Few concrete contractors earn the prestigious Diamond Certified award, which means they’ve been independently rated Highest in Quality. Even fewer can also claim an owner with more than 40 years of industry experience, but that’s exactly the case for John Casalegno Concrete Construction. “I’ve been in this business for a long time, so I understand what it takes to perform high-quality work for the best possible price,” says owner John Casalegno. “My favorite part of this business is making each customer happy by providing a job well done.”

John Casalegno Concrete Construction has been offering a wide range of commercial and residential concrete and masonry services to clients throughout Santa Clara, Monterey and San Benito Counties since 1979. The company’s primary focus is utilizing high-quality workmanship and materials to create custom concrete and masonry hardscapes that blend with its clients’ needs.

Unlike less experienced concrete contractors that don’t understand the importance of making themselves consistently available to their customers, John Casalegno Concrete Construction strives to build a personal relationship with each client that’s based on mutual respect and clear communication. “I’m present on every job, so the customer can talk to me one-on-one and ensure the work is being done to their exact specifications,” explains Mr. Casalegno. “I also give every customer my personal cell phone number, so they can call me if they ever have a question or concern.”

Mr. Casalegno says his presence on every jobsite gives his company a major advantage when it comes to quality control. “I apply my four decades of concrete experience to every step of every project, so our customers can be assured their jobs will be performed to the highest quality. They really love the personal, hands-on approach I take to concrete and masonry work.”

Sealants and regular maintenance will help keep your concrete surfaces looking like new. Harsh elements and weather exposure can take their toll on concrete surfaces, eroding their surfaces and causing cracks over time. Also, some concrete driveways can become permanently stained with motor oil and acids, and traffic can wear down the top layer and make the surface even more vulnerable to staining and discoloration. Even with all these potentially damaging scenarios, there are numerous steps you can take to preserve the aesthetic value of your concrete surfaces.
First, have a concrete contractor install a sealant to act as a weather barrier and help repel water, dirt, dust, lawn fertilizer, mildew, grease, and organic and chemical stains. “Flat sealers help keep oil leaks from seeping into your concrete, and sealers are often used to hold in the color on colored and stamped concrete,” explains John Casalegno, owner of John Casalegno Concrete Construction in Hollister. “Based on your usage and your area’s weather conditions, I recommend resealing a concrete driveway every two to three years.”
If you see an oil stain on your driveway, immediately use a cloth dampened with gasoline to clean it. Mr. Casalegno cautions against using a power washer on a concrete driveway. “Power washing removes the cement from the top of the concrete, which exposes the sand and rocks underneath and can cause permanent damage,” he says. “There are much better ways to do regular maintenance and cleaning. Ask your concrete contractor to give you ideas based on your specific type of driveway.”
Here are some other basic concrete maintenance tips:
• Have your concrete cleaned by a concrete professional once a year. This will remove dirt, grime, rust and stains from the surface.
• Have cracks repaired as soon as you notice them. This will prevent the cracks from growing larger through the effects of rain, wind and weathering.
• Have concrete joints sealed to keep water from leaking into the subgrade, eliminate dirt collection, and keep plants and weeds from growing in the joints and breaking up the concrete.

Q: When can you start my job?

A: We can usually start within a couple weeks of your initial call, but we can be flexible depending on your specific needs.

Q: How long will it take to complete my project?

A: That depends on the type and size of the job. Since every job is different, we wait until we write the estimate to give a specific timeline.

Q: Will I have to water my new concrete to cure

A: No. Once your new concrete is poured, we’ll cure it by using chemicals or letting it breathe naturally. You won’t have to do any work.

Q: Can you provide stamped or colored concrete?

A: Yes. We can also provide different finishes, including broom finish, exposed aggregate and rock salt finishes. However, that does add an extra step to the process—once we’re done pouring the concrete, we have to come back to clean, power wash and seal it.

Q: Will my new concrete crack?

A: Concrete always has the potential to crack, but we use control joints and quality materials to minimize cracking as much as possible.

Q: How long will I have to wait to use my new driveway?

A: You should wait at least seven days—more if it’s winter or your new driveway has decorative elements. We can give you an exact timeframe for your specific driveway once it’s poured.