Friday 3 November 2017

Hiring Construction Workers

Construction work is a strenuous task. It requires intensive amount of strength. Workers are expected to be physically and mentally strong. It is a high risk job but it’s rewarding. There is pride and satisfaction in constructing a structure that will become useful to other people.

Construction workers need intensive knowledge in operating and using the tools, materials, and equipment for construction work. Machineries for building, restoration, and repair of structural developments can only be operated by experienced workers.

Construction sites are busy places. Many contractors work side-by-side and heavy vehicles come and go. In this environment consultation, cooperation and coordination are essential to ensure the health and safety of everyone on site. Read more.

In any construction work, there is a need for excellent hand-eye coordination. This is also needed in many other industries that require labourers to perform specific tasks, including grasping, assembling, and moving objects using both hands. Construction workers should have strong and flexible limbs for better body coordination. It will help them carry out tasks that need standing, lying down, and sitting. Workers should also be physically fit in performing all sorts of demanding tasks in a construction. Construction work should be done accurately and efficiently, and should be completed in a specific date. For concrete construction workers in Mesa, AZ, check out this webpage.

One vital part of the construction process is reviewing and reading blueprints that show how a site should be constructed and the jobs that need to be performed. Some workers must be able to read and interpret the blueprints accurately. Thus, good analytical, mathematical, and reading skills should be developed. These qualities are important in determining accurate adjustments and calculate measurement and angles.

It is clear that that there is a high level in demand for construction workers in Sydney that in turn has created a challenging environment for building companies and recruitment professionals to fill positions with the right candidates with the right skills and experience. Refer here.

Workers are expected to experience problems during the construction process. Problem solving is a must in the construction business. Some common problems in construction include delays, measurement mistakes, and many unexpected scenarios. Many labour companies only hire workers that are equipped with the necessary skills needed to solve different problems that may arise during the construction process. Only such workers can perform the tasks with efficiency and under minimal supervision.

One of the first things that labour companies look for in an applicant for construction labour is experience in the industry. Experienced workers are also anticipated to have the skills necessary for extreme labour, such as construction work. The necessary skills include not only technical ones but also other skills that are needed for a successful building job.

The post Hiring Construction Workers appeared first on AAA Concreting.

Wednesday 1 November 2017

Why Use Epoxy Flooring

Due to its great appearance and versatility, polished concrete flooring has become popular to many households today. Concrete is already utilized in almost every construction and renovation project. It has been relegated to garages, subfloors, and cellars. Today, new techniques for concrete polishing are used for different types of concrete floors, including those in luxury buildings, as noted by AAA Concreting.

Selecting the right industrial flooring is one of the most important decisions to make. Polished concrete floors have become the first priority not only in modern and retail office spaces but also in distribution centers and warehouses. In the present time, polished flooring is considered as highly durable as well as cost-effective flooring solution. Read this.

Traditionally, homeowners and shopkeepers didn’t give much thought to their garage floors. Some of them were even made of packed dirt or gravel. As time wore on, garages were given concrete foundations, and this sturdy material became the default flooring. Sometime during the 1980s or 1990s, people really started caring about the floors in their garages. Good floors keep the value of a home high, and they became a source of pride for anyone with a workshop or auto shop in the garage. 

Although concrete flooring is considered to be highly-durable, it is still prone to damage, especially with strong pressure from heavy loads. Chips, cracks, stains, and scratches are some common occurrences for garage floors. They compromise the integrity and aesthetics of the concrete floor. The only possible solution for preventing such damages is to apply a commercial epoxy floor coating.

Polished concrete has only been around for slightly longer than two decades, and it has only become popular outside of public and commercial sectors in the past 10 years. It is often marketed to consumers as a no-maintenance flooring option, but in reality, it takes a little effort to clean a polished concrete floor. Fortunately, experts have developed a schedule for maintaining polished concrete that will keep the surface from losing its lustre in high-traffic areas where dirt can gather and scratches can be seen in bright light

When it comes to installing new epoxy floors in your commercial, industrial or manufacturing facility, you may be concerned about the thickness of the epoxy. The thickness of the epoxy depends on the current conditions of your floor, the “decorative” look you want and the type of business.

A restaurant kitchen can be a hectic place with hot foods and liquids sloshing about. If you want to avoid costly kitchen staff accidents you should consider applying a non slip epoxy floor to this vital area of your business. Read more about epoxy flooring from this main source.

Epoxy floor coatings are durable and affordable. They are a perfect solution if you’re looking to cover a concrete surface in a time-effective manner. To get the most benefit from these products, however, it’s important to first prepare the area for treatment

Polished concrete floors are becoming popular worldwide because they are durable, easy to maintain, and attractive to look at. However, a huge part of the simple maintenance of polished concrete floors depends greatly on the installation and professional sealing. The sealing process can be achieved in different ways and it is possible to do it without the assistance of professionals. Nevertheless, if you want the best results, you should leave that task to experienced and licensed concrete technicians.

The post Why Use Epoxy Flooring appeared first on AAA Concreting.

Monday 30 October 2017

Using Deformed Reinforcing Steel Bar

Deformed reinforcing bar is used in a range of residential, commercial and infrastructure applications from concrete slabs to prefabricated beams, columns, cages and precast products. Deformed reinforcing bar complies with all relevant standards. 

Reinforcing steel and bar is also known as reo mesh, rebar, re-bar or reo bar. It is used to strengthen concrete because of its poor tensile strength. The presence of deformed bar is key to help concrete to adhere to a bar’s surface. In most cases around Perth and Western Australia, an engineer is commissioned early on to specify what mesh and bar are required for retaining walls, footings, slabs or suspended slabs. Read on…

Deformed bar is a Class N (normal ductility) reinforcing bar used in a range of applications from reinforced concrete slabs to prefabricated beams, columns, cages and precast products. Also known as rebar, deformed bar complies with AS/NZS 4671 : 2001 Steel reinforcing materials and is available in 500 MPa from 10 mm – 40 mm bar diameters. Always consult with an engineer before choosing the bar suited for your application. Find out more

The deformed Reinforcing Steel Bar is supplied in length of 9m or 12 m as common sizes. The steel bar diameter applied is different and accordingly the weight varies.

A steel reinforcing bar which is manufactured with surface deformations to provide a locking anchorage with surrounding concrete. Reinforced concrete is a material that is very strong in compression, but virtually without strength in tension. To compensate for this imbalance in a concrete slab’s behavior, reinforcement bar (also known as rebar) is cast into it to carry the tensile loads. Deformed Bar was previously called Y-Bar eg: Y12, Y16 but through product improvements the tempcore strength was increased (now 500Mpa) and is now denoted as N-Bar. Refer here.

In reinforced concrete design it is generally assumed that the strain in the steel reinforcement is equal to the strain in the concrete immediately surrounding it. This is substantially true in zones of compression but, in the parts subject to tension, the working stress in the steel is usually high enough for the strain to be more than the surrounding concrete can withstand without cracking. The size of the cracks formed in this way and their spacing along the reinforcement depends primarily on the bond but is also affected by the strain in the steel, the tensile strength of the concrete and its modulus of elasticity. 

Reinforced concrete was designed on the principle that steel and concrete act together in resisting force. Concrete is strong in compression but weak in tension. The tensile strength is generally rated about 10 percent of the compression strength. For this reason, concrete works well for columns and posts that are compression members in a structure. But, when it is used for tension members, such as beams, girders, foundation walls, or floors, concrete must be reinforced to attain the necessary tension strength.

Steel is the best material for reinforcing concrete because the properties of expansion for both steel and concrete are considered to be approximate] y the same; that is, under normal conditions, they will expand and contract at an almost equal rate.

Another reason steel works well as a reinforcement for concrete is because it bonds well with concrete. This bond strength is proportional to the contact surface of the steel to the concrete. In other words, the greater the surface of steel exposed to the adherence of concrete, the stronger the bond. A deformed reinforcing bar adheres better than a plain, round, or square one because it has a greater bearing surface. In fact, when plain bars of the same diameter are used instead of deformed bars, approximately 40 percent more bars must be used.

The rougher the surface of the steel, the better it adheres to concrete. Thus steel with a light, firm layer of rust is superior to clean steel; however, steel with loose or scaly rust is inferior. Loose or scaly rust can be removed from the steel by rubbing the steel with burlap or similar material. This action leaves only the firm layer of rust on the steel to adhere to the concrete.

 

The post Using Deformed Reinforcing Steel Bar appeared first on AAA Concreting.

Sunday 29 October 2017

Building Concrete Precast Homes

Modern technology has indeed taken over the world. Many things have changed into better states. However, homes are still being built in much the same way as they have been before. Homes that are made of concrete are still the normal ones. Concrete homes have stood the test of time against different weather conditions which is why concrete is considered one of the sturdiest building materials in the world. While concrete homes are very popular in Australia, they are finally catching on in the USA. Read more here for concrete contractors in Austin, TX who can assist you with building a concrete home.

Materials and equipment for construction have certainly improved over the years. Every property owner has already higher expectations and requirements when it comes to building homes.

Now, however, concrete is being re-discovered as architects and designers are using the material in increasingly varied and surprising ways. It can be textured and its tone played with and altered. It can be shaped and moulded into furniture like a kitchen bench or vanity, customised in situ or poured into a precast framework off-site. It can be used in its familiar monolithic state or small-scale and discreet. Read on.

Concrete precast homes provide a tight thermal building envelope which can reduce a home owner’s heating and cooling bills. The use of steel reinforced concrete panels make for a rock solid durable living environment. You can be at peace knowing that you are in a safe and secure home which far exceeds the performance levels of conventional building systems.

Panel Homes offer increased thermal and acoustical mass, reduces construction waste and the design makes them straight and true. Because Panel Homes are precast in a clean factory environment, the finish is of the highest quality.

Minor variations in finish between design intent or specification and the actual outcome are common. Assessment of samples and prototypes is highly advisable. Established, professional precast companies usually deliver quality assured finishes to the standard specified. Find out some details here.

With insulated concrete walls, a home can be a place of thermal comfort and living for your family. The weight of the concrete can reduce the amount of noise entering the house by a considerable amount. Adding insulated concrete walls will greatly affect you and your family’s lifestyle.

Typically, a standard house can be built within week, as long as modern equipments are used. The construction becomes very precise if the wall panels are factory manufactured. The energy costs to heat and cool the home are significantly lower with the thermal mass properties of concrete. This in turn will provide strength to the walls that can resist external forces like earthquakes, bushfires, and other natural calamities.

Precast Concrete Homes are environmentally friendly homes. They require less energy to heat and cool and they create less waste during the building process when compared to brick veneer. Their superior durability also gives them a much longer useful lifespan allowing the carbon footprint of their construction to be repaid over time.

Precast concrete is available in a variety of shapes, textures, colours, and finishes. It is highly malleable so it can be shaped to suit any form or design. Structural precast concrete panels are durable, strong and versatile building material. They suit perfectly to the country’s harsh weather conditions. They are also low-maintenance and can be designed to meet the needs of domestic construction.

Further information

Concrete is more advantageous that other building materials. It is fire and flood resistant and does not rot or distort. It even gains strength and durability as it ages.

The post Building Concrete Precast Homes appeared first on AAA Concreting.

Friday 27 October 2017

Using Overlays for Concrete Resurfacing

There are many concrete companies today that offer complete and extensive line of systems for decorative concrete driveways and overlays. The selection in concrete driveway finishes has already expanded. It is no longer limited to spray on paving, exposed aggregate and stenciled concrete. Concrete professionals would definitely prefer concrete paving products for driveways and overlays.

There is no need for you to completely deconstruct your old concrete to create a new and fresh design. Modern concrete paths, floors, and driveways can be resurfaced without the need for removing the old one. This saves you a great deal of time and money.

Concrete resurfacing is a great way to revitalise old looking concrete and make it fresh again. It’s also a practical and economical way to increase the livability of your home and improve its value. Refer from the main source.

Concrete driveways are not that costly to construct. In fact, concrete material is a lot cheaper than flagstone, brick, slate, and other natural materials. Concrete can also be customized unlike asphalt or pavers.

Stamped concrete driveways can take the texture and appearance of slate, sandstone, cobblestone, ceramic tile and even wood. These unique and enduring concrete finishes not only add real curb appeal and value to your home, they are also durable and can last the lifetime of the substrate.

Selecting the most appropriate resurfacing system often involves weighing performance attributes against aesthetic value. These will involve a couple of questions to ask.

Does the concrete have a lot of cracks or gouges? Is the surface out of level? If so, choose a higher-build material, such as a self-levelling overlay that can be applied at a thickness of 1/4 inch or greater. Unless the surface imperfections are expertly patched or filled, they could telegraph through a thinner overlay, such as a micro-topping or skim coat. Too much moisture in the concrete substrate can also be a problem for some overlay systems, especially products that restrict the ability of the concrete to “breathe” or release moisture vapour as needed. There are simple tests that you can perform to check the moisture vapour emission rate of concrete. If it’s too high, be sure to use a permeable overlay system that will permit the moisture vapour to escape.

Be sure the topping or overlay system is tough enough to withstand all the conditions it will confront. Are the slab outdoors subject to weather extremes and freezing and thawing? Is it a floor surface in a high-traffic area or subject to chemical, grease, and oil spills? Although most systems will stand up well to wear, chemical attack, and dirt penetration when properly installed and sealed, some are better suited than others for harsher exposure conditions. Often a higher-build material or a material containing aggregates will perform better in aggressive environments.

Coloured concrete is the type among the decorative concretes used to turn interior and exterior surfaces to impart their exceptional beauty. As a homeowner, every human want to get the best to enhance the beauty of his house. Refer from here.

One of the main reasons to use an overlay system is to improve the appearance of concrete. Create a pattern, colour, and texture as desired for your new surface. By using the appropriate product, you can get your desired outcome, or even better. Consult with the overlay manufacturer and your installer for expert advice. It is advisable to ask for sample finishes and colour selections first so that you could have an idea on what to create.

Larger cracks on the concrete may need to be repaired first before any resurfacing. Minor cracks can be covered during the process so there is no need for actual repair. An epoxy and silica sand mix may actually do the trick in repairing medium to large-sized cracks. Structural damages in in the concrete will need intensive repair. Cracks may still re-occur even with proper resurfacing.

Resurfacing is the most practical method in improving the looks of your concrete. You can do it by yourself but for large projects, it is better carried out by professionals.

The post Using Overlays for Concrete Resurfacing appeared first on AAA Concreting.

Thursday 26 October 2017

How to Maintain Your Concrete Driveway

One of the best materials used for constructing driveways is concrete. It is most probably the toughest material on the market today. However, there are still ways to make sure that it would last for a long period of time. Concrete cleaning and sealer application are just some of the things that you could do to maintain the durability of the concrete.

There is always a need for regular maintenance in a concrete driveway that is usually used. In fact, whether it is concrete or not, driveways of any paving material require maintenance.

Here are a few of the things that you could do in order to keep your concrete driveway clean and sturdy.

Concrete cleaning

Cleaning the concrete is the simplest form of maintenance that you can do regularly. You should treat concrete in the same way as other surfaces. Simply use specialist products that are designed for concrete to obtain the best results.

If you own a huge driveway, cleaning it on your own can become quite tedious. It is highly recommended to hire a concrete scrubber instead. It will save you a lot of time and you are guaranteed to have your driveway looking good as new.

Apply sealer

After cleaning the surface of the driveway, it is now time to apply a layer of sealant. It is advisable to do it every two years in order to keep your concrete looking perfect.

Unlike stencilled or stamped concrete plain grey concrete has no colour to protect. On the other hand stencilled, stamped or coloured concrete needs a barrier between it and your car or foot traffic and a couple of coats of decorative sealer will do the trick. If you don’t maintain your patterned driveway with sealer the chances are that eventually the colour will wear off in patches and will need open heart surgery to make it look good again. Read more here.

The kind of sealer that you use will greatly determine the outcome of the sealing process. Some sealers can protect your concrete from water and salt. You should choose a product that would work well on your concrete. Check this out.

In the event that oil spillages are your main concern, you might want to take a closer look at high-performance epoxy or urethane sealers.

Remove stains immediately

If there are visible stains on your concrete, you should try to remove them immediately. Leaving stains to dry can lead to damaging results. A stain can become permanent if left neglected for several days. You might not be able to remove permanent stains anymore so it is always a must to tackle them as soon as possible.

Everyday cleaning products might not be enough to tackle concrete stains.

You can refresh your old driveway just by cleaning and painting it. You can make the job easier by learning a few techniques to do the job properly. Learn more here.

There are different ways in how you can perform these tasks. You can use an oven cleaner that contains chemicals that can remove grease and grime. After application, leave it for around ten minutes before brushing.

For large areas of discolouration or stains, you may need to use proper concrete cleaning products. Alternative products are only effective for minor stains.

The post How to Maintain Your Concrete Driveway appeared first on AAA Concreting.

Thursday 5 October 2017

Uses of Stamped Concrete

A concrete with patterns or texture that resembles different materials, such as bricks, tiles, stones, and slates, is commonly termed as stamped concrete. It is typically used for sidewalks, patios, driveways, and interior flooring. Many people choose to utilize stamped concrete because it is a lot cheaper than the real tiles and bricks. It offers the same durability as the authentic materials but costs less.

Stamped concrete from AAA Concreting is created different with the standard concrete. Its procedures are more complex compared to the normal concrete mixing. Creating a base colour, adding an accent colour, and stamping a pattern are some of the main procedures of stamped concrete mixing. These three steps will produce a concrete that has a shape and texture that are similar to the authentic building material. Proper mixture would result to significant resemblance in terms of physical appearance. 

There are a lot of design options to choose from if you are planning on utilizing stamped concrete to your property. It can take the form of different shapes, textures, and patterns so you can get a lot of ideas for your home renovation. You can start with a clean slate and then get a wide range of options in creating a more modern finish for your home. Commercial establishments may also utilize stamped concrete instead of the authentic materials to cut down expenses. Stamped concrete is highly customizable so it can be used almost anywhere. There are several manufacturers of stamped concrete nowadays. Visit this post for further readings.

Stamped concrete is very ideal for improving the beauty of pool decks, courtyards, parking lots, and patios. It is the perfect material for outdoor pavements.

Because of the fact that stamped concrete is highly flexible in terms of appearance, many homeowners are starting to utilize stamped concrete in their home. It is becoming a trend in the country. Another advantage of stamped concrete over other construction materials is its price. Modern imprinted concrete typically costs a lot cheaper than the materials it substitutes for.

Stamped concrete also provides a more decorative appeal to your property. Rather than using one-coloured bricks or tiles, you can create an interesting pattern using a group of stamped concrete. Many homeowners highly recommend this building material, especially for first-time homeowners. For more information, check out http://ift.tt/2yYjBr9.

How to use stamped concrete?

  1. Pathways or walkways
  2. Entrance of doors
  3. Pool sides
  4. Patio
  5. Firepit
  6. Countertops
  7. Backyard
  8. Driveways
  9. Porch
  10. Brick designs

Your driveway is usually the most noticed part of your property. Many people would make an impression about you just by seeing the design of your driveway. If you are utilizing a concrete driveway, you might not get too much attraction from your neighbours and passersby. You might need to consider resurfacing your driveway with decorative concrete. It will certainly leave your neighbours in awe as to how you made your driveway more stylish than before.

Stamped concrete is normally used outdoors. However, some homeowners choose to have their interior flooring surfaced with stamped concrete. A concrete that is patterned very similarly with tiles can look like the authentic material. Customizing your home with decorative concrete may also potentially increase the market value of your property. Learn more here.

It is a viable investment to resurface some parts of your property with stamped concrete. You can improve the overall design of your house without the need to spend too much cash. You can try getting some ideas for the concrete design in restaurants, commercial buildings, and your neighbours. You can also browse online for sample designs of stamped concrete. The trendy designs might suit your current home exterior design.

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Sunday 13 August 2017

Cost-Effective Concrete Jobs

Concrete is not very expensive as a material for any construction project. All of its ingredients are affordable. However, its mixing job can be quite costly, especially in a large construction project. If you are only using the usual ingredients of concrete mixing, you might end up spending more than your allocated budget for it. Fortunately, there are concrete pumping additives that you could use to make concrete job easier and less-costly. It can also save you a lot of time when working on the job.

Concrete pump primers are one of the most useful concrete pumping additives that you could use today. It comes in both liquid and powder state so it will just be up to you to decide. Both offer the same enhancing capabilities to your cement. Concrete pump primers help your pumps lubricated at all times, which means that your cement pumps can have a longer lifespan. Another kind of concrete additive is the concrete retarders. These are very useful for construction workers who do not use cement mix right away. A concrete retarder helps decelerate the setting time of concrete, which means that you could use your finished concrete mixture whenever you need it. Contact AAA Concreting for more information.

Concrete pumping additives that make your concrete job simpler and cost-effective

We also have a full line of concrete pumping support products that can help eliminate concrete build up and make the clean-up process simple. Best of all, Enviro-Systems understands that concrete additives can be a large investment, and you certainly don’t want to make a big purchase prior to knowing if the product will work efficiently for you. That’s why we offer our customers product samples. For more information, please contact us. For a detail information, visit the main site.

If you do not have the modern equipment for concrete mixing, you can also go the traditional way, which is the use of shovel and buckets. Although the modern cement mixing machines can provide more convenience to its user, mixing concrete manually is still widely recommended, especially for small to medium-sized construction projects. Usually, consistency and stability of the concrete mix can only be achieved when it is mixed manually.

Pick Axes and Shovels

Around noon we were all more than ready for a break. Thankfully we were called to another delicious lunch of hamburgers and french fries, which reminded us of home! After lunch we had a bit of free time and some of us caught a quick siesta or played cards with the children who never ventured far from our camp.  View the full article at http://ift.tt/2vSkZgk.

If you are still new with concrete mixing, it is best to leave the professional work to the expert concrete mixers. You can hire one through a dedicated construction company. There should be a number of them on the internet with their own websites. Make sure to read the scope of their services to ensure that you get the service you need. Modern concrete mixing equipment can be very expensive so hiring professional concrete contractors in Austin TX is still advisable. You can find a great contractor here.

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Monday 7 August 2017

Building an Eco-Friendly Home: How Green is Concrete?

Want to go green when building a house? If so, then concrete can your best option. Concrete is a sustainable, eco-friendly building material that remains sustainable in the entirety of its life span, from the production of its raw materials to the demolition process. Here are the reasons why:

Concrete is strong and durable

For thousands of years, various forms of concrete have been used by mankind to construct houses, build roads, and more due to the strength and durability of the material. Unlike other options, concrete can endure decades and even centuries of use and service, resulting in fewer replacements. When replacements are less frequent, there is less use of the energy and the raw materials involved in making the product and completing a construction project. Furthermore, the well-known durability and extended life cycle of concrete also contribute to carbon savings, making it a friend to the environment compared to other building materials.

Concrete contributes to fuel efficiency

When it comes to building roads, concrete is one of the greenest choices as it increases fuel efficiency – up to 4 per cent for cars and 7 per cent for trucks.

Concrete is highly energy efficient

The bright colour of concrete minimises what is known as the heat island effect as it reflects higher levels of solar radiation than other choices. This results in reduced ambient temperatures of a house or a building. In other words, concrete helps your house cool down by up to 8 degrees when the walls, floors, and foundation are made of the material.

Concrete buildings also have thermal mass, which refers to the inherent property or ability to absorb, retain, release, and transfer heat in significant levels, effectively insulating rooms, cutting down heat energy usage by 44 per cent, and decreasing air conditioning energy usage by 32 per cent.

concrete-being-poured

http://ift.tt/2wp6hdR

On top of the reduced heating and cooling energy usage, the reflective surface of concrete also helps brighten interiors, cutting down light usage by 30 per cent. In effect, you can conserve energy and save money on utility costs by using concrete.

Concrete is recyclable

When concrete finally gives in to the pressures of time and weather in its long lifespan, it can be crushed and recycled for other uses, such as road construction. Not only that, concrete can also be made of recycled by-products from steel mills, power plants, and other manufacturing industries. Examples of recycled content found in cement are fly ash (from burning coal) and slag (from refining metal). Thus, concrete produces less waste due to its resource efficiency.

Concrete helps water steadily pass through

Some building materials can block the natural process of water infiltration into the soil. When this happens, imbalances occur within the ecosystem, which can later lead to flash floods, soil erosion, pollution, and even depletion of water tables. On the other hand, pervious concrete can retain stormwater runoff with its sponge-like property, absorbing and making way for water to pass through into the soil to replenish surrounding water resources.

Concrete is environmentally safe

Unlike other construction materials, precast concrete does contain or dispense harmful elements. With concrete, you can ensure that the surrounding air and water will not be contaminated by toxic substances found in asphalt and other building materials.

The Verdict

All in all, concrete is significantly cost-, resource-, and energy efficient, making it an environmentally friendly building material. Use it for house building today.

We at AAA Concreting offer expert concrete solutions for your construction needs. We install concrete floors, stamped patios, foundations, repair, resurfacing, and more. To learn more about our services, contact us.  

The post Building an Eco-Friendly Home: How Green is Concrete? appeared first on AAA Concreting.

Saturday 5 August 2017

Improving Concrete Durability

The durability of the concrete would always depend on the quality of its ingredient and how it was mixed. Cement mix, water, and aggregates are the common ingredients in creating a concrete. A good amount of all these can produce a high-quality concrete. However, there are also other ingredients that can improve the overall durability of a concrete. Chemical admixtures are known to improve concrete quality and manageability. Admixtures have properties that accelerate or slow down setting time of the concrete. Most concretes, especially those that are used in the construction of commercial buildings, are created with the use of admixtures.

 

There are many kinds of admixtures being sold at the market today. There are those that are used for air entraining, water-reduction, and plasticizers. All of which improve the quality of the concrete once mixed with its solution. However, you should still carefully choose which admixture would be compatible with your current cement mix. There are admixtures that can create a negative chemical reaction when used with certain cement mixes. It would be best if you ask the experts first before you create a solution of your own. Do not directly buy admixtures at a local store without asking for instructions on how to use them.

 

Use chemical admixtures to improve concrete performance

Admixtures can be used to delay the chemical reaction that takes place when the concrete starts the setting process. These admixtures are used in concrete pavement construction which allows more time for finishing ​concrete pavements. Sometimes admixtures are used to improve concrete’s resistance to severe frost action or freeze/thaw cycles. Such admixtures also provide high resistance to cycles of wetting and drying. Read the entire article at http://ift.tt/2fj0oLw.

 

The use of durable concrete is a must, especially for basketball poles and mail box posts. The foundational structure of these posts must only be created from high-quality cements. The entire structure may fail or get damaged after some time if the wrong cement and admixtures were utilized. The measurements of the basketball pole or mail box post should be accurate in order to create the right amount of concrete of it.

 

Setting Basketball Poles and Mail Box Posts

Putting up the basketball pole is basically done the same way except the hole will need to be bigger and deeper. Getting a pole that tall straight will likely require a second set of hands. A general rule of thumb is that 1/4 of the poles length should be in the ground and that the hole should be 3 times as wide as the pole. You can shorten the depth if you increase the width. How much concrete you will need depends to some extend on who will be using it. If the kids are casual players and not too aggressive the general rule of thumb above will work. If you anticipate that a teenager will attempt an NBA dunk you will need to make sure it is anchored. You can read the entire article at its main source.

 

Before the concrete has hardened, you need to make sure that there is no air trapped inside. It can reduce the durability of the cemented structure. Cracks can also be noticed on the surface of the concrete after being subjected to extreme pressure. Adding the right admixture to the cement mix can definitely improve its overall quality.

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Saturday 29 July 2017

Understanding the Basics of Concrete Mixes

There are different types of concrete mixes for different projects. The most suitable one should be a concrete that is durable for the specific type of project. There are many reasons why concrete is utilized in most construction projects. It has high strength and durability, which means that it can withstand strong pressure. It is also low maintenance so a regular check-up is no longer necessary as long as the right concrete mix was used.

AAA Concreting is a national network of concrete contractors who can help with this. If you are in Dallas, you can find them here.

Concrete is typically used in public railroads and parking lots. However, it is also a good material for patios and unique countertop designs. It can even be used for decorative accents. In any cases, a consistent concrete mix should be used for any platform. The specific concrete mix should be created according to type of application. If you want to create a colourful patio using concrete mix, you should use cement colors as your main ingredient. Crack-resistant concrete mixes are best used for railroads and pavements. If the wrong type of concrete mix is used for the construction of a project, the results can be devastating. The structure might not last for more than a year.

 

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

Sakrete Fast-Setting Concrete Mix is a preblended mixture of special cementitious materials, sand and coarse aggregate that quickly sets within 30 minutes. It is ideal for projects that necessitate a rapid set for same-day use. Fast-Setting Concrete Mix also allows you to set posts and poles with no mixing or bracing required. Sakrete also offers its SAKRETE Fence Post Concrete Mix, which is a mixture of sand, coarse aggregate and cementitious materials specifically designed for setting fence posts. For the full article, simply visit the main source.

 

You can easily pick out the right kind of concrete mix once you understand the basics of concrete mixing. Compacting concrete should also be a part of the basic things you should understand first. Compaction is simply the process of removing trapped air in the cement. Entrapped air can result to reduced durability to the cement. It may also lessen its strength that it can no longer endure extreme pressure. The results of such occurrence include crack roads and broken structures.

 

What Are The Methods for Compacting Concrete in The Field?

It is most commonly used technique of concrete vibration. Vibration is achieved due to eccentric weights attached to the shaft. The needle diameter varies from 20 mm to 75 mm and its length varies from 25 cm to 90 cm. the frequency range adopted is normally 3500 to 5000 rpm. The correct and incorrect methods of vibration using internal vibration needles are shown below. You can continue reading the full article at http://ift.tt/2eXCRiS.

 

Once you get the idea of how cement works, you can already create the right cement mix for your construction project. A stable concrete mix can produce high quality cement. Concrete compacting should always be done prior to applying the cement. Once a concrete mixture is free from air, its resulting cement should be durable enough to withstand strong amounts of pressure.

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Saturday 22 July 2017

How You Can Begin Concreting Your Walkway

Concreting your walkway should be a project that you must invest upon. There are a lot of positive things that is to come your way when you have concreted your walkway. Building a strong, crack free walkway with the right amount of slab will ensure that you have a place to walk on securely, and that you can see to it that the benefits will certainly outweigh the money that you have spent for the project. The things like edges, leveling, smoothing and curing are important matters that you have to get a small insight on, so that you can overlook how the concreting project of your walkway is done.

Below are tips which you must familiarize so that you can always get the right outcome that you so desire to have. You need to fully settle the important matters, so that you can iron out the details that have to be tackled a little closely. This means that you can do micro management as your pathway is being concreted. It is important that you understand how concreting is being done so that you can have the right results in the end.

Tips to Build a Concrete Walkway

Tip 1: Overbuild your forms

Every builder has a horror story about forms that bulged or even collapsed under the force of wet concrete. To avoid a horror story of your own, build strong forms. Use 1-1/2-in.-thick boards (2x4s, 2x6s, etc.) except on curves. If you’re using 2x4s or 2x6s, place stakes no more than 3 ft. apart. If the forms extend belowground, pack soil against them. If they extend more than 6 in. aboveground, reduce the spacing between stakes and brace each one with a second stake and a diagonal “kicker.”

Tip 2: Form curves with hardboard

Hardboard siding is intended for exterior walls, but it’s also great stuff for forming curves because it’s flexible and cheap. A 12-in. x 16-ft. plank costs about $10 at lumberyards and you can cut it to any width you need. Because it’s so flexible, hardboard needs extra reinforcement to prevent bulging against the force of the concrete. If the forms are belowground, place stakes no more than 3 ft. apart and pack soil against them. For aboveground forms, space stakes 16 in. apart. To form consistent, parallel sides for a curved sidewalk, build one side first. Then use a “gauge board”—a 1×4 with blocks screwed to it—to position the other side. In wet weather, hardboard can swell and your perfect curves might become wavy. So if rain is forecast, be prepared to cover your hardboard forms.

Tip 3: Keep stakes below the form tops

Stakes that project above forms create a hurdle for your screed board—and screeding concrete is hard enough without obstacles. So before you pour, take five minutes to cut off any protruding stakes. If the tops of your forms are near ground level, make sure your screed board won’t drag against the ground; you may have to skim off a little dirt to clear a path for the board. The latest concreting innovation is found on this link.

You must consider beefing up your knowledge in terms of how concreting is made so that you can ask intelligent questions from those you have tasked to do the works for you. You can likewise ensure that you get the right results when you know what to check for as the concreting is being done. There are matters that you have to pay attention to, and think about deeper in terms of concreting your path, so you can better get good results in the end.

How To Lay A Concrete Path

For a long-lasting path with a smooth finish, concrete is a great option. It is made by mixing one part cement, two parts sand and four parts gravel, then gradually adding water.

To work out how much concrete you’ll need, multiply the area of the path by the desired thickness, round up to the nearest cubic metre and add an extra 0.2m3 to account for errors.

Mix the concrete in a wheelbarrow, or hire a concrete mixer for bigger jobs, for about $65 a day. Combine the sand and gravel, collectively called aggregate, with the cement and add an oxide powder for colour, if desired. 

Carefully add water until the mixture is creamy but not runny. 

Dry concrete mix can be purchased in bags with cement and aggregate already combined in the correct proportions. Simply add water to the mix according to the instructions.

TIP Always wear protective gloves, long pants and gumboots, as concrete can burn exposed skin.

Order premixed concrete for larger jobs, choosing N20/10. The N stands for normal concrete, 20 is its strength in megapascals, and 10 is the aggregate size in millimetres.

Install steel mesh with the edges at least 50mm from the formwork and control joints, and with equally thick layers of concrete above and below.

Set out a curve by building one side of the formwork using plywood, then use a timber gauge board with spacers beneath to position the other side. Get the latest update on concreting on this site: http://ift.tt/2uMLhQ9.

Concreting is a good investment decision that you have to make. When you have a pathway that is not concreted, then it is important that you save for the concreting works to benefit from the positive results that concreting has to offer. You will never regret the decision to build a concrete path or walkway.

The post How You Can Begin Concreting Your Walkway appeared first on AAA Concreting.

Saturday 15 July 2017

Modern Concrete Mixers

Concrete mixing was supposed to be a tough task until the introduction of modern concrete mixing machines. These machines can efficiently mix concrete in just a few minutes, without the hassle of using shovels for the perfect mixture. Concrete mixers are ideal for mixing large quantities of cement. It is best used for large construction projects and also for commercial improvement. Concrete mixers can be quite expensive, but there should be affordable ones in the market today.

 

You should carefully choose the right kind of concrete mixer. Its size matters, especially if you are using it for large construction projects. A large concrete mixer should be able to produce large quantities of cement needed for the construction. It can make the job easier once you have the right size. Concrete mixers normally require gasoline in order for it to be usable. Depending on how much concrete is needed, you should have ample amount of gasoline needed for its operation. A tip-up concrete mixer is advisable for small projects. It is so much cheaper than the bulky ones but it can only produce small amounts of cement at a time.

 

Everything You Need to Know Before You Hire a Concrete Mixer

 

Before you start using the mixer, make sure it is set up on a level surface and near a water supply. Then, read the instructions that came with your cement mix and add the right quantities of the cement and water as the mixer is running. It is dangerous to overload a concrete mixer, and could ruin the concrete, so be sure to mix it in batches that fit the mixer’s capacity. For the full article, please visit http://ift.tt/2urcUhd.

 

Aside from concrete mixers, pipe systems have also become modernized. The concrete pipe technology has become a first class quality pipe in the industry today. It is more than twice as durable as the standard pipes. Steel-enforced concrete pipes are almost immune to external damages due to its high durability. Many commercial buildings today have upgrade their pipe system to this modern kind of technology.

 

The Hume Pipe Making Machine Technology – Features & Applications in Infrastructure

 

Current machines are developed with a two directional head system, which enables manufacture of concrete pipe with a good wire and concrete bond as well as great compaction. The hume pipe making machine is developed with a unique frame design that allows for easier feeding of multiple materials and rapid pipe assembly. This vertical cast process has been found very efficient and with great ability for greater automation. You can view the entire article at http://ift.tt/2vpLQMF.

 

The construction of buildings has definitely become more advanced than ever. Most large commercial buildings today can be built within a matter of weeks with the use of state-of-the-art technology. Modern concrete mixers are safe to use and is more productive than manual labor. It is already a must for every construction company to use modern equipment in creating cement for their projects.

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Saturday 8 July 2017

Concrete Mixing 101

Concrete mixing can be a very exhausting task, especially if there is a lot to mix. Although it can be performed using a mixing machine, manual concrete mixing is still proven to produce better results. There are simple steps to follow when mixing concrete manually. With the right mixing ingredients and materials, you can create a high quality mixture in less than 10 minutes. First, you would need the proper tools. Make sure that you have your entire mixing equipment ready before doing the actual mixing. A shovel and a bucket will suffice. If you are planning to mix concrete on a cold weather condition, you will need to wear a pair of cotton gloves.

 

Knowing the basics of concrete mixing can be beneficial for anyone, especially for those who take part in humanitarian aid. Although mixing concrete is not a very convenient thing to do, it is fairly simple. There should be a mixing pavement to create the mixture. If there are not any in a specific place, it is easy to create one instead. Medium-sized rocks or bricks can be used to create a reliable mixing pavement.

 

Mixing concrete

               

Mixing concrete was one of our favourite jobs as we were working shoulder to shoulder with the locals mixing the concrete together on the ground with shovels. Once we had it mixed enough we would shovel it into wheelbarrows and take it into the school.  To make the base for the walls we would dump a bit of concrete in the bottom of the trench and then place big rocks in with more concrete on top of that.  We would place the rebar supports in the corners and along the walls standing straight in the air, this kept all the men in the group busy as it was very hard to keep up with the pace the locals were going at. Visit the main source to view the full article.

 

There are useful products that can be used to make things easier with concrete mixing. These materials are not very expensive that even regular people could afford them. You can choose to use a liquid concrete mix to easily create a concrete solution. Concrete pump primers help keep the pumps lubricated and the concrete to flow smoothly. There are several other concrete mixing tools that you could use if you want an easier way to create concrete and for concrete pouring.

 

Great products for effective concrete pouring

 

Concrete pouring requires strong attention to a number of factors: set up time, pump lubrication, proper placement and timely cleanup are among the most important. At Enviro-Systems our goal is to solve all your concrete problems, which means we provide you with effective solutions for your concrete construction projects. Go to http://ift.tt/2tZ4M7K to view the full article.

 

It would be best to ask for an expert advice if you are new with concrete mixing. You might end up wasting a lot of money if you failed to create a good and stable mixture. It is recommended to leave the mixing part to the expert but if you are really on a tight budget, you can do it on your own as soon as you know the basics. Check out more guides online so that you can be well-prepared in mixing your own concrete.

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Saturday 1 July 2017

The Basics of Asphalt Concrete Mixing

There are many different types of concrete that can be created either manually or through a machine. Asphalt concrete is the most common type of concrete that is used in public railroads, parking lots, airports, and in many other public places. Asphalt is a very durable type of concrete which is why it is utilized the most. It also makes very less roadway noise which makes it best for the construction of public highways. Asphalt concrete is also known for being recyclable because of the fact that only very few asphalt is disposed in landfills.

 

Mix design methods of asphalt should be an essential part of its mixture. In order to achieve a consistent and durable asphalt concrete, the mixture must be well-designed. There are guidelines to follow when mixing asphalt concrete. It is not only mixing the concrete mix with water but so much more. There should be stability in the mixture to avoid rutting under loads. A highly stable concrete mixture will make the pavement durable. For public highways, a think concrete solution is needed to avoid road cracks due to heavy vehicles. Durability is a must for public roads so it is just necessary to make the perfect mixture when creating asphalt concrete for these purposes.

 

Asphalt concrete – proper mixing holds the key

 

Asphalt mixture produced should be such that it should be capable of being easily placed and compacted. Mixtures containing a high percentage of coarse aggregate have a tendency to segregate during handling and also may be difficult to compact. A gummy mixture is also difficult to compact. An ideal mix should provide for gradual settlements and movements in the sub-grade without cracking. An open-graded mix with high binder content is generally more flexible than a dense-graded, low binder content mix. View the full article at http://ift.tt/2tdCEv0.

 

In most tropical countries, mixing concrete is not decided by season. However, there are places where mixing concrete can only be done during hot weather seasons. A moderate weather is still the best time to mix concrete to create the best results. The air temperature would usually affect the quality of the concrete mixture. Even the wind speed and humidity level should be taken into consideration if you want to create high quality concrete.

 

Placing Concrete in Hot or Cold Weather

 

If the air temperature is above 90° F you need to be careful. Of course what you are doing with the concrete also makes a difference. We will address that later. In addition if the wind is blowing hard and the humidity is low, even 90° might be a problem. The issue with hot weather isn’t really the heat. Neither the cement nor the aggregates have a problem with temperature. This isn’t like a chocolate bar on the front seat of the car in July. The issue is that the top layer of concrete will dry much faster than the bottom layer. As concrete dries it shrinks. This means that the top will be shrinking while the bottom is stationary. At this point you get your own north/south civil war breaking out inside the slab. There will be casualties. Go the main site to read the entire article.

 

Most of the problems associated with concrete come from the improper mixing by those who are not knowledgeable about the basics of concrete mixing. There are specific amounts that should be mixed with the other ingredients of the concrete to create a good result. The produced mixture should be easily placed and compacted at almost any surface.

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Wednesday 28 June 2017

The Ultimate Guide To Choosing A Residential Concrete Contractor

How To Choose The Best Concrete Contractor In Your Area

concrete-contractorWhenever you have a concrete project, the first step towards its success is hiring the right concrete contractor. Whether you need a state-of-the-art patio, driveway, walkway, or any other projects to suit your preferences, the US market is flooded with professionals who can help you in your quest. However, since you need quality in your project, selecting the best is something you cannot afford to turn a blind eye to.

The most important thing to note is that hiring a concrete contractor is more than just picking a phone number randomly and making a call, or searching the internet and selecting one with prices that are too good to be true. If you want a combination of timeliness, reliability, quality, and affordability, the following tips will help you make a well-informed decision.

Do Your Homework!

Before you even set out to the market to look for a concrete contractor, it is wise to do a thorough research. In the age of the internet we are in today, things have become easier. The internet will give you a list of contractors available in your vicinity, the type of services they offer, and their distinct prices. With this in mind, you will be able to identify the best potential contractor.

If you do not have access to the internet, you can ask your friends and family for referrals. Ask them for details of contractors who have worked for them in the past, and develop a reliable list of options which will aid in making the right decision.

Consider The Reputation Of The Contractor

An essential question to ask yourself before you hire a concrete contractor is; how reputable is he?

concrete-pouringYou can evaluate reputation of a contractor of your choice through;

  • Online customer reviews and testimonials
  • Online expert reviews
  • Ask for a list of references from the contractor

Verify Their Insurance

Imagine a scenario where a mishap occurred during concrete works on your property, would you be willing to take responsibility? If not, make sure you ask the concrete contractor of your choice to provide proof of a legitimate insurance cover and verify how the insurance policy guarantees protection for you and your property in case an accident happens. All professional contractors should have a general liability insurance cover. 

Go For Experience

A general golden rule asserts that concrete contractors with more than five years of experience are better placed to provide quality, reliable and consistent work. Additionally, they have a solid positive reputation because they have served with due diligence for quite a long time. They have developed more knowledge in the field after working in many projects hence are more creative and always have a solution to any concrete problem.

An experienced contractor will always be result-oriented for the sole reason; he wants to maintain the visibility and reputation of his brand.

Carefully Review Their Portfolio

contractor-leveling-concreteA contractor’s portfolio is undoubtedly one of the most powerful tools that will help you in the decision-making process. A good portfolio will have photos of previous projects that will give a clear understanding of the broad range of services they offer. Not only will the portfolio help you visualize what you need for your modern home, but will also give you new ideas of how your home should look.

Customer Service

The best contractor is one who has invested in developing the interpersonal skills of his staff. Go for a contractor with a friendly demeanor, and one who is willing to spend much time with you discussing your projects and looking for executable ways to get the job done. If you ever come across a contractor who is always telling you to book appointments at a later date, is hesitant to answer your questions, and never calls back, consider him somebody to avoid in the industry and continue with the search.

Compare Prices

Contractors will always provide you with a free quote for your desired project. The rule of the thumb is to always go for the best that you can afford. However, do not forget that cheap can be very expensive at times. Do not choose a contractor simply because his quote is lower than others, the quality of the work might be lower than the price and you will suffer in future. Go for what is affordable, not what is considered cheap.

Hiring the right contractor will influence the quality of your concrete project. Whenever you are in a dilemma, and you don’t know where to begin, use the above tips, and you will never make a wrong decision.

Main Services A Concrete Contractor Should Offer

Sometimes, you look at a particular area in your garden, walkway, or driveway and wonder when you will be able to afford something better and fit in the competitive world we are in today, where modernity is a societal expectation. Luckily, there are thousands of concrete contractors all over the United States who are more than willing to help you make the best out of your space.

If you want to get the best out of a concrete contractor, go for one that will offer a broad range of services that suit your ever-growing residential concrete needs. A Professional contractor is always result-oriented and will provide the following services to his clients.

new-concrete-drivewayConstruction And Repair Of Concrete Driveways

A driveway is undoubtedly the first thing that visitors see whenever they visit your home. Simply put, it is one of the elements that will give your home an appealing first impression. For that reason, it ought to stay functional and attractive at all times. A good concrete contractor should be the person who will always ensure you achieve this.

Whether you need a new concrete driveway or the existing one is worn out and needs repair, a concrete contractor should make sure just that. He should design a perfect driveway that will not only create that charming and enviable look but will also compliment your landscape. Make sure the contractor gives you different colors and patterns to choose from and let your creativity and personal preference count in creating what will add value to your palatial American home; a perfect driveway.

Construction And Repair Of Concrete Walkways

Well, a walkway might not be one of the most important parts of your home but making it count is a notable step towards the notion of modernity. This is one of the major services a good concrete contractor should be able to offer to its clients.

One thing you should know is the fact that today’s walkways don’t have to be the standard gray ones we are familiar with in the majority of American homes. A good contractor should be able to offer you with a broad range of options that will help you customize the appearance of your residential premises. For example, if you need a walkway that is stamped and that resembles various types of natural bush stones, a good contractor should be able to provide just that.

Construction And Enclosure Of Concrete Patios

Concrete patios in the American market are facing stiff competition from wooden decks. However, with the right contractor and the right finishes, a concrete patio is hard to beat. This is the reason why concrete contractors have invested heavily in materials and equipment that aid in the construction of not only the best but unique concrete patios in America.

stamped-concrete-patioA professional concrete contractor will help you develop a patio that will suit your preferences and those of your loved ones. Whether you need a place where you can hold large family meetings, a small room for a hot tub, a play area, or a swimming pool, a good contractor will always tailor your patio to fit all your needs.

Construction And Repair Of Retaining Walls

Being some of the most important landscaping elements, the power of retaining walls in the general appearance and maintenance of your home cannot be ignored. They will hold the earth from moving downwards towards your walkways, driveways, or garden. Simply put, a retaining wall is designed to stabilize a hill area such that the area below it gains complete safety. A good concrete contractor will be able to construct an outstanding concrete retaining wall that will provide you with the sound support you require to hold back backfill or soil.

Decorative Concrete Services

The days where concrete finishing was gray, flat and ugly are long gone. Today’s concrete contractors offer astounding stained and stamped concrete finishes that will promptly turn a plain concrete wall into a charming piece of modern art.

A concrete contractor should provide;

  • Indoor decorative concrete and,
  • Outdoor decorative concrete.

Concrete Flooring Solutions

A great USA-based concrete contractor should help you in ensuring your concrete floor last for a lifetime. He should offer numerous concrete flooring services including:

  • concrete-floorEpoxy floor coatings
  • Concrete polishing
  • Surface preparation
  • Joint expansion and sealing
  • SureTex floors
  • Concrete sealing
  • Self-levelling concrete floors and,
  • Indoor stamped overlays.

Concrete Resurfacing

Concrete contractors should ensure the concrete floor of your home is free from surface discoloration, imperfection, and cracks. Since the best contractor is one whom will combine both quality and affordability, he  will develop effective resurfacing techniques that will ensure you save a considerable amount of your hard-earned money because you will not be forced to replace the entire floor.

Concrete Parking Areas

A good concrete contractor is one with the knowledge that your car is one of the most useful assets you own hence having a decent parking lot for it in your backyard is not negotiable. He will have the right products that will help in constructing the parking area that you have always wished for.

Other Services

Other primary residential services that a construction contractor should offer include construction of;

  • Pervious pavements
  • Concrete porches
  • Concrete pads and slabs
  • Concrete foundations
  • Concrete stoops
  • Concrete steps and stairs
  • Pool decks
  • Concrete poured walls
  • Areaways
  • Concrete garden walls and,
  • Demolition of existing concrete elements

Types Of Products A Concrete Contractor Should Offer

A concrete contractor should provide the following products:

Architectural and Decorative Concrete

This is a kind of concrete that provides a structural function and adds an aesthetically appealing finish to a structure. With modernity taking center stage, this is one type of product that any concrete contractor in The United States should provide to his/her clients.

Accelerated Set Concrete

The strength of your concrete structure should be enhanced hence this product is specially made to ensure your structure remains in its strongest form even during the coldest months of winter.

Pervious Concrete

Whenever you need a swimming pool, a new parking lot, or fantastic footpaths in your American home, the best concrete contractor should offer you with the best pervious concrete that will profoundly reduce flooding and prevents skidding.

Fiber-reinforced Concrete

This is a type of product that is crafted with fibers and microfibers to enhance excellent ductility of the concrete. A concrete contractor should be able to provide you with high-end fiber-reinforced concrete if all you need is a concrete structure that will serve you for eternity without having to crack an inch.

Standard Concrete

This is arguably the most common form of concrete which is prepared at a concrete plant instead of being made at the construction site hence assuring maximum quality. This is a product that any concrete contractor should readily provide to his/her clients promptly.

If all you want is a concrete contractor, who will give you nothing short of the best, ensure he offers the above services and products. After you are satisfied the contractor will meet all your concrete needs, ensure he portrays exceptional work ethic, unquestionable professionalism, and top-most devotion to your project needs.

The post The Ultimate Guide To Choosing A Residential Concrete Contractor appeared first on AAA Concreting.

Tuesday 27 June 2017

Second Infographic Released!

We have released a second infographic, this time on the benefits of stained concrete flooring. 

 

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Friday 23 June 2017

Concrete Mixing: A Basic Guide

Creating concrete is not just simply mixing concrete and water. Proper concrete mixing is vital to creating a quality concrete that is durable when in its hardened state. There should be standards to follow when mixing concrete ingredients. The concrete mix should be uniform in texture and color in order to achieve a consistent result that will be used in designing platforms. The cement paste must also cover the entire surface. The guidelines of proper concrete mixing would depend on how much concrete is needed. As soon as you know the amount of concrete needed for the construction or designing of a building or surface, you can already get an estimate of how much concrete mix and water are needed for mixing.

 

Homeowners choose to mix concrete manually because there is no need for heavy mixing if the concrete is only to be used for private purposes. However, manual concrete mixing can be very exhausting, especially if you do not know the techniques of mixing yet. One of the basic things that you would need in mixing concrete is a mixing platform. A clean and tight platform is ideal for mixing concrete. If there isn’t one available in your home, you can create one by yourself instead.

 

How to mix concrete manually on site?

 

Make a depression in the middle of the mixed pile and pour slowly into half to three-quarters of the total quantity of water required. While the material is turned in towards the centre with shovels, add the remainder of the water slowly, turning the mixture over and again until the colour and consistency are uniform throughout the pile. This will indicate that all ingredients are thoroughly combined. The water should be poured slowly into the mix. This is best done by means of a gardener’s water can fitted with a rose-head. Throwing water from a bucket all at a time will result in its running away and taking cement with it. Read the complete article at http://ift.tt/2rMx9BW.

 

The very next thing that you should be concerned with after the concrete platform is the amount of concrete needed for the mixture. You might need to do some math if you are new with it. For experts, however, they can make estimates in mixing concrete. All they need is to see the structure or surface that needs to cemented.

 

How Much Concrete Do I Need?

 

The number one question that we get on our hotline (1-866-Sakrete) is, “how much concrete do I need”? But let’s face it, unless you have a practical real world application for those boring math problems, you just don’t care enough to retain it. Well, now you do have a real world application so let’s go through the exercise so you will know how to do it without calling the next time. You can even impress your friends at dinner parties (if the subject about concrete should happen to come up). I would only recommend this topic for those ”friends” where you don’t mind if you were never invited back to again. Go to the main site to read the full article.

 

The mixing period of concrete should not last for more than ten minutes. Depending on how much concrete you are mixing, the normal mixing time is just about three minutes. You should check the consistency of the concrete before applying it on any surface. You can do it manually by taking a handful of concrete and squeezing it tightly by your hands.

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Monday 22 May 2017

Concrete Services: Pavement Selection

Concrete services are vital in the construction and reconstruction of driveways, sidewalks, pavements, and many other roads. Transportation agencies generally employ concrete contractors in the construction of highways. However, home owners and businessmen will also need concrete services at some point. There should be a proper pavement at the exterior of any building, whether it is residential or commercial. It is an investment that any property owner should take. Because there are different types of pavements, its selection requires careful analysis.

There are many factors that one has to consider in choosing the right type of pavement. One factor is its usage. If a pavement is intended for commercial use, the pavement must be constructed through the use of high quality materials so that it could handle heavy vehicles. Pavements that are only intended for residential use can be created with sustainable materials, such as bricks and pebbles. Another factor that should be considered is the budget. Asphalt pavements are ideal for those who have a tight budget for concrete services.

Pavement Type Selection

In addition to technical and performance factors, roadway owners have been confronted with the need to consider secondary qualitative factors while selecting a pavement material type. These factors include consideration of such issues as tire-pavement noise generation, surface smoothness, and environmental sustainability. Asphalt pavements meet these needs and studies have conclusively shown asphalt pavements provide the smoothest, quietest ride with the greatest overall satisfaction for the motoring public. Asphalt is both a recyclable and a reusable resource. Innovations such as warm-mix asphalt and use of reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) have placed the industry as a leader in improving air emissions and in conserving virgin aggregates and natural resources. To view more, check out the main article source.

Once a pavement has been constructed, it is necessary to conduct a regular maintenance for it. Concrete contractors usually offer free maintenance to their clients during the first several months of the completed pavement. Weeds might start to sprout with the proper maintenance. It would destroy the beauty and strength of the pavement in the long run.

Smart ways to maintain an interlocking pavement

The presence of efflorescence otherwise known as whiskers is expected in most hardened concrete products. Some installers have their way of reducing the likelihood of efflorescence to develop on your installed pavers and one of which is by adding certain chemicals such as cleaning acid. You can also wash it using pressured water to remove this whitish substance. Be extra careful in using chemicals as it might discolor your pavers. Read the full article at http://ift.tt/2qJxXJI.

The construction of pavements becomes so much easier with the services of a competent concrete contractor. Finding the right one should be your primary concern if you are planning to construct a pavement outside your property. You can get started by asking for recommendation from your friends or neighbors. If you are unlucky with that option, you can search through the internet instead. Most concrete companies have shifted to an online platform already.

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