The strength and durability of concrete are some of the main reasons why it’s used in so many home improvement projects. However, have you ever wondered what makes it this strong? The answer lies in the preparation of concrete. From the mixing ratio to the way you do concrete Huntsville AL, this is where you will either make or break your project.
There are some useful tips that you can learn from experts on how to do concrete contractors Huntsville AL the right way. If you follow these tips, you will end up with a strong slab that doesn’t crack, and your concrete slab should last a very long time.
Get the Right Tools
The following are some of the important tools and materials that you should have before you start foundation repair Huntsville AL:
– Wheelbarrow
– Trowel
– Plate compactor
– Shovel (square edge)
– Rebar cutter
– Bull float
– Concrete
– Gravel
– Form wood
– Sand
Pouring Concrete
Make sure you use a base that’s solid and has been drained properly. Concrete slabs tend to be suspended on the soil. Therefore, the resulting void and soft ground underneath might result in cracks under the weight above, especially if heavy objects like cars run over the slab. Prepare up to 4 inches of gravel or sand.
Strengthening the Concrete
Plastic fibers and steel mesh have been used for a long time but they are not always reliable. While they are useful in preventing cracks, they do not offer much in terms of strength. Instead, for stronger results, use 3/8 inch or 1/2 inch rebar.
Dry Mix
It’s also advisable that your mix is as dry as possible. Some people tend to add water to the concrete to fill the forms or flow down the chute. However, the problem with this is that the resulting slab is usually weaker.
A dry mix, on the other hand, is not very easy to pack into the form, particularly around the edges. However, it will give you a stronger slab that will not crack easily.
Finishing
Troweling is a good way to finish the surface but only if you do it well. Do not do it too soon. If you do this, the pasty cement usually rises up the surface and the surface layer will be weakened. Instead, be patient and allow the concrete to start firming up. You will know this when the water has disappeared from the surface. Move fast when you are troweling because concrete dries and gets hard very fast.
Control Joints
The size of the control joints relative to the thickness of the slab should be in a ratio of 1:4 when you are troweling the finish. Because concrete shrinks a bit when it cures, expect regular interval cracks which may happen at the control joints. Therefore, make sure you have the joints spaced out properly at 4 feet intervals for walkways and 10 feet for other large concrete slabs.
Water the Concrete
You should allow the slab to dry slowly. This will make it stronger and harder. If you live in a region of moderate, cool conditions, cover the concrete slab with plastic. In other areas, just use a garden hose to water the concrete so that it stays moist. You should do this for around 1 week.