Whether you are constructing your home from scratch or planning a home improvement project, durability should be the top priority. For this reason, it becomes critical to invest in ready mix concrete because this material assures durability over the years. However, you need to be extra careful while choosing the mix because if it is not manufactured or installed properly, you will not be able to get the best benefits from the investment. Additionally, you should ensure that the ready mix is handled and poured in the right way to make it last and retain its durability and strength.
Here are some mistakes that you need to avoid while handling ready mix concrete for your home construction or renovation project.
Mistake #1: Not preparing the site
The construction site needs to be readied before you get the ready mix delivered and installed. Failing to prepare the site will sabotage the project right at its initial stage and there will not be much that you can do to undo the damage. Primarily, the sub-base needs to be compacted well enough or the surface finish will be weak and uneven, regardless of the application of a top-quality ready mix. Making use of the right consistency gravel is equally important; otherwise, the risk of weak points is elevated. Also, using too thin a layer of gravel can result in settling.
Mistake #2: Not reinforcing the concrete floor
No doubt ready mix concrete is strong and durable but there is still much more that can be done to improve its tensile strength. Reinforcing the concrete floor with steel is recommended to enhance its strength. You can opt for steel mesh, fibers or bars for reinforcement, as recommended by experts. The reinforcement material should be used with care because poor shaping can do more harm than good and will leave you with more problems in the end.
Mistake #3: Not preparing the mix correctly
A good mix is to be prepared with great care. It requires an optimal balance between cement, aggregates and water, something which is hard to achieve unless it is done by an expert. Mixing the concrete wrong can lead to complete wastage. The most feasible option for homeowners is to buy the best option for ready mix concrete from a reputed construction material supplier in your area. Suppliers have the right expertise and experience that makes them capable of preparing the proper mix according to the construction requirements. This turns out to be a worthy investment in the long run because it will make the construction durable and lasting over the years.
Mistake #4: Pouring in bad weather
Another blunder that you can make is by pouring the mix in bad weather. Extreme weather, either too hot or too cold, can cause the water to evaporate or freeze too quickly. On the other hand, rain can also change the consistency of ready mix concrete. Bad weather can end up compromising the quality and durability of the construction. The best time for getting the concrete poured at your construction site is warm and clear days. When you order the mix, make sure that you take the required precautions and have the mix delivered and poured during the optimal weather conditions.
Mistake #5: Poor finishing work
Laying the concrete at your construction site is just half the work done. Finishing is equally important, whether it is about installing concrete in the foundations, garage floor, stairs or shed base. Compacting the concrete properly is critical because it ensures durability and strength in the long run. Also, you must get the concrete leveled up to give it a smooth appearance. Proper finishing is mandatory if you want to get true worth from your investment in ready-mix concrete, both in terms of appearance and durability.
Another thing that you should ensure is to buy superior quality and well-tested product from a reputed local supplier. Do get recommendations from other homeowners who have bought from the same supplier and go through reviews of their products and services to understand what you can expect from them. It is always recommended to seek the advice of an expert contractor to identify the right kind of mix that you would require for your project. Doing some research at your end is also a good idea because you would require different varieties of ready mix for different parts of your home. Bear in mind any special considerations and convey them to the supplier to get a mix that matches your needs.
I love that you talked about how incorrect concrete mixing can result in total waste. My neighbor wants to build a stronger structure to replace the crumbling pavement that leads to his garage. I’ll provide him with this information so he can place the ideal supply of Residential Concrete Mix.
Phew! You have no idea how relieved I am upon realizing that ready mix concrete can actually create a decent result if it’s well-prepared and poured during good weather condition. The pavement right in front of my uncle’s garage needs to be redone after several cracks were spotted recently. I’ll ask him to rely on this tip to produce a stunning outcome some time soon.
Although ready-mix concrete is tough and long-lasting, there is always room for improvement in terms of tensile strength. It’s great that ready-mix concrete is robust and long-lasting, but there’s still a lot more that can be done to improve its tensile strength. I’d need to speak with a specialist who can assist me in locating a reliable concrete service for my home. Thank you very much for writing this article!
Thank you for the information about how ready mix concrete assures durability over the years. I did not know we had to be extra careful while choosing the mix. It needs to be manufactured and installed properly. We are ready to redo the concrete in our driveway after nearly 40 years.
It was really helpful that you mentioned how ready mix concrete can be made more durable when reinforced with steel bars. I also like that you mentioned how a reputable concrete company can help make mixed concrete that is properly mixed according to construction requirements. Maybe it’s a good thing that there are a lot of concrete companies that can help their clients get ready mix concrete according to their construction needs.
Thanks for pointing out that if not done by an expert, it would be difficult to get a good concrete mix. As you said, your project could be sabotaged if the site is not prepared during the delivery of the ready mix concrete. This is something that I will share with my father as he mentioned that he would want ready mix concrete to be delivered to his house. It would be used for the construction of his new driveway, and he wanted to ensure that the project is going to be completed properly.
I am glad that you mentioned how getting a good concrete mix can be difficult if not done by an expert. I would imagine that when working with concrete, it would be very beneficial to hire a professional concrete service to provide reliable and quality concrete mixes. Thank you so much for all of the information you explained about handling concrete.