McAllen Concrete Contractors - Frequently Asked Questions

In McAllen, residential concrete driveway installation typically ranges from $8 to $15 per square foot for basic broom finish, with factors like South Texas clay soil conditions, local aggregate availability, and seasonal weather patterns affecting pricing. Premium finishes like exposed aggregate or stamped concrete can increase costs to $12-$20 per square foot.

Resurfacing an existing driveway in McAllen costs approximately $3-$7 per square foot, while complete replacement runs $8-$15 per square foot. Given South Texas’s expansive clay soils that cause settling and cracking, replacement is often recommended when structural issues exist, especially with driveways over 15-20 years old.

Stamped concrete patios in McAllen typically cost $10-$18 per square foot compared to $6-$12 for a standard broom finish. The hot Texas climate requires UV-resistant sealers and color hardeners, adding $1-$3 per square foot to maintain appearance against the intense South Texas sun.

McAllen concrete pricing varies based on short-load fees (typically $75-$150 for loads under 5 yards), pump charges ($200-$400), delivery distance from local plants, and specialty admixtures like plasticizers for hot weather placement. Summer pours may require additional water reducers and set retarders, increasing costs by $10-$20 per yard.

McAllen driveways should be 5-6 inches thick due to the area’s expansive clay soils and heavy truck traffic common in this border region. The city follows the 2018 International Building Code, and local contractors often recommend 6 inches to handle soil movement and prevent cracking.

McAllen driveways and patios require a minimum 1/4″ per foot slope (2%) for proper drainage, with some areas needing up to 1/2″ per foot due to the Rio Grande Valley’s flat topography and potential for heavy rainfall during tropical weather events

Concrete overlays work well in McAllen when the existing slab is structurally sound and properly bonded. However, given the area’s soil movement issues, overlays may not address underlying settlement problems. Thickness should be a minimum of 2 inches with proper surface preparation and bonding agents.

McAllen’s summer temperatures often exceed 100°F, requiring special hot weather concreting practices. Concrete shouldn’t be placed when the air temperature exceeds 90°F without proper precautions like chilled water, ice, and set-retarding admixtures. Winter placement is rarely an issue except during occasional cold fronts.

In McAllen’s hot climate, concrete reaches initial set in 4-8 hours and can be walked on after 24 hours. Vehicle traffic should wait 7 days minimum, though full strength develops over 28 days. The high humidity actually helps curing, but may extend finishing time.

New concrete in McAllen should cure for 28 days before sealing. Acrylic sealers work well for decorative surfaces but need frequent reapplication due to UV exposure. Penetrating silane/siloxane sealers provide better longevity in South Texas’s intense sun and are preferred for plain concrete.

Hairline cracks are common in McAllen due to clay soil movement and thermal cycling. Cracks wider than 1/4″ or showing vertical displacement indicate structural issues requiring professional evaluation. Map cracking patterns help identify whether it’s shrinkage or soil-related settlement.

McAllen requires building permit applications for most construction projects. While some concrete flatwork may be exempt, check with McAllen’s Building Permits & Inspection department at 956-681-1328. Permits are typically required for driveways connecting to public streets and large patio installations.

McAllen adopts the 2018 International Building Code, which requires minimum concrete strengths and thicknesses. Local amendments may require additional reinforcement due to expansive clay soils. Always verify current requirements with the city’s building department before beginning work.

When permits are required, McAllen typically requires inspections before concrete placement (for reinforcement and forms) and final inspections. Request inspections by calling 956-681-1328. Some residential flatwork may be exempt from inspection requirements, but verify with the building department.

Ask McAllen concrete contractors about: Texas contractor licensing and insurance, experience with local clay soils, warranty terms (typically 1-2 years), references from recent local projects, cleanup procedures, timeline including weather delays, reinforcement plans specific to soil conditions, and whether they handle permit applications and inspections.