Three Tips for Laying Concrete
Concrete is a popular building material due to its cost-effectiveness, versatility, and durability, making it a good choice for home projects such as basements, driveways, patios, and pathways. When building with concrete, it’s important to prepare and make sure that the concrete is laid properly. Improperly laid concrete can affect the structural integrity of the concrete and be a potential hazard, as well as potentially causing damage and shortening the lifespan of the concrete. It is better to get it right the first time around to save the time and money that having to fix it later would cost. With that in mind, here are three tips for laying concrete.
Safety First
As with any construction or home improvement job, it’s important to make sure things are done properly and safely. This will typically involve contacting local authorities to ensure you won’t be digging into any wires or pipes, laying out and clearly marking the work area before beginning the work, keeping children and pets away from the worksite, and wearing the proper safety gear while working. Proper safety gear will include things like sturdy work boots, gloves, long pants, long sleeves, and safety glasses.
Use a Gravel Subbase
While you can technically get away without using a gravel subbase in warmer climates, it is still a good idea as it can increase the durability and lifespan of the concrete. A gravel subbase protects the concrete from expansions and contractions in the soil as temperatures change, which can damage the concrete over time.
Cure and Seal
Concrete is generally safe to walk on after only a couple of days and safe to drive on after about a week. However, waiting for it to fully cure can take about 28 days and will increase the longevity and durability of the concrete. Once it has fully cured, using a concrete sealer can further increase the concrete’s lifespan.
As with any construction project, laying concrete can be a difficult task without experience. If you have any questions or doubts, it’s best to contact industry professionals like Razorback Concrete. To learn more, visit Razorback today at www.razorbackconcrete.com.
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