How to Finish a Concrete Slab If you’re undertaking a DIY project that involves pouring concrete for the first time, there are few things you need to know to make sure your concrete is finished properly. You can’t just pour your concrete and leave it, hoping it results in a smooth, clean finish all by
How long does concrete take to set? Concrete doesn’t actually ever set entirely, although it does harden enough to allow you to walk on, or build on it. Instead concrete goes through a chemical process known as curing. This is where the water reacts with the cement to harden the mixture, and make it the
Successful concreting projects are based on effective preparation and ensuring that the correct tools for the job are used. However, mistakes can happen. Here are just a few of the more common errors… 1) Insufficient site preparation. The success or failure of concreting depends on how thoroughly the site is prepared beforehand. If the site
When considering concrete for any task, it is very important to calculate the amount that you will need accurately; if you have too little you will end up with a seam between batches (if the first load has already set) forming what is known as a cold joint. Although not usually a massive problem, this
Concrete and cement are very important materials used by the construction industry, and it is often mistakenly believed that the names for them are interchangeable. In fact they are entirely different substances. Cement Cement is comprised of limestone, calcium, silicon, aluminium, iron and a number of minerals. These materials are heated to a temperature of
As one of the strongest, most robust man-made materials, it’s rare that concrete will crack or rupture without excessive physical force. However, the exteriors of buildings, patios, driveways and other concrete structures do suffer from being exposed to the elements, and can, in time, deteriorate. Similarly, interior concrete floors are often used in warehouse and
Floor screeds are used as the layer between the structural concrete and finishing materials, screed ensures that your surface is level and durable enough to endure the traffic it is likely to encounter. For this reason, focusing on getting the correct screed mix laid in the correct manner is important. Here are a few tips
There are a number of measures that must be taken to ensure safe and effective concrete pumping onsite, from wearing the correct protective clothing to checking that your mix is suitable for the project. Careful preparation should guarantee a successful job. However, any difficulties encountered when carrying out concrete pumping are accentuated further by cold
Although a highly durable and robust building material, concrete does require a certain amount of care and attention, and a heavy traffic area such as a driveway will need close attention to remain in the best condition possible. Here are a few handy tips for looking after yours… 1. Remove Stains ASAP It may sound like
