Many of us look to do a lot of jobs around the house ourselves, including pouring concrete. But some tasks like pouring concrete require certain skills and expertise. It is always a wise idea to seek help from someone with experience. But if you still want to do it on your own, here are five things you must keep in mind.
Top Five Things to Avoid While Pouring Concrete
If you’re keen to pour concrete yourself despite risks, here are a few things to avoid:
Disregarding Weather Conditions
Warm, rain-free days are ideal for pouring concrete. The temperature of the concrete within the first 24 to 48 hours determines whether it can achieve its strength potential. Concrete that freezes within this period weakens substantially, so steps must be taken to insulate the concrete.
Hot weather makes water evaporate off the concrete very fast. The curing process needs concrete to stay wet for several days. You can use sprinklers or use a covering over the concrete to keep the area moist. Rainy days pose a challenge because excessive water can skew the delicate cement-to-water ratio of the concrete. It is better to reschedule outdoor concrete pouring under such weather conditions.
Not Using Safety Gear
It’s not uncommon for people to get right to a DIY job without being equipped with the necessary safety equipment, even if the job is pouring concrete. If you insist on taking on this task yourself, ensure you’re armed with protective gear for the feet, hands, face, and eyes. To be specific, you’ll need safety goggles and rubber gloves, and boots, and it’s probably a good idea to don a long sleeve shirt and full-length pants that’ll cover your skin throughout the job.
Using Household Tools
Failing to have proper tools on hand can result in subpar installation. The whole project can turn out to be a waste of effort, time, and money. So, before embarking on the project, you must double-check that you have the right tools. You and your team must also understand their use before starting concrete installation. Common tools include a concrete mixer, wheelbarrows, trowels, a darby, a broom, a screed board, a concrete rake, and protective gloves and boots.
Pouring Concrete on Uneven Foundation
If the foundation is uneven, the concrete can, later on, develop cracks and break. To prevent this, you need an even foundation without debris. Professionals use a place compactor for a smoother and even foundation. You may not be having the tool at home. In this case, it is better to seek professional help.
Pouring Water Without Measuring
The ratio of water to concrete plays a vital role. If the blend is too wet, the concrete might develop cracks. The strength of the concrete will also start diminishing. Before you pour concrete, research the exact amount of water you will need.
Concluding Thoughts
There are chances that something or the other may go wrong when you are pouring concrete as part of your DIY project. It is, therefore, always better to seek expert support. If you need help, call a Clawson, MI professional. The experts can accomplish the job safely and without hassle.
Give Flat Rock Concrete Construction, Inc. a call today! Our office numbers are (248) 379-0250 or (586) 726-6091!