For concrete to retain its integrity and durability, proper installation is always required.
The proper installation methods make a huge difference with every construction project, and installing concrete is no different. What does proper concrete installation look like and how can you ensure that you use a contractor that follows the best practices? Read on!
Site Work
Before concrete can be installed, the location it is going to be poured needs to be properly
prepared. First, the area will be cleared and cleaned. Any grass, rocks, trees, shrubs, and old
concrete need to be completely removed. A sub base at least 4 inches deep is installed over tip.
This advance site work makes sure that the concrete surface itself will last the longest amount
of time possible.
Set the Forms
Once the sub base has been properly installed, it’s time to set the forms. Concrete forms are
typically made from wood, metal, or plastic and can be installed at different depths depending
on how much concrete needs to be poured. Forms are designed for easy and clean removal
once the project is done.
Placement
Now that the stage is set for the concrete installation, it’s time to actually move to the concrete.
Your contractor will have ordered the proper type of concrete for the area that you live in and
the soil on your property. Concrete should arrive in a mixing truck so that it won’t settle or start
to get hard too quickly. The contractor and the workers will then pour the concrete into each
form until they are full and even. Throughout the process, the workers will be using rakes and
other tools to make sure that no bubbles or holes form in the concrete surface.
Finishing: Part 1
The first phase of finishing will be done immediately after the concrete is poured. Workers will
screed the top of the concrete to smooth and level the top. The concrete will become more
compact and be able to set better than without this step.
Troweling
Steel troweling is done once the concrete surface has started to firm. This is done to create a
uniform and hard surface and prevent any bubbles from making themselves known.
Finishing
Finally, your concrete surface has been completely installed! Now the final finish can be applied
and the concrete can cure.
Concrete Installation and Maintenance from PTG Enterprises
If you want to protect your asphalt and ensure it has a long lifespan, choose PTG Enterprises for your sealcoating and asphalt maintenance needs. We offer commercial concrete, masonry, asphalt installation, repair, and paving throughout Baltimore, Harford, Anne Arundel, Howard, and P.G. Counties. If you are interested in hearing how we can help you, contact us online or give us a call at (410) 636-8777. For more tips and tricks, be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Google+, and Flickr.
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