thermoconcrete

[thermoconcrete]

All You Need To Know About How To Pump A Concrete Driveway

Building a concrete driveway is a highly effective method to prevent soil erosion in your lawn; as well as providing a more stable grip for a motor vehicle in any type of weather. It is also beneficial to increase curb appeal for properties that are being sold and, if well maintained, can increase the value of a home to a great degree. Unfortunately, not all houses present with concrete driveways and the houses that do may have poorly maintained options. This article will provide information on how to go about pumping your own concrete driveway.

The first factor that must be taken into account when considering pumping concrete into a driveway is the issue of planning approval from the local assessing authority. The majority of engineering constructions require permit approval and regulation to ensure authorities have sanctioned the project. Once a permit has been acquired, it is possible to begin the project by assessing the nature of the soil. This is important because the soil can influence the concrete being pumped. It is recommended that you use a professional soil assessor for this task.

When pumping a concrete driveway, it is recommended that you remove all plants or pieces of grass that may be in the demarcated area. In places where the soil is loose, similar to soil found in deserts, it is advised that the soil be removed and replaced with firm-based materials. This is due to the fact that concrete is unable to settle on loose soil and may cause the driveway to “fall” if pumped onto the loose soil.

If you are based in colder temperatures, it is necessary to mix the soil with gravel or other crushed stones. This is important because soil will expand when water in the ground freezes, but if gravel is present the soil will not expand. If no gravel is present and the soil expands, it is possible that the pumped concrete could crack and the driveway will have gaping holes.

Once the soil is effectively prepared, it is time to begin working on the design of the driveway by marking out the area using metal or wooden boards. This will ensure that the driveway width is sufficient for you to move a car on the area without any problems. If you are planning to construct the driveway above utilities, such as electricity or water, it is recommended that they are placed alternatively under the boards. Once the boards have been placed, it is time to lay the concrete. The concrete pumping truck must be placed in a position where it can easily lay the concrete without any obstructions. It is recommended that you use a professional if you are unsure of how to go about using this type of machinery.

The post All You Need To Know About How To Pump A Concrete Driveway appeared first on ThermoConcrete.

[thermoconcrete]

Quick Guide to Mixing Concrete

Mixing concrete might look like a very simple task: just combine the dry concrete mix with water and stir until you get the perfect solution. However, getting a consistent mix can be quite challenging for anyone who has no basic knowledge about concrete mixing. A bad mix will only end up with low quality cement that won’t be as useful as it should.

Long-lasting concrete can only be achieved through proper mixing. It is usually made up of sand and other materials. There are ready to use dry concrete mix available in the market today. Utilizing one can help you save time in mixing the concrete on your own. Ready-mix concrete only needs the right amount of water and some diligent stirring to produce the desired concrete solution. Instead of stirring the mixture manually, you can utilize a concrete mixer. It is a machine used for stirring concrete mix and water. It can produce a consistent mix in just a few minutes. It is more convenient and less-strenuous to use. Just make sure to wash the machine right after using it to avoid concrete hardening on the inside.

Five Steps for Mixing Concrete

When mixing concrete make sure to add just the right amount of water recommended by the manufacturer. Typically, the mix should not be soupy, but rather hold together well when formed into a ball. If you’re not using a premix, the proper mix of sand, gravel and cement has to be added separately. Measuring the components, either by weight or volume, is critical to achieving a proper concrete. The steps for mixing are the same. To view the full article, simply visit the main source.

In a construction of a large building, it is imperative to hire professional concrete mixers for better efficiency. Concrete construction professionals know that in any concrete work, there are guidelines to follow to produce the right concrete solution. Without any consideration of the concrete properties, the only possible result would be less durable cement.

Definitive Power Mixing Guide & Concrete Mixing Concerns

Every concrete job is unique. The different factors that come into play are size, color, finish, depth, shape, usage and weight distribution (think large-scale concrete projects such as parking garages or second, third, fourth stories, etc.). Concrete professionals need also to understand the different specifications of residential and commercial projects. Most residential projects in colder climates, for example, require a minimum cement content of concrete around 470 lbs. per yard. If the concrete is going to be stamped, the aggregate needs to be the right size, as well. See more at http://ift.tt/2uqyzD7.

In order to provide a real-time concrete mix to a construction site, it is important that professional concrete workers should utilize transportable concrete mixers. Most of these mixers are installed on a truck or trailer for easy transportation. It is advisable to invest in this kind of mixer if you are constructing a large building.

The post Quick Guide to Mixing Concrete appeared first on ThermoConcrete.

[thermoconcrete]

Concrete Mix Designs and Ingredients

Mixing concrete may not be very simple but it is not also complicated. There are just some basic things you need to understand before you can readily start mixing concrete on your own. First are the ingredients. Depending on the amount of concrete that you want to produce, you must also have the right amount of ingredients available. The basic ingredients are bagged concrete mix and water. You will also need a few tools in the mixing process, such as a wheelbarrow and a bucket.

Adding the right amount of water to the dry concrete mix is the first step. Avoid committing the mistake of adding too much water which would result in a concrete that is soupy and thin. It is advised that you add the water from a bucket rather than from a direct water source. This will help you estimate the right volume of water needed for the concrete mix. Mix it until you get the perfect consistency. Add more water and dry concrete mix as necessary. A thicker mix is easier to handle than a thin concrete solution.

Mixing Concrete

First you need a container to mix in. A wheelbarrow works well. If you don’t have one, buy an inexpensive plastic mortar pan. If the job is large enough you should seriously consider renting a mixer. If you have a pickup with a hitch you can rent a large one. If not rent a small electric one. You can put it in the back of truck, minivan or car trunk if you don’t mind leaving the lid open. The mixer can really make life easier. If you mix in a wheelbarrow of mortar pan the best tool is a hoe; one with holes. This gives better mixing and less resistance. A shovel will work in a pinch. View the entire article at the main source.

For concrete countertops, the right countertop mix designs should be utilized. There are additional ingredients needed for some designs and you have to carefully choose one that would fit your needs and desires. There are mixtures that work perfectly to produce the right mixture without sacrificing the strength of the concrete.

Concrete Countertop Mix Ingredients and Admixtures

Polycarboxylate superplasticizers are a very powerful type of high range water reducer. This video shows how adding a small amount of a powerful water reducer, instead of water, can take a concrete mix from dry and crumbly to flowable. See more at http://ift.tt/2shCnXr.

Mixing the concrete manually may cause physical exhaustion if done alone. In cases where the concrete is needed for large projects, employing a reliable concrete company is advised. Professional concrete mixers can produce the right amount of cement in just a short span of time. Most construction projects have a targeted date of completion so hiring concrete mixers would become a must. Fortunately, a reliable concrete company is no longer hard to find nowadays.

The post Concrete Mix Designs and Ingredients appeared first on ThermoConcrete.

[thermoconcrete]

All About Concrete Mixing and Designs

Concrete countertops definitely require the right concrete mix design. There are a variety of ways in mixing cement but there should be a specific mix that would suit a concrete countertop. Take note that concrete countertops require a different kind of concrete design than sidewalks and foundations. Concrete countertops need a distinct aesthetic requirement which would fit its design. You can select your own desired color as part of the design but the concrete countertop mix design should take important considerations.

One of the factors that you have to consider in a concrete countertop mix design is its strength. Depending on the client’s requests, the concrete mixer will mix the cement with the right solutions to create a durable mix design. The strength of a concrete can reach its full potential just days after its mixture. However, there are also concrete designs that build strength over a period of time. Make sure to pick a concrete design that has low shrinkage potential. Shrinkage may cause cracks and curls on your cements after some time. With the right chemicals, the possibility of shrinkage is slim.

The best mix design for concrete countertops

Steel reinforcing is still essential, since the flexural strength of concrete is always much, much lower than the compressive strength. For example, the predicted value of flexural strength for ordinary construction concrete that has a very high compressive strength of 12,000 psi is only about 900 psi! But, if the flexural strength of your concrete is as high as possible, it is going to better withstand bending (flexural) forces along with the steel reinforcement, and show less cracking. Read the full article at the main source.

Concrete is already known to be one of the most long-lasting building materials today. It is low-maintenance and durable which make it even more popular for many people. There are different decorative concrete accents that can be utilized in various applications. Because concrete is a versatile material, it can be used to create unique patios, countertop designs, and pavements.

Concrete Mixes 101: Which Mix Should You Use for Your Project?

To reduce the risk of shrinkage cracks, use Sakrete Crack Resistant Concrete Mix for projects with concrete thickness of 2 inches or greater. It is a professional-strength blend of cementitious materials, sand, stone and fibers that helps eliminate the need for wire mesh in many non-critical applications. To view the full article, visit http://ift.tt/2swUKXf.

Before you decide on a mix design, you should seek for an expert advice from professional concrete mixers. These mixers work with engineers in the construction of a building. Ask for the pros and cons of each suggested design so you can carefully pick the right one. The best concrete mix design should be able to withstand your local climate and working conditions.

The post All About Concrete Mixing and Designs appeared first on ThermoConcrete.

[thermoconcrete]

The 101 on Garage Floor Coatings

A lot of people think that the garage floor is just some concrete floor, where you park a car and place all your junk on. This is not entirely true however, because now there is a lot of top notch garage floor coatings available, to make your floor just like any other part of your home.

The first thing you will want to keep into mind of when it comes down to the coatings used on the garage floor is the coatings. The coatings are a lot more than paint, but rather it is an epoxy that will seal with the substrate. There are a lot of benefits from having this epoxy on your floor, because it will protect against chemical spills, solvent spills, and also oil as well. And the best part is that it will keep your garage flooring looking amazing and beautiful no matter what.

Another advantage you will want to consider when using a garage floor coating is the simple fact that it is much easier to clean.  This will help bring your garage into the home, rather than considering it a separate entity. Cleaning up the floors is a breeze when they have some proper concrete floor coating on it.

The garage floor epoxy also comes in a wide range of different colors as well, so you can decorate your garage to your heart’s content. When you are using this kind of coating to paint your floor, it will typically be a two to three step process because you will need to apply the base coat, then the color flakes, then the top coat.  Then when it is finished curing, you can park your car in there and never have to worry about a thing.

Some other options available to you besides floor coating are high density and oil resistant mats. These are great, especially if you are someone that loves to work on your car because they are soft and provide cushion against the hard floor, allowing you to be comfortable when working on your ride.

Your garage is very important, and it serves a lot of different roles for your home, so make sure that you can treat it with the respect it deserves. Give your garage a beautiful coat of epoxy in order to protect that floor for ages, because it is part of your home, so take pride in it as much as you take pride in every other aspect of your house.

The post The 101 on Garage Floor Coatings appeared first on ThermoConcrete.

[thermoconcrete]

The Basics of Concrete Mixing

Concrete mixers have been around the industry for many decades now. They are constantly helping hundreds of concrete suppliers get established within their specific community. They can create cement mixing solutions in different combinations. Portable concrete mixing is definitely the most reliable method of cement mixing. In most situations, concrete companies use trucks and trailers in mixing cement. Through this, concrete suppliers can provide cement to their clients at almost any location.

The ideal time to mix cement is during the construction period of a building. Thus, concrete suppliers should have their own trucks and trailers in mixing cement for their clients. Without the right equipment, low-quality cement can only be produced. There are several ways to find a reliable concrete mixer today. You can readily find one through your local directory. However, if you do not have one, you can search through the internet instead. Most concrete companies have already established their own websites online. Their offered services should also be listed there. Make sure to read the reviews to get an idea about the quality of their services.

Concrete mixing in trucks and trailers

It is not uncommon for these high-volume locations to produce hundreds of yards per week. And with better than average profit margins, it is a business model that is paying high dividends for these business owners. To know more, simply visit http://ift.tt/2qz61sC.

Only professional concrete mixers understand the chemistry of cement mixing. The materials to be used should be measured carefully to produce high quality cement. Once the right amounts of ingredients are set, the entire process of mixing is no longer complicated. Mixing the cement manually is possible but it will take a lot of time to complete.

Concrete chemistry and the TFL sugar rush

Just when we all thought the tube couldn’t get any worse, frustrated commuters in London last week were treated to the news that, due to an engineering mishap, a signal control room for the Victoria line had become flooded with fast-setting concrete, forcing the line to temporarily halt. The full article can be viewed at its main source.

There is no longer a need to exhaust yourself in mixing cement manually. There are new ways in cement mixing through the use of advanced technology. Once you have employed reliable concrete mixers, you can complete a building construction at the right time. Not only that, your building will be durable because it is constructed with high-quality cement. You can read more similar articles online if you need to.

The post The Basics of Concrete Mixing appeared first on ThermoConcrete.

[thermoconcrete]

How You Can Achieve A Perfect Looking Cut For Your Saw

Concreting is an important aspect that you need to really focus on when you are having some home renovation. It is essential that you get the high quality materials so that you can be assured that your concrete will last for long. On the other hand, you must ascertain that the right tools are being used by the construction workers so that you can evidently see a well looking concrete that is done with skill, patience and that of precision.

Keep in mind that a precisely cut concrete is what you should aim to have, you need to make sure that you hire someone with you, who will do the cut in such a way that the proper techniques and the use of the innovative power saw is being utilized. This is essential as you will only have one chance to cut the concrete and that you do not want to see your worker to actually fail in that one instance—consider that failure as costly.

Tips for a Perfect Concrete Saw Cut

Cutting concrete is a difficult task, which takes the utmost precision, patience and skill. The entire process is further confounded when you consider the fact that often you only have one opportunity at the cut unless you want to begin the entire process again. By practicing proper concrete cutting techniques and being up to date on the latest power saw technology, you are certain to get the best possible finish every time. Whether you are a professional tradesmen looking for a bit of a refresher or if you’re a DIY practitioner looking to begin their journey, we are here to provide tips to improve your concrete cutting abilities.

Choosing the Right Equipment

While it is still possible to use ancient techniques to cut concrete such as using a chisel and sledgehammer, we recommend that you use a specialised circular saw for the job. The current power saw range available to consumers today is quite astonishing and represents the forefront in industrial technology. We recommend looking in to purchasing a specifically designed concrete saw which are designed for heavy duty, professional construction work. Even if you are not a professional tradesperson, it is advisable to still have the equipment of the pros to get the results you desire.

At Vetner we stock two of the leading manufacturers of power cutters in the world. Stihl and Husqvarna are producers of the finest quality power saws and guarantee to produce sparkling finishes on your concrete surfaces every time. Our range is representative of the finest products available on the market today.

Diamond Blades

Diamond blades are essential to accompany your power saw when looking to cut through concrete. Diamond blades are designed to slice through the most rigid and dense surfaces possible, making light work of any concrete structure you are working on. To learn more about how you can perfectly cut your concrete, check this link.

On the other side of the coin, as a homeowner, you need to pay attention to the kind of concrete slab that you have at home. You need to consider the fact on how you can fully strengthen and make sure that your concrete slab is not going to look dilapidated. There are a lot of factors that you have to consider and that it is necessary that you are properly guided in ensuring that everything will go on based on the latest techniques and mechanisms in installing a concrete slab.

Concrete Slabs

Rainwater Drainage

It’s important to get rainwater away from the foundation as quickly as possible.  This prevents water from creating foundation problems.  If it runs under the slab, it can undermine the soil and stone supporting the slab.  Have you ever seen a concrete sidewalk with a crack in it that has settled?  The cracks let water through and over time, the water washes out the supporting soil or stone below the slab.  This causes the slab to fall as the support is removed from below.  So for your new concrete slabs, you want to prevent any movement that might cause structural issues.  Most building codes call for a minimum drop in grade of 6 inches for the first ten feet out from the foundation.  This helps get the water away from the home as quickly as possible.

Frost Protection

One of the other major reasons for filling in around a new slab is to protect the area below from freezing.  Being in Texas, freezing temperatures are probably a rare occurrence.  But if you do get some cold weather and the slab isn’t protected with soil around it, the freezing can take place very quickly.  And if the area under the slab freezes, it can swell and push up on the slab, causing structural problems.  So the soil surrounding the slab acts as an insulator to keep the area underneath warm.

Stone Support

Most slabs have a layer of stone placed below them to allow for drainage and support.  If there is no soil backfilled up and around the new concrete slabs, the stone may make its way out from around the edges of the slab.  If this happens, it can leave the slab unsupported around the perimeter.  This lack of support will lead to cracking and possible displacement of the slab over time, which can create structural problems for the structure. Please visit this site to gain substantial knowledge about concrete slabs: http://ift.tt/2mqG0u6.

Concreting works is an integral and essential aspect that you have to pay a closer attention to; it is something that you need to get your hands and mind into so that you can always have a perfect result in the end. You need to keep in mind that concreting works will allow you to have a good looking property that you can be proud to share to your friends and family. Further, it will allow you to get an upgraded value of your property for that matter.

The post How You Can Achieve A Perfect Looking Cut For Your Saw appeared first on ThermoConcrete.

[thermoconcrete]

Tips About Concreting Every Homeowners Should Know

When it comes to concreting, there are essential techniques and tips that every homeowners must know. There are actually innovations about concreting that has to be understood fully so that you can always be assured that the outcome can totally exceed the expectations that you have. These techniques are vital in ensuring that you get the right kind of works rendered to you, and that you can feel happy and contented with the concreting works being rendered. Following the listed tips below will make you feel more confident in undertaking that concreting renovation you have always dreamed of.

In the first place, each homeowner must understand that undergoing concreting works will not increase the aesthetic aspect of their property, but will substantially increase value of such property in the market. This means that the investment that you have placed for concreting is something that is not put to waste.

Laying a Concrete Slab

It is important to first select a good, reasonably level site for your slab.

Once you have chosen a site, clear the area and remove any grass.

Using pegs, roughly mark out the area and determine how much digging will be required. Now, dig out the area.

Visually establish high points and low points and use soil to level the area as best as possible.

Measure and construct the box away from where you plan to put the slab.

This gives you room to maneuver and work.

30 by 100 millimeter treated pine is ideal for the box frame.

In this case, the box dimensions are 3.1m by 3.1m, which allows for a 50 millimeter rebate.

Once you have dug the area out and made it as level as you can, place the box in the area.

The required thickness to your slab is 100 millimeter.

Using a spirit level, fill or dig out areas in order to ensure the box is level.

In this area, there is a slight slope in the land running into a far corner.

This makes the area around 180 millimeter; too low so we need to bring it up by even and fill remembering that how slab thickness is 100 millimeter.

Now that the boxing is in position, build up a level, drive pins into the corners, and sides to stop the box from moving. Paint pegs, or wooden stakes are ideal.

In some cases, you may need more than one peg on the side.

It is important to check the depth of the area you will be filling with concrete.

Place a straight edge tint before to cross the length and brink of the box.

Use a spirit level and check the depth of the area within the box.

Remember, it has to be 100 millimeter because that is the thickness of your slab.

Fill in areas too low and remove those areas too high.

Ensure that the fall of the slab follows the contour of the land.

Now that the area is level, lightly wet it down this will assist with compacting. The next step is to lay building plastic down and line the area.

Place reinforcing steel mesh on top of the plastic.

A light f52 gauge mesh all it is required.

This holds the concrete together and helps stop the concrete from cracking.

This particular slab will require 1 cubic meter of concrete and we are using a 20 MPA concrete mix, which basically means the stones or gravel use is 20 millimeter.

Pull the concrete in and level it up with shovels to the height of the boxing.

Screen the concrete off with aluminum screen or length of timber.

Oregon pine is light and inexpensive 70 x 30 millimeter, 4-5 meters long with person to reach in is ideal.

Simply work the concrete across as demonstrated.

Let the concrete go off or dry out a little for about half an hour, then complete rebate with an edging tool.

And finish off with a trial. Learn more information about concrete slab on this link.

Additionally, hiring an expert and reliable workers or a company for that matter will surely save you from so much headaches with respect to the kind of concrete slab that you must install. There are a lot of factors that you need to consider so that you can be assured of good results in the end. You need to really focus on the fact that certain matters will have to be fully checked and looked closely into so that you will be appreciative of what could be the end result.

Board Form Concrete – 10 Tips

Our company recently completed this amazing project with Alterstudio Architecture and the Board Form Concrete on the house we built is stunning!  Booth Concrete was my sub-contractor and with their help I compiled this list of 10 Tips!  The job site where we filmed is a remodel I refer to as our #DeTuscan project with FAB Architecture.  We are building several retaining walls on this sloped Lake Austin home with 2×8 vertical Board Forms and a beautiful cradle for the pool.  I hope these help with your next Architectural Concrete project! Check out this link to get more information on concrete slab: http://ift.tt/2l63fFj.

Concrete application is a herculean task. It is a must that you choose a company or a worker for that matter that will ensure that you can rely fully on the quality of services that they will render to you. Having a company that you can fully depend on will make you feel happy of the kind of outcome that you ought to receive at the end of the day.

The post Tips About Concreting Every Homeowners Should Know appeared first on ThermoConcrete.

[thermoconcrete]

Caring for Your Natural Stone

Natural stone is a common material in buildings that are used for interior purposes, exterior purposes, and finishing, so as you can see this is an important construction material. It is very important that this natural stone is very high quality when it is being used for construction because it is used for just about everything. You can find natural stone in chandeliers, vases, columns, tiles, windowsills, kitchens countertops, and also bathroom suites.

It is important that you can keep good care of your natural stone tiles.

Then using natural stone tiles, there will be some cement that is used in order to fix the tiles to the floor or to the walls. Do not use a knife to scratch the surface, but rather make sure you use a proper cement remover. And this will also help you remove things such as mold and lime masses as well, which is always a good thing and is a common problem for granite or marble surfaces.

Taking care of your floors

Granite or a marble floor can really make a home look like a palace and it is a great way for you to show cases the interior. However, you will still need to be able to maintain the floors if you want them to look good, and it is not too difficult just make sure you clean it every once in awhile.

Care for natural stone countertops

It is important to maintain your natural stone countertops because they will be exposed to citrus juice which has acid, fat, water, and a wide range of substances that could damage it easily. Also, since these countertops are always in contact with food, you will need to use products that are safe for food so you will not make yourself sick.

Polishing your natural stone

If you want your natural stone to look beautiful and glazed, then it is important to do some regular polishing. There is a wide selection of different kinds of polishing liquids out there that are natural as well as synthetic that can breathe some new life into your natural stone. You can use a polishing agent that is based on silicone which will not only polish your stone but it will also clean it as well. You can use this product for your wall tiles, floor tiles, windowsills, and also for the countertops as well. Natural stone is fairly maintenance free but if you want them to look good, it is important to regularly clean it.

The post Caring for Your Natural Stone appeared first on ThermoConcrete.

[thermoconcrete]

Pouring Concrete vs Pouring Rain

Unpredictable summer thunderstorms can wreak havoc on a concrete pour. Rainwater can cause a new concrete surface to become soft, which in turn decreases the abrasion resistance and strength of the concrete, while increasing the tendency for dusting and cracking to develop. The key to preventing damage to the concrete surface by a rainstorm is proper preparation and timing. Before a storm occurs, a protective enclosure can be built around the work site with wood and plastic sheeting. If you get caught without protection, once it starts raining, it’s best to wait, let the rain pass, and pull or push the surface water off the edge of the slab before completing finishing. Contractors should never work the rainwater into the freshly placed surface or broadcast dry cement on the wet surface in an attempt to soak up the water.

Just because it starts raining during or soon after a concrete pour, does not necessarily mean that your project is doomed. It all has to do with timing, and at what stage in the curing process the concrete is in. If the rain occurs when the concrete is fresh (about 2-4 hours after mixing), the surface should be protected from the rain. If the finishing process was recently completed, rainwater may not cause damage as long as it is not worked into the surface and the slab is left untouched. If the concrete has stiffened to the point where it is ready for grooving and grinding (typically 4-8 hours after mixing), damage due to rain is usually no longer a concern.

After a rainstorm, damage to the concrete should be assessed. A visual survey can be performed to note any obvious defects. A simple scratch test, using a screwdriver, can be performed to compare the relative surface scratch hardness of any areas in question to those slab sections known to be of good quality. A quantitative approach includes removing several core samples and checking them in a lab with an electronic microscope. (See our previous blog entry from February 17, 2012 about petrography)

If the surface quality of the concrete is found to be compromised, remedies are available. Isolated repairs can be made immediately after a storm by using the some of the same concrete that was used for the concrete placement itself. If small areas of a thin slab are damaged, it may be more economical to remove and replace full depth sections. If there are large areas in a thick slab with damage, a thin application of a repair mortar could be applied after the damaged concrete is removed.

Read this article from the main source at http://ift.tt/2jjZnlC.

The post Pouring Concrete vs Pouring Rain appeared first on ThermoConcrete.

[thermoconcrete]

Home Improvement Projects: Hiring a Contractor

A lot of people tend to make some mistakes when they are out trying to hire a good contractor. Usually people will hire someone that has plenty of advertisement. However, this is a good way of hiring someone that has no idea what they are doing, so it is important to do your research when you want to hire someone that knows what they are doing.

When searching for a contractor, you may want to talk to your friends and family if they can point you in the right direction. Your friends and family should be able to help you out without a doubt because chances are they hired some kind of contractor at least once in the past.

Another thing you will want to do is look for some of the local professionals in your areas and list down some that interest you so you will be able to compare them later.

Once you have a good list of contractors, you can figure out if they have a good reputation by using websites such as the better business bureau which can be a gold mine of useful information.

The next thing you will have to do when hiring a contractor is to ensure that they have the proper licenses and certifications to handle your home improvement project.

It is always a good idea to ask for a list of some references you can call up. You can ask these people if they were happy with the work that was done.

It is important to make sure you are able to put everything in writing when you hire one of these contractors to work for you. This means that if they provide you with a warranty or with an estimate, then you will need to have that put down in writing. If the company offers a guarantee, it is important to get that into writing as well. This will ensure that the company will keep its word when they tell you something, so always get everything in writing so you will have proof.

It is not that difficult to find an excellent contractor to handle your home improvement project. Just make sure you take your time and do your research so that you will know exactly who you are hiring and you will know exactly what to expect from their work. Because it pays to make the right decision the first time around.

The post Home Improvement Projects: Hiring a Contractor appeared first on ThermoConcrete.

[thermoconcrete]

How Necessary Are Concrete In These Modern Times?

The world is ever changing and part of the change is the creation of different kinds of infrastructure projects that will make it possible to attain development. That is why, in any development, concrete is something that plays a vital role. It is in fact one that plays a centric role when it comes to the circular economy in general. As concrete is being used, you see schools, hospitals and different offices that are seemingly sprouting everywhere.

Thus, concrete should be seen as something that is bringing about developments to those who know how to maximize its use. It is one that is perhaps an integral aspect of what the world really needs. There are so many important benefits of concrete and that understanding such will give you a bigger overview of the benefits it carries.

The Role Of Cement And Concrete In The Circular Economy

The question is: what is our role in the circular economy, and what do we realistically have to offer?

Raw materials: Did you know that the raw materials that we use (limestone for cement and aggregates for concrete) are abundantly available in Europe? This is important, as we are not extracting and using scarce raw materials.

The cement manufacturing process: It probably comes as no surprise to hear that we use primarily coal and petcoke in our kilns. But what you may be less aware of is the fact that we are able to replace part of these traditional fuels with fuels and biomass derived from waste. Not only does this form of energy recovery reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, we are also able to recycle the ash back within our process. Our main energy sources are : petcoke, oil are the primary fuels with which we fire up our kilns; that, you know; what is probably new to you is that the cement industry in Europe takes a pioneering role in recovering energy and recycling material from waste in an operation we call “co-processing”

Concrete: Concrete is in fact made up of cement, water and aggregates (gravel, crushed stone, sand, recycled concrete). And guess what: concrete is 100% recyclable and can go back into concrete as a recycled aggregate or into other applications (e.g. road base). Another interesting fact is that concrete is such a durable material that structures can last for decades, or even centuries! We have all heard of the Channel Tunnel, but what you probably did not know is that the concrete used to build it is contractually guaranteed to last at least 120 years! Visit main article source…

Additionally, if you wish to benefit so much from concrete, then you need to know the practical uses of such in your home. As a homeowner, you can see that concrete can be used to make concrete countertops, and when you partner it with precision grout, and then it is certainly going to make you realize that you’ve made an ideal choice at the very first glance!

Can I Use Non-Shrink Precision Grout to Create Concrete Countertops?

NSPG and Concrete Countertops

This is part of the problem with using NSPG for countertops. With the oridnary applications that NSPG is intended for, usually not much of the grout’s surface area is exposed to the air, so drying occurs slowly. With a countertop made out of NSPG, there is a huge amount of surface that can dry out. Thus any early expansion that would normally counteract the inevitable shrinkage is overwhelmed by the excessive amounts of shrinkage caused by rapid and continuous drying.

Countertops are large, flat beams with large amounts of surface area exposed to the air, so drying becomes a serious issue. As concrete dries and loses moisture, the capillary tension created by the water in the fine pores causes volumetric shrinkage. It is the loss of internal water that causes the shrinkage. The longer the concrete is allowed to dry, the more shrinkage will occur. For larger pieces of concrete, drying shrinkage can continue for years. Even very thin pieces of concrete will continue to shrink over time, as will be seen below. View more details here: http://ift.tt/2gRsZTI.

So remember that, concrete will give any infrastructure project that you are making the durability as well as longevity that it must carry with it. Thus, you can certainly reflect on the value as well as that of the importance of the product in whatever it is that you are using it for.

Image Credits: http://ift.tt/2gRuiSv.

The post How Necessary Are Concrete In These Modern Times? appeared first on ThermoConcrete.

[thermoconcrete]

What You Can Do With Roller Compacted Concrete?

To those still unfamiliar with construction terms, there is an innovation being implemented—-known as roller compacted concrete; in  a way, it is a special blend of concrete as opposed to the traditional one. Essentially, this kind of concrete is a mixture of fly ash, water, sand and common additives. When all  these things are mixed up then you will get something that is drier in form and one that is essentially without any slump in it, which is great for use in any concrete works.

The use of the roller compacted concrete is somehow similar to that of paving; such that the material is delivered through the use of dump truck or that of conveyors. Vibratory rollers are also being set in place in order that the material becomes even more compacted. Thus, there are a lot of construction projects that will certainly benefit when proper use of the roller compacted concrete is utilized.

Thin RCC Pavements In Use

The question of how thin roller compacted concrete (RCC) pavement can be placed is being asked more frequently.  As residential and commercial applications are finding a fit with RCC, thinner pavement sections are being constructed.  Traditionally, RCC pavements have been installed at large industrial facilities (e.g. sea ports, tank hardstands, logging yards) requiring pavement sections as thick as 18 to 22 inches, constructed with multi-lift placement techniques.  However, RCC’s popularity is growing fastest in applications that require thinner sections.

The Portland Cement Association’s (PCA’s) RCC Pave software encourages a 4-inch minimum pavement thickness, for constructability reasons.  Many projects have employed 4 and 5 inch thin RCC pavement throughout the U.S., including:

Plant Vogtle; Waynesboro, GA (2011); parking – 4 inches

Volkswagen Auto Manufacturing Plant; Chattanooga, TN (2010); parking – 4 inches

Jack Daniel’s Distillery; Lynchburg, TN (2011); parking – 5 inches

Honda Auto Manufacturing Plant; Lincoln, AL (2000 & 2004); access roads – 5 inches

A Retail Lumber Store; Ft. Payne, TN (1998); lumber storage yard – 5 inches

Saturn Auto Manufacturing Plant; Spring Hill, TN (1989); parking – 5 inches

Why choose RCC?  Because RCC can be designed and placed for lower cost than an equivalent asphalt/flexible pavement on many projects–and provide a higher level of performance.  CCT can help road agencies and engineers determine if RCC is the right choice for a project.  Give us a call. Read more…

On the immediate uses of concrete, it is important for you to see that there are concrete tiles which you can install in your homes to make it more dashing than it was once. This will help enliven the interior aspect of your home, and in a way will make it look more livable than it should.

Granada Tile Fez Cement Tile In The Kitchen of Emma Magazine’s Editor

Many of our most popular concrete tile designs, like our Fez encaustic tile, our Cluny concrete tile and our Serengeti cement tile are in stock and ready to ship out to you immediately! Or you can have any of our cement tile designs custom colored for your tile project, like the Badajoz cement tile above, which has been custom colored in black and white. The qualities that make Granada Tile’s cement tiles the choice of award-winning coffee shops and hot restaurants around the country — along with their beautiful designs and vivid colors, our concrete tile is long lasting, easy care and low maintenance — are the same ones make it perfect for your home tile project, whether used as patio tile, porch tile, kitchen floor tile, kitchen backsplash tile, bathroom tile, shower tile or laundry room tile.  Start by visiting our cement tile shop to peruse our large selection of in-stock handmade master-crafted cement tiles and call us today at 213-788-4238 to discuss which of our encaustic tile designs would be perfect for your home or restaurant project.

We’re always curious to see what other tile designers are doing, especially when they are moving in a similar direction to what we’ve been exploring.  Lately, in a desire to explore more way to create cement tile designs, we been working to create embossed cement tiles which we will be introducing shortly.  So we were intrigued when we spotted the cement tile designs of British designer Lindsey Lang. Borrowing from the archives of the London Underground, she created these patterns in embossed cement.  It seems the old saying is true: great minds think alike! Read more info on this site: http://ift.tt/2ftxBho.

It is certainly an important point to understand that there are so many benefits that you can derive from concrete. And seeing that you can even beautify your interior with the use of such will definitely entice you to making the most of what it can offer. There are definitely a lot of great things that will come your way with all these concrete when properly chosen.

The post What You Can Do With Roller Compacted Concrete? appeared first on ThermoConcrete.

[thermoconcrete]

Common Facts You Need To Be Familiar with When It Comes To Concrete

If you want to be guided when it comes to the construction works that you are undertaking, it pays that you are familiar with some important words. Understanding the basic definitions about concrete and its uses will make you see a much bigger picture of it. You will therefore enable yourself  to utilize your understanding so that you will get an in depth overview of when it comes to construction works.

When you are well informed with all construction details, then it will be much easier for you to get an informed decision in any matters that will come your way in the course of the construction process. You will essentially get the upper hand in whatever it is that you are going to decide along the way.

Some Basic Definitions Used In Cement And Concrete

A few useful basic definitions follow, since the meanings of the words ‘cement’ and ‘concrete’ are rather blurred in general use.

Portland Cement: Material made by heating a mixture of limestone and clay in a kiln at about 1450 C, then grinding to a fine powder with a small addition of gypsum. Portland Cement, the main subject of this site, is the most common type of cement – ‘basic cement’, if you like. In particular, ordinary Portland cement is the normal, grey, cement with which most people are familiar. Other types of Portland cement include White Portland Cement and Sulfate Resisting Portland Cement (SRPC).

Clinker: Portland cement is made by grinding clinker and a little added gypsum. Clinker is a nodular material before it is ground up. The nodules can be anything from 1mm to 25mm or more in diameter.

Cement: Usually taken to mean Portland Cement, but could mean any other type of cement, depending on the context.

Aggregate: Cobbles, pebbles, gravel, sand and silt – the ‘rock’ component of all particle sizes in concrete.

Concrete: Synthetic rock made using cement (usually, but not necessarily, Portland cement) mixed with aggregate and water. Read more!

So how does the concrete being extracted so that it can be used in any construction works? That is really an interesting question that needs to be put to rest. Mining concrete is an important aspect that needs to be tackled to fully get a good look at its astonishing advantage.

Sand Extraction For Concrete

And creating all the concrete relies on mining sand and gravel, collectively known as aggregates. Aggregates are extracted from the earth at an astonishing rate – exceeding 40 billion tons. A year. In the US, for example, the market for mined sand has been growing at 10% annually since 2008, meaning it is a billion-dollar business annually. Now, although the deserts are awash in sand, it is considered unusuable for making concrete. This happens because it is subject to so much wind erosion, causing the grains to become too round and blow away. (Which is why Dubai, located in the desert, ships in sand for its beaches from Australia.) Desert sand also fails to bind well. Instead, we source the bulk of our sand from land quarries and riverbeds, so much so, that we’re running out and have turned to the coasts. “River and marine aggregates remain the main sources for building and land reclamation,” notes a recent report by the United Nation Environment Programme (UNEP) on the dwindling sand situation. Details explained here: http://ift.tt/2fK8Uio.

These few facts will give you a deeper perspective to what concrete is really all about, it will encourage you to get a whole picture of how it is mined and, in the process, being utilized. There are so many great things that you will learn from the use of concrete which you can apply during the construction works in your property.

The post Common Facts You Need To Be Familiar with When It Comes To Concrete appeared first on ThermoConcrete.

[thermoconcrete]

What Is Concrete Recommended For?

There are definitely a lot of uses that concrete has for anyone in today’s world. In fact, concrete plays a major role in development in such a way that it is a material that is second most consumed in the world. You will see that it is heavily used in major economies to propel them to development. That is why, there are a lot of infrastructure projects such as schools, dams, roads and what not that are being constructed, thanks entirely to concrete.

At the context of your very own home, you can make use of concrete in repairing any cracks or breaks that you see in your property. Any broken pieces will surely be repaired in no time when utilization of concrete is further maximized.

Cement Cove

If you have any broken pieces of concrete, or you need to repair some major mortar joints, this is the stuff you need. And you don’t need to mix this with water. It comes pre-mixed. Keep that in mind as other repair compounds may require that you actually still mix them with water.

The only time I wouldn’t recommend this, is if you need to use it where you might be driving your vehicle. It’s not recommend for that. Small cracks in your driveway yes, but for major driveway repairs, you’ll need something else.

Which Product is Recommended?

The particle mix I recommend is the Dap 32611 Phenopatch Pre-Mixed Patch.

This particular compound is very high strength and used primarily on cracks or breaks in your concrete.

You can purchase it in several different packs, however each jug carries 1 qt of compound.

The convenience is great.

Instead of having to mix your own cement with a mixer, these pre-mixed products are super convenient.

They should not completely replace the need for standard concrete, however for patching and small repairs, they’re definitely helpful. Read more facts here…

It would be essential that you find experts that will help you in the testing and evaluation processes of the concrete that you have with you, so that you will be able to get the high quality ones. You will see that the best concrete are those that will make you enjoy its functionality for a long period of time. Thus, carefully selecting which is the best, as aided by an expert, will put you at an advantageous position.

Concrete Expert Witness: Concrete Repair and Testing Evaluations

Building Forensics International utilizes consultants from various fields of expertise. The video is from one the consultants we refer when waterproofing issues arise involving concrete/cement issues.  American Restore and it’s founder Jim Andrews has vast experience when it comes to tipping floors and all types of concrete warehouse slabs of any kind.

Waterproofing and repairs of concrete slabs requires expertise and experience to get the job done correctly.  This videos shares information on many aspects of concrete repair and testing of concrete slabs.

BFI hopes you take the time to watch this informative video.  If you are in need of a concrete expert for litigation, investigation or concrete expert witness assignments please consider calling Building Forensics International.  More to read here: http://www.buildingforensicsintl.com/single-post/2016/06/13/Concrete-Expert-Witness-Concrete-Repair-and-Testing-Evaluations.

All these details will guide you in the way that you choose the kind of concrete you must make use of in your property or any construction works for that matter. Having an understanding about all these details will lead you to the right path in choosing what kind of concrete suitable for any construction projects you have at the end of the day.

Image Credits: https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSlE8hwY3X16nzwKsvCbruJftDtHWdjLLU8aDGU63AN6GF6w2p0-Q.

The post What Is Concrete Recommended For? appeared first on ThermoConcrete.

[thermoconcrete]

Equipments That Aid In the Use Of Concrete

Concrete is a product that is seemingly used everywhere. It is a product that is heavily consumed by different advance and advancing economies as it aids in development and progress. With the use of concrete, there are so many infrastructure projects that you can come up with. With that in mind, you will therefore see a greater picture on how you can put to use concrete so that it will give you so much advantage.

Apart from the use of concrete, you see the fact that different equipment must be utilized in order that the concrete will be put to good use. Thus, choosing the right kind of equipment will certainly bring so many advantages in the event of your ongoing construction.

Get The Facts On Cyclonaire’s Cement & Concrete Solutions

To provide you with a better understanding of how our solutions can fit your application, Cyclonaire has created a Product Guide for Cement & Concrete Applications.

The guide provides an overview of our top quality cement industry solutions, including:

Blower Packages: Cyclonaire’s custom-built intermediate pressure blower packages power both vacuum loading and pressure conveying applications.

Bag Dump Stations: Our bag dump stations feature self-contained fan and self-cleaning pulse jet-style filtration dust traps for recycling.

C&C Dust Reclaim System: The automated C&C Dust Reclaim System preserves air quality and conserves valuable material by capturing dust from silo-filling operations and automatically returning it directly to the source silo.

From railcar and silo conveying to cement blending — to convey systems and portable conveying systems — Cyclonaire has a solution for your cement and concrete application.  Read more here…

At home, you can benefit so much from the innovation that has been infused in the concrete of today. Such that there are DIY projects that you can come up with, so that you can fully maximize the concrete and put it to good use in beautifying your interiors per se. Concrete now is being utilize in broad spectrum, and has brought benefits to many homeowners.

Concrete Countertop DIY

When you come to a right angle (like where the backsplash meets the counter) it helps to use a wide putty knife and pull the wet cement up from the countertop on the backsplash part and towards yourself away from the wall on the countertop. Pulling the cement in the opposite directions helps give the corner a cleaner look.

The hardest part of this whole job was the rounded angle on the top of the backsplash. I had to use the small putty knife to put small amounts of wet concrete on the rounded edge, smooth it out the best I could, but honestly, I shaped most of that area during sanding. If you’re ever in doubt, put too much concrete on-you can always sand off excess later, but you can’t add more without mixing another batch. Read more here: http://ift.tt/1nx6Qc6.

These things will essentially guide you to fully make sure that as you use concrete, it will not only improve the aesthetics of your house, but more so of its functionality. The concrete that you are seeing are being further researched and innovated so that more and more homeowners will get to enjoy the many kinds of benefits that it has for everyone.

Image Credits: http://ift.tt/2ejpqne.

The post Equipments That Aid In the Use Of Concrete appeared first on ThermoConcrete.

[thermoconcrete]

Concrete Making And How It Works

Concrete is a word that was derived from “concretus”, the Latin for which is compact. This is basically a mixture of a lot of materials namely cement, coarse aggregate, chemical admixtures, water, sand, and gravel, otherwise known as crushed stone. If you mix this material with water, it will create a fluid which can be molded into pretty much any shape you like. It will then solidify into stone soon after. Hydration is what this process is called. When mixed with water the other constituents of the cement then bond together. This material is used for architectural structures such as fences, bricks, parking structures, overpasses, bridges, runways, roads, highways, foundations, walls, poles, pillars, roofs, and many more. Below is a layman’s explanation of how concrete making works and how it has benefited the world as we know it:

There is actually a pretty accurate measurement for the strength of concrete. This is determined by the amount of force that can be applied to the concrete before it gives or breaks. The force is needed is considerably strong and it is the reason why people have been making use of this essential material for a long time. This is how some manufacturers are able to create concrete that is much stronger than those of other companies.

Here are the ways the different kinds of concrete are made:

– Re-enforced concrete is developed through casting the concrete on steel bars and rods making them even stronger than before. Basically, this material is being used in the construction of huge buildings in your city. – Pre-stressed concrete is pretty much the same as one discussed above only this time its cast around cables held together by hydraulic jacks. As it hardens, the jacks are then removed and resulting in concrete getting compressed by cables.

– Air-entrained concrete is basically made by using the fatty or resinous material and adding it to the concrete as part of the mixture. This basically creates bubbles that act like absorbers of shock. – Cold-resistant concrete is made by following the necessary rules needed to accomplish the objective from beginning to end. The ratio should just be enough and you should always do your research as well. You cannot mess up the ratio because this would ruin your objective in so many ways. Once you follow the right amount that is prescribed then you would be able to see how effective the results are. This is something that can be used in the cold and low temperature would not damage it in any way. The cold would not affect the surface or make it dangerous by freezing it. It would be immune to these sorts of effects. This kind of concrete is sealed tight and water would not be able to penetrate into it in any way at all.

There are also ways of concrete installation which you would be able to implement in order to make your project a success in terms of quality.

The post Concrete Making And How It Works appeared first on ThermoConcrete.