Concrete has been the strongest building material for centuries. However, you can only experience its full potential when concrete pouring is done and installed properly. Even then, concrete remains vulnerable to wear and tear from sun damage and other external factors, especially in the harsh weather conditions of Southwestern Ontario.
Concrete pouring serves as the most critical part of your concrete project. Damages can occur faster and more frequently if the pour and installation aren’t done well in the first place. Your cracked driveway can ruin your car, and your poorly installed columns can cause your property to collapse.
On top of that, research shows that the right materials and techniques are crucial to how well concrete structures hold up during earthquakes, flooding, storms, and more.
So, what causes poor concrete work, and how can you spot the signs of damage? The experts at Brosco Concrete share the best tips for pouring concrete successfully.
Causes of poor concrete installation
Concrete that wasn’t poured correctly can compromise the structural integrity of your home. In the United States alone, 225 buildings collapsed from 1989 to 2000 mostly due to “construction and maintenance deficiencies” as the major cause.
Let’s examine the most common causes of concrete pour failures that lead to poor installation.
1. The weather is bad
Concrete needs dry and warm weather conditions to completely cure. If it’s rainy, too cold, or highly humid, your concrete mix can take longer to set in, and more often than not weakens the mixture and compromises durability in the long run.
Your concrete pouring contractor should have a comprehensive timeline and must take note of the weather forecasts. The timing of the pour is critical, and rainy and cold seasons should be avoided. You might ask, “Can you pour concrete in the winter?” Even though it’s still possible to pour in cold weather, paying for specialized equipment and manpower in extreme weather conditions might not be cost-efficient.
2. You’re using low-quality concrete materials
The success of your concrete pour in London also lies in the quality of your concrete materials. Your sand, aggregate, water, and other components of the concrete need to be free from any contaminants.
If you’re using concrete molds, they need to be as top-notch as possible to ensure that they’re stable, strong, and highly reliable once you pour the concrete.
In addition, discuss with your concrete pouring contractor about the steel support rods that they’re using. Ensure they’re optimized for your home’s structure and strength requirements.
3. Poor construction techniques
Even though you have invested so much in your concrete materials, it won’t matter if your concrete pouring contractor has poor workmanship. There’s a correct technique for mixing concrete, suitable weather to optimize curing, and a set of equipment to help in pouring concrete, whether it’s dry pour concrete or not.
Hire a reliable concrete contractor in London such as Brosco Concrete and see the difference. You have peace of mind knowing that you get top-notch materials and an all-inclusive project management service that will spare you from any stress.
How to know if your concrete pouring is low-quality
- Cracking that spreads. This is often a result of improper installation or a weak concrete mix. If your concrete pouring contractor misses the right balance of ingredients or is not installed correctly, your surface cannot handle the pressures from external factors.
- Scaling and flaking. This happens due to exposure to freeze-thaw cycles or improper curing.
- Discolouration. This usually means there’s a deeper problem with the actual concrete mixture. Eventually, when not repaired, it could lead to a weaker and porous concrete surface.
- Holes. When your concrete surface begins to wear and tear, holes can appear and might be an entry point for water and debris, which may lead to further damage. Pitting and holes are often caused by bubbles from the mixture and poor-quality concrete mix.
Here at Brosco Concrete, we’re ready to share with you 5 tips to succeed in your concrete pour project.
5 expert tips to succeed in your concrete pouring project
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The concrete pouring technique and mixing consistency
You need to master the art of pouring concrete to succeed in your project. Your goal is to reach the right consistency (not too runny or not too dry), to prevent any cracks and holes from occuring in the near future.
Once your concrete is in the mold, try to tap it with a mallet to employ a vibration technique. This helps you get rid of bubbles, holes, and any other types of voids. Brosco Concrete uses special tools to make this happen.
Need help with hiring your local concrete pouring company? Click here to see our top tips.
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Choose molds that are made out of melamine
Cardboard and recyclable plastics are the most common molds used in concrete pours. Although they’re highly convenient and cost-effective, melamine components bring out the best in concrete. Cardboard absorbs water from the concrete, leaving a rough finish. Melamine, on the other hand, doesn’t absorb water, so the concrete takes on its smooth surface, creating a flawless finish with no extra effort.
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Add special curing and sealing chemicals to help concrete cure properly
Since the first few days after you pour your concrete are highly critical, your concrete pouring contractor in London must apply special curing and sealing techniques to aid the overall curing process.
If you’re working at high temperatures, it’s recommended to use a tarp to cover the mold while the concrete cures. This keeps it cooler, helps it cure slower, and prevents cracking for a stronger, better finish.
Refer to our article about the right concrete temperature for pouring in Ontario.
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Customize your concrete while it’s just a bit firm to make it look more elegant
Concrete isn’t just a sturdy material for construction, it also boosts your home’s aesthetic appeal and value. Once you have properly poured concrete, your options to make it prettier are limitless. You can integrate special stones, imprint geometric patterns, and play with a lot of finishes.
Brosco Concrete offers tons of customization options for your concrete to make it look best according to your taste. Our decorative concrete finishing is highly recommended and it includes broom finish, stamped finish, and more. They’re perfect for any concrete project you have, such as driveways, patios, pool decks, walkways, garage floors, and more.
Concrete dyes also offer a personalized appeal that could complement your home’s overall vibe.
Get inspiration from these 5 stunning concrete flatwork projects that will help you with your upgrade.
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Trust your concrete pouring contractor.
The concrete curing process takes time. Depending on the project’s size, complete curing happens in up to 4 weeks or more. Don’t try to panic when you feel that it hasn’t been cured yet. Slow and even curing reduces the chance of cracks and discolouration, saving you from any damage and unnecessary repair costs in the future.
For high-quality finished concrete, look for a London contractor that has years of proven experience in the field of concrete pouring, and has a long roster of clients that have nothing but good words for them.
Looking for reliable London concrete companies this spring? Trust Brosco Concrete!
Your concrete pouring project needs to be planned out comprehensively from end to end. Poor workmanship in concrete pouring can compromise your safety and endanger your family, and might even force you to spend so much on unnecessary repair costs that could’ve been avoided in the first place.
Brosco Concrete is a concrete pouring and repair company in London, Ontario, with years of experience in the flatwork construction industry. We get the job done for you so you experience peace of mind from start to finish. Brosco proudly serves Southwestern Ontario, including London, Strathroy, Ilderton, Kilworth, Komoka, Delaware, Thorndale, Lucan, and more.
For inquiries, call Brosco Concrete at +1 (519) 709-8487 or email [email protected]!
For more information about concrete pouring, we have prepared these resources for you:
