At Port Aggregates, we know concrete like the back of our hand. We’ve compiled a list of five important concrete tips that will help you avoid problems down the line and simplify the overall construction process. Continue reading as we discuss the best ways to ensure that you get the most out of your concrete investment.
1. Prep the ground properly before beginning
Before we start pouring concrete, we always make sure that the ground has been properly prepared. Many people think that this step is unnecessary, but skipping over it can cause your concrete to be unlevel and crack prematurely. At Port Aggregates, we always ensure that the area we’ll be pouring in is compact and that all vegetation has been cleared away.
2. Protect any old concrete
If you plan on having your concrete poured next to old concrete, it’s critical that the adjoining concrete is protected. Typically, a plastic tarp will be laid over the pre-existing concrete to shield it from any splashes from the chute.
3. Increase your concrete strength with rebar
While concrete is pretty strong already, increasing this strength with reinforcing rebar can help your concrete absorb some of the tension stress. This will allow you to use less concrete, because it won’t need to be as thick to absorb the tension stress.
4. Always seal your concrete
Once your concrete has been poured, sealing it is a critical step in protecting it from premature cracking. Sealing your slab will prevent threats like water evaporation and temperature changes from occurring and weakening your concrete.
5. Clean your concrete thoroughly before attempting to fix any cracks
Over time, cracks in your concrete are inevitable. It’s important that you act quickly as soon as you notice one appearing in order to prevent it from worsening. Before you attempt the repair, it’s critical that you thoroughly clean the area. Any debris that’s stuck inside of the crack will stick to the concrete mix and weaken it after it’s applied.
When you start your concrete project, you’ll want to ensure that you’re following all of the aforementioned concrete tips in order to keep it lasting for as long as possible. For more tips on how to get the most out of your investment, contact Port Aggregates today!
