6 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Pouring Concrete

When concrete work is done right, the smooth and level surface adds appeal to any indoor or outdoor space. If you don’t have experience working with the material, however, these results are difficult to achieve.

Novices often ignore crucial steps of the process, especially when it comes to concrete finishing. A professional knows how to avoid these six common mistakes.

1. Unprepped Surface

Despite its hardened texture, concrete is a delicate compound that needs proper support to last as long as it needs to. Unlevel, loose soil is a poor foundation on which to lay a slab. Failure to prepare the ground prior to pouring may result in the surface shifting or cracking.

2. Insufficient Supplies

Once the process of pouring begins, timing is everything. If you’ve never done something like this before, you may not know which supplies are needed to complete the task. Additionally, underestimating the amount of mix required can be catastrophic when you run out in the middle of the job.

3. Incorrect Mix Ratio

There’s a science to mixing concrete. Adding too much or too little water can hinder the pour process and even lead to a weak, unstable end product. Because surface conditions and humidity levels can affect the ratio, it’s not always enough to just follow the instructions on the bag.

4. Bad Weather Conditions

Weather is a component that’s easy to forget. It’s not enough to have one clear afternoon; the surface typically needs a few days free of the following:

• Extreme heat
• Freezing conditions
• Rain

Though it may seem obvious that installing concrete under a downpour is a bad idea, many people don’t realize the effect that hot and cold temperatures may have on the concrete’s strength.

5. Shortened Drying Time

Concrete may crack or collapse if forms are pulled too early. It needs a couple days to properly set. A residential concrete contractor knows when the job is actually done and can advise you on when it’s okay to start walking on the surface or placing furniture on it.

6. Poor Concrete Finishing

The finishing stage of the pour is one step of the process that is most often skipped. Applying a sealer should help the polished surface maintain its beauty. There’s a lot of options on the market, and a professional should know the right choice for your slab’s unique conditions.

Source: hamiltonconcretepro

EJ & Jr Concrete is a family owned, all our work is guaranteed. No matter the size of your project, we are ready to do. Effective planning is crucial to the successful completion of any project. Before starting the project, our team of experts will first assess your goals. Then we provide you with an estimate and time-line for completion. From beginning to end you will be involved every step of the way call at +1 832-216-4950.

Concrete Slab in Houston

Concrete Driveway in Houston, Concrete Patios in Houston, Concrete Sidewalk in Houston, Concrete Slab in Houston, Stamped Concrete Driveway in Houston, Stamped Concrete Patios in Houston, Stamped Concrete Sidewalk in Houston, Stamped Concrete Slab in Houston, Concrete Flatwork in Houston, Concrete Road Surface in Houston, Concrete Pool Deck in Houston, Concrete Garage in Houston, Concrete Interior Flooring in Houston, Concrete Foundation in Houston, Concrete Protection and Restoration in Houston, Stamped Concrete Flatwork in Houston, Stamped Concrete Road Surface in Houston, Stamped Concrete Pool Deck in Houston, Stamped Concrete Garage in Houston, Stamped Concrete Interior Flooring Stamped Concrete Foundation in Houston, Stamped Concrete Protection and Restoration in Houston, Stained Concrete Driveway in Houston, Stained Concrete Patios in Houston, Stained Concrete Sidewalk in Houston, Stained Concrete Slab in Houston, Stained Concrete Flatwork in Houston, Stained Concrete Road Surface in Houston, Stained Concrete Pool Deck in Houston, Stained Concrete Garage in Houston, Stained Concrete Interior Flooring in Houston, Stained Concrete Foundation in Houston, Stained Concrete Protection and Restoration in Houston, Epoxy Driveway in Houston, Epoxy Patios in Houston, in Houston, Epoxy Sidewalk Epoxy Slab in Houston, Epoxy Flatwork in Houston, Epoxy Road Surface in Houston, Epoxy Pool Deck in Houston, Epoxy Garage in Houston, Epoxy Interior Flooring in Houston, Epoxy Foundation in Houston, Epoxy Protection and Restoration in Houston.