Residential Concreters – What They Do

Residential concreters build a wide range of concrete structures, from footings to concrete slabs for sheds and driveways. They also provide a variety of landscaping concrete services, including pool decks and patios. These structures are functional and aesthetically pleasing and can be built to your specifications.

Concrete contractors can add value to your property and enhance its visual appeal. They also offer a range of other services, such as repair and maintenance.

Concrete slabs

Concrete slabs are a flat structural component in buildings that transfer loads from the building frame to the ground. They are also important for stabilising structures and preventing them from moving under load. Concrete floor slabs can be made of different types of materials, including reinforced concrete. Slabs are generally designed to carry uniformly distributed dead loads and imposed loads.

There are many types of slabs, such as one-way joist slabs, flat slabs, waffle slabs, hollow core slabs, and precast slabs. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages. However, it is essential to choose a slab that is compatible with the environment and the type of building.

Before laying the concrete slab, concreters will prepare the base by levelling the ground. They will also install damp-proofing and insulation if necessary. They will also use a plate-based leveller to give the concrete a smooth finish. They will also wait for a cool and calm day to produce a high-quality slab.

Coloured concrete

Coloured concrete is a great way to add a decorative touch to your home and it has the added benefit of being durable and weatherproof. It is also easy to maintain and can be used in a variety of applications.

Concrete gets its colour from pigments that are either mined or produced in chemical factories. There are a wide range of colours available and the option of adding patterns with stamping or stencils can further increase your design options. However, bear in mind that concrete colours can look different on a screen and in print so it is best to get a sample product and view it in your home under several lighting conditions before committing to a particular shade.

It is also worth bearing in mind that coloured concrete is more expensive than plain concrete. This is because it requires additional labour to mix the concrete in a different colour and a greater amount of material is needed.

Formwork

Formwork is the structure into which concrete is poured, and then hardened. It is a critical component in construction, and has been used for hundreds of years to aid the construction of buildings and structures of all shapes and sizes. There are many types of formwork available for different purposes. Some are designed to be permanent, while others can be removed after the concrete has set.

There are several different types of formwork, including conventional wall formwork and prefabricated forms. Conventional formwork consists of a frame built on site using squared timber. It can be expensive and time consuming to build, as the parts must be assembled individually on-site. It also requires structures such as braces and safety scaffolding to support the frame during construction.

Other types of formwork include reusable plastic, metal, and modular wooden panels. These can be assembled on-site and are usually made of insulating concrete forms. These forms can provide advantages such as speed, strength, superior thermal and acoustic insulation, space for utilities, and integrated furring strips for cladding finishes.

Laying new concrete

Residential concrete contractors install a wide range of concrete structures, including driveways, patios, and paths. They can also repair existing concrete surfaces. They use a process called formwork to create the shape of the concrete and to ensure that it is poured evenly. They may also use reinforcing bars and wire mesh in the concrete mix to add strength. They will also install damp-proofing and insulation if necessary.

Before pouring new concrete, it is important to make sure that the area is clean and ready for the new layer. A concrete contractor should power wash the area to remove any dirt, debris, or plant roots that could interfere with the bonding process. They will also use a float or trowel to smooth the concrete surface and remove any excess material.

When selecting a concrete contractor, it is important to get referrals from friends and family members. This will help you choose a company with good customer service and quality work.

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