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 is not compacted the resulting surface will be uneven. Thin layers of gravel, or gravel that is too small, can cause settling to occur.

2) Getting the mix wrong.

If you get the mix wrong your concrete will be useless. Furthermore, different situations call for different concrete mixes. To avoid frustration, tears and disappointment further down the path, take special care to get the mix right.

One way to achieve the correct mix is to use a volumetric concrete mixer, which helps stave off disaster by allowing for the right volume and mix to be made on site.

3) Not preparing for bad weather.

It is important to get a weather forecast for when you are carrying out concrete work. Even if decent weather is predicted it is good practice to protect your setting concrete from inclement weather.

Extreme cold or heat will not do your setting concrete any favours but the major risk is the rain. Always cover undried cement because if it rains on wet cement it will ruin it and all your efforts will have been in vain.

A mistake that can be made when covering wet cement is failing to weigh the tarpaulin down to stop it getting blown off by the wind. Using non-waterproof material as a cover, or a covering with holes in it, enables water to leak through.

4) Inadequate finishing work.

Pouring the concrete does not mean the job is finished, if you neglect to do the finishing work on the wet concrete problems will arise later on.

If you forget to screed the concrete it will be rough and uneven when it sets. Running a screed board over the wet concrete, moving it back and forth along the forms, helps to get it level and to remove any excess.

After you screed the concrete you will need to edge it, otherwise the edges will be rough and sharp. Move the edging tool between the forms and the aggregate, making long, gentle strokes in a back and forth motion.

After the concrete has been edged it will need to be floated in order to remove the marks from the edging process, before compacting takes place to finish the project.

5) Premature removal of forms.

It may be tempting to remove the forms before the concrete has set properly but this impulse should be resisted. Removing the forms too early could undo all of your hard work, so exercise some restraint and wait at least 24 hours, or ideally 48 hours, before you remove them.

All Mix Concrete are Manchester, Warrington, Liverpool and the North West’s leading concrete suppliers, providing all commercial and domestic customers with the highest quality readymix concrete, floor screed and volumetric services.

Get in touch today to find out more.