Concrete is one of the most durable building materials, but that doesn’t mean it’s without fault. Here we share 3 common concrete mistakes that happen all too often on the jobsite. Find out how to avoid them so you can deliver the high-quality work your clients expect.
USING THE WRONG AMOUNT OF CONCRETE
It is important to know how much concrete you will need when pouring concrete, and this amount differs depending on your project. For example, if you are pouring a foundation for a structure, it is not just about the smoothest way to pour concrete into a form and then getting it in place. The amount of concrete that should be poured varies based on the type of structure that the foundation is being built for. If a foundation is being built and too little concrete is used, there will not be enough support for the structure, and cracks will eventually begin to show after time.
IGNORING SPALLING
Spalling occurs when a piece of concrete peels, breaks, or chips away from the main concrete pour. It’s a major problem that can occur because of several factors, including:
The concrete is poured during a freeze-thaw cycle
De-icing salts get into the concrete
The curing process is done improperly
Spalling can ultimately reduce the strength of your concrete structure and can certainly hurt the look of the pour. There are several ways to fix spalling, depending on the size of the concrete and the amount of spalling that has occurred. If the driveway you’re working on, for example, is spalling, you can patch the spalled areas with a color matching compound. If the pour is large and intended to support a large structure, you may have to rip out and replace the whole slab.
IGNORING BLISTERS ON THE SURFACE
If tiny bumps — or blisters — appear on the surface of your pour, it’s typically a sign that the trowel was used too quickly when spreading the concrete, creating a pockmarked surface. These blisters can also occur when the surface is sealed too soon after pouring, leaving air to get trapped and causing the small blisters to appear.
You’re hoping to have your concrete construction last you for decades to come, but it’s looking like that might not be the case. Don’t let a faulty job turn your long-lasting project into a short-term solution — call in professionals who are committed to lifetime quality and customer service.
OUR CONCLUSION ON CONCRETE MISTAKES!
At Gunner-Concrete, we pride ourselves on being the best concrete supplier in Greater Orange County, Greater Los Angeles, and the Inland Empire. We offer a wide variety of ready-mix concrete products and services, so you can always find exactly what you are looking for. No project is too big or too small for our U.S.-made concrete to handle. Best of all, we use the most advanced technology, making sure that you get exactly what need when it comes to quality, durability, looks, and cost.