from frost heave is not a warranty issue.
Finishes
Interior surfaces are generally finished smooth and can be very slippery when wet. Exterior walks and driveways are broom finished. Stamped and stained surfaces are sealed; sealer makes the surface slippery when wet and requires maintenance.
Customer care
- Do not drive on new concrete for at least 7 days.
- Do not allow water to drain beneath the slab — it can cause settlement cracks.
- Do not use salt or other de-icing chemicals, especially the first winter. Hose street salt off the car before parking on new concrete if you can.
- Do not leave dog urine on decorative concrete through freeze-thaw cycles. Clean it as soon as you see it.
Re-sealing decorative concrete
Sealer failures are not warranted. Traffic, use, and weather affect sealer. Keeping stamped work clean and resealing every other year — or as needed — protects color. Too much sealer can whiten. Sprinkle water on the surface: if it darkens and soaks in, reseal; if it beads, you are still protected.
One-year limited warranty
For one year from completion there will be no Major Cracking, Major Scaling and Spalling, or Major Popout due to defective materials or workmanship. For this warranty to apply, concrete must be at least a 6-bag mix 4000 psi, air-entrained, with the Euclid Barricade 200 penetrating sealer option provided on all exterior projects. Exterior work not sealed by Valmel Concrete is not covered.
Definitions
Other exterior concrete includes patios, sidewalks, and other exterior flat work. Major cracking means cracks wider than ¼ inch that, in total length, are more than 30% of the joints, or in any panel more than 30% of that panel’s perimeter. Major scaling and spalling means substantial surface disintegration covering more than 20% of the work or 25% of any panel. Major popout means more than 50 conical breakouts per 100 square feet.
Exclusions
Abuse; non-residential use; fire, flood, earthquake, defective subsurface, or other act of God; drainage changes that undermine the work; tree and plant growth; scaling, spalling, or popouts that are not major; contact during the first 7 days; cracks that are not major; discoloration; settlement from utility trenches; color uniformity.
Notice and remedy
Notify us in writing. If you do not notify us within 90 days after you discover a covered condition, the warranty for that concern is void. Telephoning does not preserve your rights. We inspect within 30 days. If the condition is covered, we repair or replace the damaged part at no charge and choose between repair and replacement.
There are no other warranties, expressed or implied. You may assign this agreement one time to a purchaser of the property. It is not assignable to a third or subsequent purchaser.
Questions about coverage? Call (630) 417-7743 or email service@valmelconcrete.com.