FAQ

Do you place and finish concrete?

We have qualified independent contractors that can provide you with a quote for their services. If you would prefer we can organize the removal, forming, supply and finishing of the concrete. Please ensure you specifically request for the One Price if you would like to choose this option. Our website also offers resources and practical tips for our clients who want to do it themselves.

Do you have pump trucks or have a way to pump from the truck to the site?

We do have pump trucks available for hire for a minimum of 4 hours. We are also able to refer you to reputable pumping companies.

How far do your chutes reach to off load ready-mix concrete?

Our chutes reach from 10 ½ feet to 16 feet (depending on size of truck) straight off the back of the truck and if the chute has to swing to the side, you lose approximately 2 feet. The chutes are 3 ½ feet to 4 feet off the ground at their starting point.

Do you have accessibility to back lanes?

Our smaller ready-mix trucks can fit in most back lanes in the Metro Vancouver area. A good indication is that wherever the garbage trucks can go, we can go.

Do you carry a wheelbarrow on the truck and can you carry more than one?

We provide a very unique service as we are the only ready mix company that carries a wheelbarrow on the truck for your usage at no charge. It’s a special service for you, our special customer. This does not apply to the booster trucks.

Can I pay by cheque?

We will accept Visa, MasterCard or cash for payment. Credit cards must be called into the office to confirm delivery, prior to batching. If you are paying by cash, please be aware that the driver does not carry change.

How long do you allow for offloading time?

We allow 8 minutes per cubic metre offloading time included in the price. If you exceed the allotted time you will be billed standby charges upon receiving the delivery ticket, we charge $2.50 per minute of standby time. Our charges are the lowest in the industry and we like to keep them there such that we can ensure that our customers get the best price.

If it is raining, can I pour my concrete?

If you decide to pour and finish concrete when it is raining, it is important to have the site area covered so that the surface does not get saturated with water and cause runoff.

Can I pour concrete when it is freezing?

It is important to keep the freshly poured concrete from freezing and it should never be poured on frozen ground. Refer to tips for winter concrete for more information. Concrete needs to set and gain strength to resist the freezing stresses. Adding accelerator will help the concrete set quickly. Strength gain is a function.

Can I pour concrete when the weather is hot?

The morning when the air is cool, is the best time to pour concrete on a hot summer day. Keeping the area shaded, the sub grade moist, and away from the heat of the sun (careful that it is not poured in mud) will also help.

Adding retarder will help slow down the chemical reaction and provide you with more time to work with the concrete. The added longevity will aid in the finishing process.

Please refer to tips for summer concrete for more information.

How do I figure out how much concrete I need?

Measure up your area (accuracy is important) and use this concrete calculator or give our office a call and one of our customer service representatives will be happy to assist you.

What is the difference between yards and metres?

A yard is an imperial measurement and a metre is metric. As an example, to calculate the volume of concrete, 1 cubic yard is .80 of a cubic metre.

Do you supply colour in your concrete?

We proudly supply colour that can be added to the concrete. To ensure accuracy when ordering colour, it is important to order the correct quantity and strength of mix for your intended usage. If you have any questions regarding colour choice or availability, please stop by our office and a customer service representative will gladly assist you.

What size of aggregate is in your exposed mix and what if I want to match to existing concrete?

We have two sizes of Chilliwack exposed concrete. We have the standard 10 mm or smaller 5 mm aggregate sizes available. It should be noted that it will be difficult to match with existing concrete due to colouring. You are welcome to come down to our plant and take a sample of the aggregate.

Do you supply anchor bolts and do you have a vibrator that I can rent?

We have anchor bolts that we can supply. Please note you need to mention at the time of ordering, including the size, so that the driver will have the supply with him at time of delivery. We no longer supply vibrators.

Can you give me a per yard or per metre price?

Since Yard At A Time specializes in small deliveries, we provide you a Best Price Guarantee on all deliveries under 5 m3.

Are you able to deliver on a Saturday or Sunday and are there extra charges for a weekend delivery?

We are open for Saturday deliveries but are not open on Sundays. There is an extra charge of $20.00 per metre for a Saturday delivery.

How far in advance should I order?

All deliveries are based on availability. However, during our peak season of May – September, it is usually recommended that you order two to three days in advance, especially for a Saturday delivery. We are quite flexible during our low season and usually can service our customers within a day’s notice; if you call us in the morning, a delivery can sometimes be arranged that very day.

Do you supply fibre?

Absolutely. We have two types of fibre – PSI Fiberstrand 150, and Tuf Strand. The Fiberstrand is very thin, mesh-like pieces and is frequently used in our Radiant Floor mix to reduce surface cracking. The Tuf Strand is thicker wire-like pieces and can be used to increase strength.

Why does concrete crack?

Concrete is a brittle material and cracks due to inability to flex under stress. Cracks easily spread through plain concrete because there are no fibres present to hold the surrounding substance together. Concrete that has not been cured but allowed to dry out the next day will also tend to have more unsightly cracks. It simply lacks the strength needed to hold itself together.