Tips For Pouring Ready-Mix Concrete

6 January 2023
 Categories: Construction & Contractors, Blog

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Ready-mix concrete can be used to make a garden path, a patio, or even a floor in your home. It is fairly easy to use and very adaptable. You can paint it, etch it, or cut it. Once you have decided to use concrete, there are a few things you need to consider and be aware of to get the best results. Here are a few tips to help.

Quantity

Even when you use a concrete calculator to determine how much to buy, things can go wrong. It is always best to order a bit more than you think you'll need. You do not want to have the project almost done and realize you need more concrete. Since it hardens quickly, trying to add more at a later time will result in a separation line. This will allow moisture to seep in and cause the concrete to crack. In addition, any cracks or lines allow for weeds or grass to grow and cause damage.

Weather

You need to be sure that it is not going to rain or have high humidity the day you are using the concrete. A nice, dry day with sunshine will ensure the concrete dries and cures properly. If it does rain before the area dries, you could end up with a soupy mess. At the very least it will take longer to dry and could have debris get in it.

Foundation

You should excavate the areas where the concrete will be and put down a layer of aggregate. Generally, this is crushed stones or gravel. This will allow for more compacting so the concrete is solid. Without the foundation, the soil under the concrete will compress or shift, causing the concrete to crack.

Help

While it is possible to pour ready-mix concrete yourself, it always helps to have at least one extra set of hands. Once poured, you need to quickly brush or level it. You should also apply a bit of pressure on the top to help settle the aggregate foundation. The more compact the concrete and foundation, the longer it will last and the better it will look.

Once you have decided on the design and space you will be using the ready-mix concrete, create the foundation, buy the concrete, check the weather forecast, and convince a few friends to help with the project. When the work is done, have a barbecue while the concrete dries to repay your friends.

Contact a professional to learn more about ready-mix concrete