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Reasons why concrete house slabs need to be installed by professionals
Posted: Oct 19, 2015
The process of pouring concrete can be somewhat challenging and very intimidating for first timers. If you watch pros pouring concrete, you may assume it’s pretty easy. But there’s a lot that goes into the entire process of installing concrete slabs.
First and foremost, the site has to be prepared before the concrete is installed. This may be done using moving equipment depending on the layout of the area. The contractors will need to get rid of any grass, trees or shrubs on the area where the concrete is to be poured. This preparation process is very important because it will determine how well the concrete will cure. Preparing the base well enough can also help to reduce cracks.
If the soil is not compact and stable then there is a need to place a sub pace to cover the area where the slab will be installed. A contractor will know how to consolidate the base and make it ready for pouring of concrete. If pouring concrete during the cold temperatures like in the winter months, adding an accelerator like calcium chloride to the soil will help to minimize its freezing point and make the slab less prone to cracks.
Secondly, contractors must determine just how much concrete is enough for the project. The amount and type of concrete that will be required to do a slab will depend on the size, finish and depth of the project. For instance, the contractor may recommend a covercrete stenciled concrete to beautify a driveway. A contractor will always know the kind of mix that will work best for your project. It’s always important to have a little extra concrete mix, more than the required cubic yard. For exterior slabs, the minimum specified concrete comprehensive must be more than 3000psi.
Using a lot of water to loosen the concrete mix can also cause more harm than good. Professional contractors know just the right amount of water to add to the mix in order to make it easier to place. Too much water not only makes the slab prone to shrinkage cracks but also reduces the strength of concrete.
The other very important step is the leveling of concrete house slabs after it has already been poured. This is an area that many people fail to do properly. The equipment that is used during the placing process will determine how well it is done. Most contractors use exceptionally designed concrete rakes to move the concrete while pouring in order to prevent empty spaces and air pockets from forming.
Regardless of whether the project involves pouring concrete or building retaining wall footings, hiring an experienced contractor will determine the end result.
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