What Does a Concreter Do?

Concrete contractors build and repair concrete driveways, slabs, patios, walls, and foundations. They may also perform demolition work.

The Pantheon and Colosseum show the undoubted durability of concrete, a mix of sand, gravel, and stones with lime-based, kiln-baked cement as binder. But its production has been like a nuclear bomb in man’s conquest of nature, redirecting rivers and killing biodiversity, while contributing to climate change by sealing swathes of the earth in an impenetrable grey crust.

Preparation

Concreters prepare the area for concreting, usually by levelling and compacting the ground to ensure a quality finish that doesn’t crack or crumble. If the area will be subject to heavy loads, they may lay a reinforcement layer of gravel or asphalt before laying the concrete. They then mark out the area and use form guides to create a consistent depth of concrete. They also install damp-proofing and insulation, if necessary, to keep the concrete safe and protected from moisture. A professional concreting job looks great and lasts for years, so make sure you hire a tasker with a lot of experience in this field. They can also help you navigate local council building and compliance processes. They are also happy to answer any questions you may have.

Pouring

As a concreter, you mix and pour concrete for construction projects. This includes laying foundations on new buildings and other surfaces such as roads and pathways. You also spread and smooth the concrete for a durable finish. You often incorporate design ideas when spreading and smoothing, such as adding unique shapes or colouring the concrete.

During the pouring process, you work alongside other tradespeople to ensure the project is completed on time. This requires excellent teamwork skills and clear communication. You may also need to use specialised tools such as concrete mixers and trowels.

Concreters usually work onsite and spend the majority of their time outdoors. You are exposed to a range of weather conditions, including extreme heat and cold. Depending on the nature of the job, you may need to work after hours or weekends. You should follow strict health and safety instructions onsite. This includes wearing eye protection and hearing protection while using machinery such as power mixers and plate compactors.

Finishing

Concrete is the foundation of many building projects and it’s important to get it right. Professional concreters can lay paths, driveways and slabs, repair or resurface existing concrete structures, and create decorative surfaces using exposed aggregate. They can also assist with council approvals and compliance processes.

A concrete finisher’s ability to expertly time the finishing process is a skill acquired through years of experience and training. Proper finishing results in a high quality surface, reduced wear and tear on the surface, protection from water damage and a more attractive concrete structure.

In order to improve the quality of finished concrete, the PennDOT Concrete Finishers Certification course was developed. It consists of classroom and hands-on training for contractors who are responsible for the finishing of new construction or repairs to concrete. It helps concrete finishers understand the mechanisms of scaling and provides them with practical tools for improving their work. This can result in longer product lifespan, savings in time and materials and decreased maintenance costs for the customer.

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