Concrete Maintenance Tips & Tricks

Concrete : is a combination of roughly 10% cement, 20% air & water, 30% sand and 40% gravel. The final product is a heavy building material that can be spread or poured into molds. It is important to have high quality concrete so that it will have a high quality of durability. This is going to allow your concrete to stand up to harsh weather and be resistant to wear and tear. High quality concrete has a much longer life span than poor quality concrete. Need a specialist for your concrete project? Schedule a consultation with us today.

Note : 

1) The quality of the concrete is dependent on the thickness during the laying process.

2) Remember that concrete is porous.

3) Cement is actually an ingredient of concrete.

All concrete work when finished should have a sealer applied. All your concrete will last much longer if properly placed by a professional and correctly maintained.

Staying consistent with frequent washes using a broom and a garden hose, as well as cleaning up any new spills immediately, can go a long way. Only certain cleaners & chemicals should be applied to your concrete. It is recommended to only use mild detergents or dish soaps & commercial cleaners made specifically for concrete.

The steps for an effective wash are as follows.

Step 1 : Heavy rinse with a garden hose on high pressure.

Step 2 : Scrub with a push broom and use a small amount of proper cleaner.

Step 3 : Rinse again to remove any excess cleaner debris.

Note :

• only use a garden hose never use a pressure washer.
• Avoid using ammonia, bleach, and acid based cleaners, as both damage your sealant. Commercial cleaners we recommend are (simple green concrete cleaner)(klenztone 1 concrete cleaner).

Step by step process to building a foundation

A good foundation is key to the safety and value of a building. Considerations that must be factored in before the project has begun are  

• Site exploration (understanding the site in which project is going to take place.) 
• Budgeting (how much concrete you will need.)

Remember : this is a very complex in depth process and should only be done by a certified concrete professional. Contact us here to schedule a consultation for your foundation project.

Step 1 : 

• Grading of the lot (this means leveling the surface ground to serve as a foundation for the project.)
• Testing it for compaction (determining that the soil is adequately moisture conditioned.)
• Digging trenches for footings (this is the bottom part of the foundation excavated trenches are dug.)
• Setting battered boards (posts set near the corners of an excavation.)

Step 2 : 

• Dig footings (install the rebar.)
• Pour the cement (aka boom pumping the cement.)

Step 3 :

• Install the poly-steel stem-walls (used to connect the foundation of the building to it's walls.)
• Pour stems.
• Install rough-in plumbing.

Step 4 : 

• Install radiant heat pipes (tubes that circulate hot water or electrical heating are installed.)
• Black plastic is laid on the ground (used as a radon shield.)
• Plastic tubing is laid for the radiant heat.
• Boom pump concrete into place.

Step 5 :

• Clean up the site and prepare for the framing to begin.

Want to discuss your project? Contact Tony.