Steel and concrete are natural partners. Commercial and industrial builders use these two materials all the time. However, residential builders frequently use little or no steel. What a mistake! The shame is that this steel is so inexpensive. You can purchase a 20 foot 1/2 inch reinforcing steel bar for $3.25 and have amazing, strong results in your concrete.
When a concrete slab cracks, crumbles, tilts or otherwise deteriorates within 5 to ten years of being installed, a homeowner has good reason to be disappointed. This is especially true of a slab that is in perfect condition but for one reason or another has tilted or sunken. Too many people have replaced these types of defects with new concrete, when they could have simply raised the slab through concrete lifting.
Concrete, what an amazing material! I can't say enough about it. Here is a material that you can make out of four basic ingredients (sand, gravel, cement and water). Once mixed, it can be placed with relative ease (because it is in a semi-liquid state). Then, when dry it can become hard as a rock! However, concrete can and does crack because it naturally absorbs water. When it comes time to patch, consider additives or epoxies to help your patch stick and your concrete last longer.
There are numerous companies that manufacture concrete crack patch compounds. Some of these are regional and some are national brands. I have listed several national brand companies that make great products for concrete repair.
Concrete floor repair begins with the preparation. Before you mix any patching material, first make sure your concrete repair job doesn't involve any tapered edges to the patch area. Follow instructions for mixing the patching material and be sure to wet the cracked surface if you aren't using a bonding agent. The best time for concrete repairs is to apply when the weather is cloudy and damp, and 55 degrees F. Follow these tips for concrete patching success.
There are many steps to laying a concrete overlay. The following article will walk you through the prep period to the cleaning up period. It is important to remember to have the correct materials including Portland cement, fine and coarse sand and pea gravel. Work in sections and be sure to spray the surface with a curing compound (or cover with plastic) when its finished.
The most common problem with concrete drives, sidewalks and patios is surface spalling. The upper wear surface simply flakes off. The attractive surface is now replaced with bumpy aggregate. This can be repaired by adding a concrete overlay. Adhesion is the key to installing a new concrete overlay, as well as the thickness you choose to apply.
The following publications are excellent source materials for facts about how concrete should be mixed, placed, finished and cured. All of these things must be done properly to ensure that your concrete will be durable and long lasting. While the ingredients in concrete are common - sand, gravel and water - many people don't realize that cement is crucial for making durable concrete.
Installing concrete to achieve long lasting, high quality results depends on many things. Some of the most important aspects are often overlooked, like its strength, application thickness, its cracks that form from shrinkage and the use of steel reinforcements. Understanding these components will lead to better results.
Concrete sealants are sold at many places. You can generally find them at building supply stores, hardware stores, etc. Shop around and read the product labels completely to see if the product will suit your needs.
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