FAQ

We handle all types of concrete work — residential (driveways, patios, walkways, foundations), commercial (slabs, structural concrete, ADA flatwork), government and municipal (sidewalks, curb and gutter, ADA ramps), decorative (stamped, colored, polished), and repair and remediation. If it involves concrete in the Lowcountry, we can likely handle it.

Yes. SilverLeaf Co. & Services holds a South Carolina Concrete Specialty License and carries full bonding and general liability insurance, along with workers' compensation coverage. We can provide documentation on request.

SilverLeaf Co. & Services was established in 2014. Our crew brings over 100 years of combined concrete industry experience to every project.

Both. We work directly with homeowners on residential projects and also serve as a subcontractor for general contractors on commercial and government work.

Use the Request a Quote form on our Contact page, or email us at info@silverleafco.com. Describe your project — what you need, where it is, and the approximate size or scope — and we'll get back to you with a straightforward quote.

We typically respond within one to two business days. For larger or more complex projects, we may need to schedule a site visit before providing a final number.

Yes, we typically require a deposit before scheduling work. The deposit amount and payment schedule will be outlined in your contract.

The more detail you can provide, the better. Helpful information includes: the type of work (driveway, patio, slab, etc.), approximate dimensions, the location, any specific finish requirements, and your timeline. Photos of the site are always helpful.

We use concrete mixes appropriate to the application — residential flatwork typically uses a 3,000–4,000 PSI mix, while structural and commercial work may require higher-strength mixes. We follow ACI and project-specific specifications.

Concrete reaches initial set within a few hours and is typically ready for foot traffic in 24–48 hours. Full cure strength (28-day strength) takes approximately 28 days. We'll give you specific guidance for your project based on the mix and conditions.

Yes. We offer stamped concrete in a variety of patterns (stone, brick, slate, and more), exposed aggregate, colored and integral pigment concrete, polished floors, and custom finishes. See our Services page for more detail.

We can get close in many cases, but an exact match is rarely possible due to weathering, aggregate variation, and curing differences. We'll be upfront about what's achievable before we start.

You can walk on your new concrete the following day. While it will support foot traffic after 24 hours, keep in mind that the surface is still curing and gaining strength, so avoid dragging anything heavy across it.

We recommend waiting 3–4 full sunshine days before placing patio furniture. Concrete continues to cure after the initial set, and dragging or sliding furniture on a fresh surface can scratch or scuff the finish before it has fully hardened.

Yes, but with one important caution: if a dog urinates on fresh concrete, the ammonia in the urine will permanently stain the surface yellow — and unfortunately, that stain cannot be removed. We strongly recommend keeping dogs on a leash in the area for a minimum of 5 days after the pour to prevent any accidents on the new slab.

Concrete reaches its full design strength and completes the curing process at a minimum of 28 calendar days. The surface will lighten and appear white as moisture evaporates during this period. Conditions such as temperature, humidity, and sun exposure all affect how quickly this happens.

We recommend waiting 2–3 full sunshine days before parking a vehicle on your new driveway. Passenger vehicles can be driven on after this period, but avoid parking heavy trucks, trailers, or equipment on the slab until the full 28-day cure is complete.

Rebar is not always required — it depends on the application and any specifications set by a structural engineer. What rebar does is hold concrete together if it cracks; it does not increase the compressive strength of the concrete itself. For most residential flatwork, fiber reinforcement or wire mesh is standard. We will always recommend the appropriate reinforcement for your specific project.

Concrete mixes are rated by compressive strength in PSI (pounds per square inch). Common mixes include 2,500, 3,000, 4,000, 4,500, and 5,000+ PSI. For most residential work we use a 3,000–4,000 PSI mix. Once you move above 3,000 PSI, you begin entering commercial and DOT (Department of Transportation) specification territory, which is used for higher-load applications such as commercial slabs, roadways, and structural work.

Concrete pricing varies based on several factors: the mix strength required, the number of cubic yards needed, site accessibility (how easily the truck and crew can reach the pour location), finish type, and any reinforcement or prep work involved. The best way to get an accurate number is to request a quote — we'll assess your specific project and provide a straightforward estimate.

Concrete cracking is very common and can occur for a variety of reasons. The most frequent causes include the natural aging of the slab, soil settlement beneath the concrete, tree root growth, water infiltration and erosion, thermal expansion and contraction, and improper curing or finishing at the time of installation. Control joints are placed during installation specifically to manage where cracking occurs, but some cracking over time is normal and expected.

Proper maintenance will significantly extend the life of your concrete. Keep the surface clean by sweeping and washing it periodically. Apply a concrete sealer every few years if appropriate for your finish type — this protects against staining, moisture, and surface wear. Repair small cracks early before they expand. Maintain proper drainage around the slab to prevent water from pooling or undermining the base. Avoid using harsh deicing salts in winter, as they can damage the surface over time.

We are based in Charleston, SC and serve the Lowcountry within approximately 100 miles — including Charleston, North Charleston, Mount Pleasant, Summerville, Goose Creek, James Island, Johns Island, Moncks Corner, Beaufort, Bluffton, Hilton Head, Georgetown, and surrounding areas.

It depends on the season and our current workload. We recommend reaching out as early as possible, especially for larger projects or work scheduled in spring and summer when demand is highest.

Concrete placement is weather-sensitive. We monitor conditions closely and will communicate any weather-related delays. We do not pour in rain or when temperatures are expected to drop below freezing without appropriate cold-weather protection measures.