Dangers of DIY Concrete Pouring and When to Call in a Professional
While designing driveways, patios, and other structures, homeowners often contemplate pouring the concrete themselves. Unfortunately, this can lead to structural, aesthetic, and safety issues. Thus, picking up a DIY concrete project isn’t always a good idea. This article focuses on why homeowners should hire a professional to do a concrete job.
Why Shouldn’t You Pick up a DIY Concrete Project?
Pouring concrete correctly requires experience, skill, and careful planning. Moreover, it also requires in-depth knowledge of materials and equipment to be used. To be able to pull a DIY concrete project, you will have to do a lot of research and devote a lot of time and effort. Most homeowners do not have that kind of time. That apart, most homeowners make many DIY errors that lead to a lousy job in the end.
Most Common DIY Concrete Pouring Errors That Homeowners Make
1. Ignoring Weather Conditions
Harsh weather conditions, such as rain and wind, can ultimately damage poured concrete. Thus, while pouring concrete, homeowners must take into account the immediate weather conditions, something that most homeowners often conveniently ignore. Not just the immediate weather conditions, homeowners must also consider how the climate will affect the long-term durability and appearance of concrete. For instance, homeowners living in cold regions must use air-entrained concrete. DIY-project attempters often ignore these crucial details.
2. Using Wrong or Inadequate Tools
While pouring concrete, it is crucial to use the right tools. Using wrong and inadequate tools can lead to an uneven surface prone to cracks and bumps. Moreover, homeowners should refrain from using plastic or wooden tools that break easily. A concrete mixer, concrete grover, magnesium float, and wheelbarrow are some of the standard tools needed to accomplish a DIY concrete project. Most homeowners do not have these tools, which leads to an incomplete job done.
3. Using Inadequate Safety gear
It is mandatory to wear appropriate safety gear while performing any job that involves the use of heavy-duty tools and hazardous materials. Though concrete is a relatively safe material, pouring concrete requires using heavy-duty tools. Moreover, while performing a DIY concrete project, homeowners must mandatorily cover their eyes, ears, and respiratory system. Ideally, anyone pouring concrete should wear long pants, a full-sleeve shirt, rubber boots, alkali-resistant gloves, safety glasses, earplugs, and a facemask. Most homeowners conveniently ignore the importance of these safety gears and thus, fall prey to accidents and mishaps.
4. Working on an Improper Foundation
To stop the formation of cracks and holes in it, concrete should be poured on a solid foundation. Loose soil, debris, and dead plants can often cause the concrete to break or crack. Concrete pouring professionals use a place compactor to create an even and tightly-packed base. Most homeowners do not own a place compactor and thus, are unable to prepare a robust foundation for concrete pouring. This leads to the development of complexities at later stages.
5. Not Using the Correct Amount of Water
Another common error associated with DIY concrete projects is using an incorrect amount of water. For concrete to set well, the ratio of water to concrete should be perfect. Most homeowners add extra water to concrete, which causes the concrete mixture to become runny.
Hire a Professional Concrete Contractor to Do the Job
The truth is pouring concrete is a tricky task. There is scope for many different errors. Thus, homeowners should refrain from doing the job themselves and instead, put their trust in an experienced professional. If you are unsure of the tools to be used or the safety gear to be worn, call a professional. Similarly, if a slope or an uneven ground is causing trouble, seek the opinion of an expert. These days, it is easy to find a concrete pouring expert. All you need to do is run an online search.