Concrete is the ideal building material, whether for homes or businesses alike. Consulting a professional to get your driveway or patio done will save both time and money in the long run as these are the specialties they are certain to perform better than you could ever imagine.
Preparation
Preparation is an integral component of being a commercial concrete contractor, as it involves preparing the mix to be poured and making sure it reaches its full potential. Step one in any project preparation involves identifying what kind of cement will be necessary.
For instance, contractors working on patio or walkway installations will need to know exactly which shape, size, color, and depth requirements must be met before purchasing their materials. Once this information has been established, a contractor can quickly create the plans and specifications required to complete their work swiftly and efficiently.
Keep in mind every location has their own specific needs. An engineer or a concrete contractor in Tampa, FL specializing in cement construction must also make sure that they have access to all the appropriate specialized tools and equipment used for the task at hand. This could be anything such as hand tools, mixers and any machinery specifically tailored for this particular task.
Pouring
Contractors use their expertise in pouring cement for various construction projects, such as driveways, sidewalks and walls. Additionally, this expertise is often called upon when building large highways or bridges.
Before commencing their pour, contractors must first prepare the site of their project by excavating and taking other necessary measures that ensure it will be placed accurately.
Once an area has been prepared for concrete placement, a contractor will erect forms that will hold it securely while it hardens. They may use wood or metal forms, depending on its size and weight, to ensure it doesn’t spill out of place during curing.
As with other projects, placing layers of the substance is also required to allow for proper settlement and pressure distribution. A contractor typically pours up to four layers at once (seen here) each layer should be between 12″ to 36″, separated by an interval of 20-30 minutes to allow the cement to settle and distribute its pressure evenly.
Finishing
A contractor specializes in finishing concrete that has been poured into forms. This includes eliminating air pockets, smoothing and leveling its surface, as well as performing any decorative cement services like stamped or dyed surfaces.
An experienced contractor knows how to complete projects both on time and within budget by having an in-depth knowledge of their process and communicating openly about timelines, costs and other pertinent information.
Finishing concrete surfaces correctly is of great significance, both visually and structurally. Achieving aesthetic value while remaining watertight are two goals to aim for when finishing cement surfaces; failure to do this correctly could result in cracking, unevenness or cracking occurring which would only add further complications to an already difficult situation.
There are various concrete finishes, including stamping, sandblasting and staining. An experienced contractor can help you select the most suitable option based on your unique requirements.
When selecting a contractor, it is crucial to assess their experience working on similar projects. Try finding one who has been operating for at least five years as this will guarantee a secure and reputable service provider.
Maintenance
Concrete is an extremely resilient material that cans last decades with proper care. Hiring a contractor to perform regular maintenance tasks on the structure in which you live or work is one way of making sure its appearance stays attractive for longer.
Maintenance may involve several tasks, including cleaning and sealing your concrete. These actions can make an enormous difference to its lifespan and ensure its proper function for longer.
Clean and crack-free concrete will prolong its life and save money in the long run. In addition, sealing can protect it against rust stains. As there is no universal solution to cleaning concrete surfaces, at minimum most should be performed annually with pressure washing and approved degreasers, says Bob Vila.
Decorative concrete should also be sealed to extend its lifespan and prevent dirt and oil from settling into its surface. Sealants vary by type, and depending on which sealant you use can help protect it against dirt and oil build-up.
Environmental elements, like rain, salt and snow can have a significant effect on concrete’s lifespan by contributing to its rapid deterioration. Exposure to pollutants causes it to break down more quickly.