Concrete is strong and versatile. A batch of concrete may contain aggregates, metals, and fibers that are bound together by a waterproof cement product. Concrete work that is going to be performed in a residential setting may include patio, deck, and driveway installations. Indoor concrete work may include the installation of concrete flooring or countertops.
Textured Products
Concrete blends contain several components that are designed to give the concrete its unique texture and appearance. Textured concrete is used to install hardscaped surfaces that will require traction. A stamping process is often used to add texture to concrete surfaces. Stamping concrete allows a contractor to mimic the style of tile, bricks, or another material that is used for hardscaping.
Texture differentiations can be implemented when designing a new concrete surface. A contractor who prepares custom concrete products may use aggregates that are of varying sizes. They may also limit the amount of metal or fiber fragments that are added to a batch of concrete. Some manufacturers sell batches of concrete that will arrive on a job site, ready to be poured. A tanker truck is used to deliver large vats of concrete. A contractor will put in a request for a concrete mix, based on the texture and color that a residential property owner prefers.
Project Guidelines
A contractor will need to grade the property where concrete will be installed. They may also need to prepare and lay out some concrete forms. Forms guide a contractor in installing consistent concrete sections. A series of concrete forms may be needed for a project that is going to involve installing a series of concrete patio pavers or blocks. Rebar is a material that is used to strengthen thick slabs of concrete.
Rebar is installed at the onset of a project. First, a contractor will determine how many forms they will need to install fresh concrete. The contractor will install rebar in each form. The rebar will remain within a concrete product that has been fully set. The concrete will cure during the final stages of a project. Once this happens, the concrete will be firm.
A concrete contractor will typically scrape the top of a concrete surface, prior to allowing the concrete to cure. A metal skimmer can be used to level out each concrete section. The skimmer's purpose is to remove air bubbles and eliminate excess concrete. Concrete forms should remain intact while concrete is curing.
Contact a local residential concrete construction service to learn more.