Concrete Contractors in Washoe Valley, NV

Washoe Valley is the stretch between Reno and Carson City centered on Washoe Lake, and as concrete contractors we cover the homes on its east side. The Washoe Valley census-designated place closely matches the community of New Washoe City along Eastlake Boulevard. It sits at 5,086 feet and counted 3,074 residents and 1,341 housing units in 2020.

Wind is the first thing we plan for

Strong wind is a fact of life in this valley. The Washoe Valley article notes that gusts sometimes close U.S. 395 to high-profile vehicles, and the summer wind known as the Washoe Zephyr can blow almost daily. Mark Twain wrote that "a Washoe wind is by no means a trifling matter."

Wind matters for fresh concrete because it pulls water out of the surface faster than the slab can replace it. That can cause plastic shrinkage cracks within hours of the pour and a weak, dusty top layer. On windy days we:

• Schedule pours for the calmer morning hours
• Put up windbreaks where we can
• Use an evaporation retarder on the surface between finishing passes
• Apply curing compound or wet cure right after finishing
• Postpone if the forecast is too extreme to protect the slab

Property with room to spread out

The valley covers about 66 square miles, and Theodore Winters ran a 4,000-acre cattle farm and Thoroughbred stud here from 1857 to 1957. Rural and semi-rural lots are still common. That means requests for:

Barn, shop and garage slabs with thickened edges and a smooth or broom finish inside.

Long driveways and turnarounds for trucks, horse trailers and RVs.

Patios with windbreak walls or placed in the lee of the house so they are usable on breezy afternoons.

Walkways between the house, garage and outbuildings.

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Higher and colder than the valley floor

At 5,086 feet, New Washoe City sits more than 600 feet above Sparks, and Slide Mountain and Mount Rose rise to the west. Winter nights are cold and snow sticks around on shaded ground. Every exterior slab gets air-entrained concrete and slopes that move snowmelt away. We also recommend a penetrating sealer after the concrete cures.

Fire-aware landscaping

The Washoe Valley article describes the area as very fire-prone, citing vegetation, slopes and limited water for structure protection. A concrete patio, walkway or apron around the house replaces plants and bark right next to the walls. Many owners use that as a reason to extend hardscape near the home, and we can plan a layout that does that while keeping drainage correct.

Moisture is what concrete gains strength from

The air in Washoe Valley is dry even on calm days. Concrete hardens through a chemical reaction with water, and a slab that dries out in its first days never reaches full strength, least of all at the surface. After finishing, the slab is either sealed in with a curing compound or kept damp under covers. You will also get dates: walking usually the next day, cars after about a week.

Steps and walks for an older community

Wikipedia's 2020 figures put the CDP's median age at 55.1, with 29.5% of residents 65 or older. That makes safe footing a priority: low, even risers on steps, landings at doors, walks wide enough for two, a broom texture for grip and no lips at the joints. Washoe Valley is unincorporated Washoe County, and we check county requirements before scheduling. Call (775) 278-6129 to book a time in Washoe Valley, NV.