how to pour concrete
DESCRIPTION
There are techniques in pouring concrete and it would be nice to know about it to be able to pour concrete properly. for your concrete needs, check out http://fortisgw.comTRANSCRIPT
The Proper Way of Pouring Concrete
Site Preparation
Before pouring concrete, the site
needs to be prepared. Any rocks, grass or dirt needs to be
removed.
.
There should be a solid, well-drained base.
The base should be filled with gravel to avoid it from cracking under the heavy weight of vehicles and to allow it to cure easily.
Forming is now done.
Concrete forms are made from either wood, metal or
plastic and should be at least 4 inches tall. It is held in place by
wood or metal stakes.
Place steel bars for reinforcement
Time to pour the concrete
Screed the top of the concrete
Screeding is the technique
that gives concrete a flat
surface. It should be done
in a sawing motion.
Start bull floating right after screeding
Bull floating makes use of a large trowel to
even out high areas or depressions and to further compact the
concrete. This will also help create a smoothly
finished surface.
Once water disappears, trowel the surface
Troweling is done to create a smooth and
uniform finish all across the concrete
surface.
Edging
Edging is best applied to the area next to the
form, which is not effectively handled by
troweling or bull floating. This helps
make the edge of the slab more durable
and less likely to chip.
Cut Control Joints
Concrete cracks due to shrinkage
as it cures, so it is imperative that you put in control joints
to control where the concrete will
crack.
Brooming
A special broom is used to create a broom finish on the concrete surface.
Some other kinds of finishes are smooth trowel, stamped and
textured.
Curing
If concrete dries slowly, it has greater chances of curing
hardly and is more durable. It is best to cover it with plastic under cool and moderate weather. However, if the
weather is hot, regularly water it down with a garden hose.
Sealing
Sealing involves spraying the concrete with a chemical additive that will greatly
improve its durability.
Maintenance
• You can always use a good quality sealer• Soap and water cleaning can be done• Sealing can be done regularly
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