Mixing concrete might look like a very simple task: just combine the dry concrete mix with water and stir until you get the perfect solution. However, getting a consistent mix can be quite challenging for anyone who has no basic knowledge about concrete mixing. A bad mix will only end up with low quality cement that won’t be as useful as it should.

Long-lasting concrete can only be achieved through proper mixing. It is usually made up of sand and other materials. There are ready to use dry concrete mix available in the market today. Utilizing one can help you save time in mixing the concrete on your own. Ready-mix concrete only needs the right amount of water and some diligent stirring to produce the desired concrete solution. Instead of stirring the mixture manually, you can utilize a concrete mixer. It is a machine used for stirring concrete mix and water. It can produce a consistent mix in just a few minutes. It is more convenient and less-strenuous to use. Just make sure to wash the machine right after using it to avoid concrete hardening on the inside.

Five Steps for Mixing Concrete

When mixing concrete make sure to add just the right amount of water recommended by the manufacturer. Typically, the mix should not be soupy, but rather hold together well when formed into a ball. If you’re not using a premix, the proper mix of sand, gravel and cement has to be added separately. Measuring the components, either by weight or volume, is critical to achieving a proper concrete. The steps for mixing are the same. To view the full article, simply visit the main source.

In a construction of a large building, it is imperative to hire professional concrete mixers for better efficiency. Concrete construction professionals know that in any concrete work, there are guidelines to follow to produce the right concrete solution. Without any consideration of the concrete properties, the only possible result would be less durable cement.

Definitive Power Mixing Guide & Concrete Mixing Concerns

Every concrete job is unique. The different factors that come into play are size, color, finish, depth, shape, usage and weight distribution (think large-scale concrete projects such as parking garages or second, third, fourth stories, etc.). Concrete professionals need also to understand the different specifications of residential and commercial projects. Most residential projects in colder climates, for example, require a minimum cement content of concrete around 470 lbs. per yard. If the concrete is going to be stamped, the aggregate needs to be the right size, as well. See more at http://www.bnproducts.com/blog/definitive-power-mixing-guide-concrete-mixing-concerns/.

In order to provide a real-time concrete mix to a construction site, it is important that professional concrete workers should utilize transportable concrete mixers. Most of these mixers are installed on a truck or trailer for easy transportation. It is advisable to invest in this kind of mixer if you are constructing a large building.

Mixing concrete may not be very simple but it is not also complicated. There are just some basic things you need to understand before you can readily start mixing concrete on your own. First are the ingredients. Depending on the amount of concrete that you want to produce, you must also have the right amount of ingredients available. The basic ingredients are bagged concrete mix and water. You will also need a few tools in the mixing process, such as a wheelbarrow and a bucket.

Adding the right amount of water to the dry concrete mix is the first step. Avoid committing the mistake of adding too much water which would result in a concrete that is soupy and thin. It is advised that you add the water from a bucket rather than from a direct water source. This will help you estimate the right volume of water needed for the concrete mix. Mix it until you get the perfect consistency. Add more water and dry concrete mix as necessary. A thicker mix is easier to handle than a thin concrete solution.

Mixing Concrete

First you need a container to mix in. A wheelbarrow works well. If you don’t have one, buy an inexpensive plastic mortar pan. If the job is large enough you should seriously consider renting a mixer. If you have a pickup with a hitch you can rent a large one. If not rent a small electric one. You can put it in the back of truck, minivan or car trunk if you don’t mind leaving the lid open. The mixer can really make life easier. If you mix in a wheelbarrow of mortar pan the best tool is a hoe; one with holes. This gives better mixing and less resistance. A shovel will work in a pinch. View the entire article at the main source.

For concrete countertops, the right countertop mix designs should be utilized. There are additional ingredients needed for some designs and you have to carefully choose one that would fit your needs and desires. There are mixtures that work perfectly to produce the right mixture without sacrificing the strength of the concrete.

Concrete Countertop Mix Ingredients and Admixtures

Polycarboxylate superplasticizers are a very powerful type of high range water reducer. This video shows how adding a small amount of a powerful water reducer, instead of water, can take a concrete mix from dry and crumbly to flowable. See more at http://www.concretecountertopinstitute.com/blog/tag/mix-design/.

Mixing the concrete manually may cause physical exhaustion if done alone. In cases where the concrete is needed for large projects, employing a reliable concrete company is advised. Professional concrete mixers can produce the right amount of cement in just a short span of time. Most construction projects have a targeted date of completion so hiring concrete mixers would become a must. Fortunately, a reliable concrete company is no longer hard to find nowadays.

Concrete countertops definitely require the right concrete mix design. There are a variety of ways in mixing cement but there should be a specific mix that would suit a concrete countertop. Take note that concrete countertops require a different kind of concrete design than sidewalks and foundations. Concrete countertops need a distinct aesthetic requirement which would fit its design. You can select your own desired color as part of the design but the concrete countertop mix design should take important considerations.

One of the factors that you have to consider in a concrete countertop mix design is its strength. Depending on the client’s requests, the concrete mixer will mix the cement with the right solutions to create a durable mix design. The strength of a concrete can reach its full potential just days after its mixture. However, there are also concrete designs that build strength over a period of time. Make sure to pick a concrete design that has low shrinkage potential. Shrinkage may cause cracks and curls on your cements after some time. With the right chemicals, the possibility of shrinkage is slim.

The best mix design for concrete countertops

Steel reinforcing is still essential, since the flexural strength of concrete is always much, much lower than the compressive strength. For example, the predicted value of flexural strength for ordinary construction concrete that has a very high compressive strength of 12,000 psi is only about 900 psi! But, if the flexural strength of your concrete is as high as possible, it is going to better withstand bending (flexural) forces along with the steel reinforcement, and show less cracking. Read the full article at the main source.

Concrete is already known to be one of the most long-lasting building materials today. It is low-maintenance and durable which make it even more popular for many people. There are different decorative concrete accents that can be utilized in various applications. Because concrete is a versatile material, it can be used to create unique patios, countertop designs, and pavements.

Concrete Mixes 101: Which Mix Should You Use for Your Project?

To reduce the risk of shrinkage cracks, use Sakrete Crack Resistant Concrete Mix for projects with concrete thickness of 2 inches or greater. It is a professional-strength blend of cementitious materials, sand, stone and fibers that helps eliminate the need for wire mesh in many non-critical applications. To view the full article, visit http://www.sakrete.com/media-center/blog-detail.cfm/bp_alias/Concrete-Mixes-101-Which-Mix-Should-You-Use-for-Your-Project.

Before you decide on a mix design, you should seek for an expert advice from professional concrete mixers. These mixers work with engineers in the construction of a building. Ask for the pros and cons of each suggested design so you can carefully pick the right one. The best concrete mix design should be able to withstand your local climate and working conditions.

Concrete mixers have been around the industry for many decades now. They are constantly helping hundreds of concrete suppliers get established within their specific community. They can create cement mixing solutions in different combinations. Portable concrete mixing is definitely the most reliable method of cement mixing. In most situations, concrete companies use trucks and trailers in mixing cement. Through this, concrete suppliers can provide cement to their clients at almost any location.

The ideal time to mix cement is during the construction period of a building. Thus, concrete suppliers should have their own trucks and trailers in mixing cement for their clients. Without the right equipment, low-quality cement can only be produced. There are several ways to find a reliable concrete mixer today. You can readily find one through your local directory. However, if you do not have one, you can search through the internet instead. Most concrete companies have already established their own websites online. Their offered services should also be listed there. Make sure to read the reviews to get an idea about the quality of their services.

Concrete mixing in trucks and trailers

It is not uncommon for these high-volume locations to produce hundreds of yards per week. And with better than average profit margins, it is a business model that is paying high dividends for these business owners. To know more, simply visit http://cementmixerblog.cart-away.com/2012/06/adding-trucks-to-the-portable-concrete-mixer-fleet/.

Only professional concrete mixers understand the chemistry of cement mixing. The materials to be used should be measured carefully to produce high quality cement. Once the right amounts of ingredients are set, the entire process of mixing is no longer complicated. Mixing the cement manually is possible but it will take a lot of time to complete.

Concrete chemistry and the TFL sugar rush

Just when we all thought the tube couldn’t get any worse, frustrated commuters in London last week were treated to the news that, due to an engineering mishap, a signal control room for the Victoria line had become flooded with fast-setting concrete, forcing the line to temporarily halt. The full article can be viewed at its main source.

There is no longer a need to exhaust yourself in mixing cement manually. There are new ways in cement mixing through the use of advanced technology. Once you have employed reliable concrete mixers, you can complete a building construction at the right time. Not only that, your building will be durable because it is constructed with high-quality cement. You can read more similar articles online if you need to.

Concreting is an important aspect that you need to really focus on when you are having some home renovation. It is essential that you get the high quality materials so that you can be assured that your concrete will last for long. On the other hand, you must ascertain that the right tools are being used by the construction workers so that you can evidently see a well looking concrete that is done with skill, patience and that of precision.

Keep in mind that a precisely cut concrete is what you should aim to have, you need to make sure that you hire someone with you, who will do the cut in such a way that the proper techniques and the use of the innovative power saw is being utilized. This is essential as you will only have one chance to cut the concrete and that you do not want to see your worker to actually fail in that one instance—consider that failure as costly.

Tips for a Perfect Concrete Saw Cut

Cutting concrete is a difficult task, which takes the utmost precision, patience and skill. The entire process is further confounded when you consider the fact that often you only have one opportunity at the cut unless you want to begin the entire process again. By practicing proper concrete cutting techniques and being up to date on the latest power saw technology, you are certain to get the best possible finish every time. Whether you are a professional tradesmen looking for a bit of a refresher or if you’re a DIY practitioner looking to begin their journey, we are here to provide tips to improve your concrete cutting abilities.

Choosing the Right Equipment

While it is still possible to use ancient techniques to cut concrete such as using a chisel and sledgehammer, we recommend that you use a specialised circular saw for the job. The current power saw range available to consumers today is quite astonishing and represents the forefront in industrial technology. We recommend looking in to purchasing a specifically designed concrete saw which are designed for heavy duty, professional construction work. Even if you are not a professional tradesperson, it is advisable to still have the equipment of the pros to get the results you desire.

At Vetner we stock two of the leading manufacturers of power cutters in the world. Stihl and Husqvarna are producers of the finest quality power saws and guarantee to produce sparkling finishes on your concrete surfaces every time. Our range is representative of the finest products available on the market today.

Diamond Blades

Diamond blades are essential to accompany your power saw when looking to cut through concrete. Diamond blades are designed to slice through the most rigid and dense surfaces possible, making light work of any concrete structure you are working on. To learn more about how you can perfectly cut your concrete, check this link.

On the other side of the coin, as a homeowner, you need to pay attention to the kind of concrete slab that you have at home. You need to consider the fact on how you can fully strengthen and make sure that your concrete slab is not going to look dilapidated. There are a lot of factors that you have to consider and that it is necessary that you are properly guided in ensuring that everything will go on based on the latest techniques and mechanisms in installing a concrete slab.

Concrete Slabs

Rainwater Drainage

It’s important to get rainwater away from the foundation as quickly as possible.  This prevents water from creating foundation problems.  If it runs under the slab, it can undermine the soil and stone supporting the slab.  Have you ever seen a concrete sidewalk with a crack in it that has settled?  The cracks let water through and over time, the water washes out the supporting soil or stone below the slab.  This causes the slab to fall as the support is removed from below.  So for your new concrete slabs, you want to prevent any movement that might cause structural issues.  Most building codes call for a minimum drop in grade of 6 inches for the first ten feet out from the foundation.  This helps get the water away from the home as quickly as possible.

Frost Protection

One of the other major reasons for filling in around a new slab is to protect the area below from freezing.  Being in Texas, freezing temperatures are probably a rare occurrence.  But if you do get some cold weather and the slab isn’t protected with soil around it, the freezing can take place very quickly.  And if the area under the slab freezes, it can swell and push up on the slab, causing structural problems.  So the soil surrounding the slab acts as an insulator to keep the area underneath warm.

Stone Support

Most slabs have a layer of stone placed below them to allow for drainage and support.  If there is no soil backfilled up and around the new concrete slabs, the stone may make its way out from around the edges of the slab.  If this happens, it can leave the slab unsupported around the perimeter.  This lack of support will lead to cracking and possible displacement of the slab over time, which can create structural problems for the structure. Please visit this site to gain substantial knowledge about concrete slabs: http://blog.armchairbuilder.com/7572/concrete-slabs/.

Concreting works is an integral and essential aspect that you have to pay a closer attention to; it is something that you need to get your hands and mind into so that you can always have a perfect result in the end. You need to keep in mind that concreting works will allow you to have a good looking property that you can be proud to share to your friends and family. Further, it will allow you to get an upgraded value of your property for that matter.

When it comes to concreting, there are essential techniques and tips that every homeowners must know. There are actually innovations about concreting that has to be understood fully so that you can always be assured that the outcome can totally exceed the expectations that you have. These techniques are vital in ensuring that you get the right kind of works rendered to you, and that you can feel happy and contented with the concreting works being rendered. Following the listed tips below will make you feel more confident in undertaking that concreting renovation you have always dreamed of.

In the first place, each homeowner must understand that undergoing concreting works will not increase the aesthetic aspect of their property, but will substantially increase value of such property in the market. This means that the investment that you have placed for concreting is something that is not put to waste.

Laying a Concrete Slab

It is important to first select a good, reasonably level site for your slab.

Once you have chosen a site, clear the area and remove any grass.

Using pegs, roughly mark out the area and determine how much digging will be required. Now, dig out the area.

Visually establish high points and low points and use soil to level the area as best as possible.

Measure and construct the box away from where you plan to put the slab.

This gives you room to maneuver and work.

30 by 100 millimeter treated pine is ideal for the box frame.

In this case, the box dimensions are 3.1m by 3.1m, which allows for a 50 millimeter rebate.

Once you have dug the area out and made it as level as you can, place the box in the area.

The required thickness to your slab is 100 millimeter.

Using a spirit level, fill or dig out areas in order to ensure the box is level.

In this area, there is a slight slope in the land running into a far corner.

This makes the area around 180 millimeter; too low so we need to bring it up by even and fill remembering that how slab thickness is 100 millimeter.

Now that the boxing is in position, build up a level, drive pins into the corners, and sides to stop the box from moving. Paint pegs, or wooden stakes are ideal.

In some cases, you may need more than one peg on the side.

It is important to check the depth of the area you will be filling with concrete.

Place a straight edge tint before to cross the length and brink of the box.

Use a spirit level and check the depth of the area within the box.

Remember, it has to be 100 millimeter because that is the thickness of your slab.

Fill in areas too low and remove those areas too high.

Ensure that the fall of the slab follows the contour of the land.

Now that the area is level, lightly wet it down this will assist with compacting. The next step is to lay building plastic down and line the area.

Place reinforcing steel mesh on top of the plastic.

A light f52 gauge mesh all it is required.

This holds the concrete together and helps stop the concrete from cracking.

This particular slab will require 1 cubic meter of concrete and we are using a 20 MPA concrete mix, which basically means the stones or gravel use is 20 millimeter.

Pull the concrete in and level it up with shovels to the height of the boxing.

Screen the concrete off with aluminum screen or length of timber.

Oregon pine is light and inexpensive 70 x 30 millimeter, 4-5 meters long with person to reach in is ideal.

Simply work the concrete across as demonstrated.

Let the concrete go off or dry out a little for about half an hour, then complete rebate with an edging tool.

And finish off with a trial. Learn more information about concrete slab on this link.

Additionally, hiring an expert and reliable workers or a company for that matter will surely save you from so much headaches with respect to the kind of concrete slab that you must install. There are a lot of factors that you need to consider so that you can be assured of good results in the end. You need to really focus on the fact that certain matters will have to be fully checked and looked closely into so that you will be appreciative of what could be the end result.

Board Form Concrete – 10 Tips

Our company recently completed this amazing project with Alterstudio Architecture and the Board Form Concrete on the house we built is stunning!  Booth Concrete was my sub-contractor and with their help I compiled this list of 10 Tips!  The job site where we filmed is a remodel I refer to as our #DeTuscan project with FAB Architecture.  We are building several retaining walls on this sloped Lake Austin home with 2×8 vertical Board Forms and a beautiful cradle for the pool.  I hope these help with your next Architectural Concrete project! Check out this link to get more information on concrete slab: http://mattrisinger.com/board-form-concrete-10-tips/.

Concrete application is a herculean task. It is a must that you choose a company or a worker for that matter that will ensure that you can rely fully on the quality of services that they will render to you. Having a company that you can fully depend on will make you feel happy of the kind of outcome that you ought to receive at the end of the day.

Natural stone is a common material in buildings that are used for interior purposes, exterior purposes, and finishing, so as you can see this is an important construction material. It is very important that this natural stone is very high quality when it is being used for construction because it is used for just about everything. You can find natural stone in chandeliers, vases, columns, tiles, windowsills, kitchens countertops, and also bathroom suites.

It is important that you can keep good care of your natural stone tiles.

Then using natural stone tiles, there will be some cement that is used in order to fix the tiles to the floor or to the walls. Do not use a knife to scratch the surface, but rather make sure you use a proper cement remover. And this will also help you remove things such as mold and lime masses as well, which is always a good thing and is a common problem for granite or marble surfaces.

Taking care of your floors

Granite or a marble floor can really make a home look like a palace and it is a great way for you to show cases the interior. However, you will still need to be able to maintain the floors if you want them to look good, and it is not too difficult just make sure you clean it every once in awhile.

Care for natural stone countertops

It is important to maintain your natural stone countertops because they will be exposed to citrus juice which has acid, fat, water, and a wide range of substances that could damage it easily. Also, since these countertops are always in contact with food, you will need to use products that are safe for food so you will not make yourself sick.

Polishing your natural stone

If you want your natural stone to look beautiful and glazed, then it is important to do some regular polishing. There is a wide selection of different kinds of polishing liquids out there that are natural as well as synthetic that can breathe some new life into your natural stone. You can use a polishing agent that is based on silicone which will not only polish your stone but it will also clean it as well. You can use this product for your wall tiles, floor tiles, windowsills, and also for the countertops as well. Natural stone is fairly maintenance free but if you want them to look good, it is important to regularly clean it.

Unpredictable summer thunderstorms can wreak havoc on a concrete pour. Rainwater can cause a new concrete surface to become soft, which in turn decreases the abrasion resistance and strength of the concrete, while increasing the tendency for dusting and cracking to develop. The key to preventing damage to the concrete surface by a rainstorm is proper preparation and timing. Before a storm occurs, a protective enclosure can be built around the work site with wood and plastic sheeting. If you get caught without protection, once it starts raining, it’s best to wait, let the rain pass, and pull or push the surface water off the edge of the slab before completing finishing. Contractors should never work the rainwater into the freshly placed surface or broadcast dry cement on the wet surface in an attempt to soak up the water.

Just because it starts raining during or soon after a concrete pour, does not necessarily mean that your project is doomed. It all has to do with timing, and at what stage in the curing process the concrete is in. If the rain occurs when the concrete is fresh (about 2-4 hours after mixing), the surface should be protected from the rain. If the finishing process was recently completed, rainwater may not cause damage as long as it is not worked into the surface and the slab is left untouched. If the concrete has stiffened to the point where it is ready for grooving and grinding (typically 4-8 hours after mixing), damage due to rain is usually no longer a concern.

After a rainstorm, damage to the concrete should be assessed. A visual survey can be performed to note any obvious defects. A simple scratch test, using a screwdriver, can be performed to compare the relative surface scratch hardness of any areas in question to those slab sections known to be of good quality. A quantitative approach includes removing several core samples and checking them in a lab with an electronic microscope. (See our previous blog entry from February 17, 2012 about petrography)

If the surface quality of the concrete is found to be compromised, remedies are available. Isolated repairs can be made immediately after a storm by using the some of the same concrete that was used for the concrete placement itself. If small areas of a thin slab are damaged, it may be more economical to remove and replace full depth sections. If there are large areas in a thick slab with damage, a thin application of a repair mortar could be applied after the damaged concrete is removed.

Read this article from the main source at http://www.etc-web.com/pouring-concrete-vs-pouring-rain/.