Have you or anyone you know had a bad experience with a concrete contractor? We’ve all heard the alarming stories of concrete hardening too fast, incomplete and/or bad finishes, and contractors skipping town with money. Unfortunately, these issues are not uncommon. The concrete construction industry can be very hit or miss and finding a good […]

Concrete is composed of three main materials: 1.) Aggregate (Coarse & Fine)   2.) Water   3.) Cement     The Chemical Reaction: The three materials (aggregate, water, and cement) are mixed together to form concrete. A chemical reaction between the cement and water cause the concrete to harden through a process called hydration. This

There are three regularly applied methods to pouring concrete… Tailgating, Buggying, & Pumping     1) Tailgating Tailgating is the method of pouring concrete straight down the chute from the concrete truck. Most concrete trucks come equipped with multiple chutes that can reach up to fifteen feet in length. Chutes can be added & deleted

What are the Different Types of Concrete Construction Joints? There are three different types of concrete construction joints: Butt-Type, Keyway, & Dowel.   Why are Concrete Construction Joints Necessary? Whether we like it or not, dirt moves. In turn, concrete slabs are going to move. Concrete construction joints are what keep the two slabs from shifting between one

The saying goes, “It’s not if your concrete is going to crack, it’s when your concrete is going to crack”.   The Truth There is not much you can do to get around it, all concrete is more than likely going to crack over time. If your concrete contractor tells you otherwise, they are either

There are an endless number of concrete finishes. Today we will cover what can be found in the majority of residential homes, to help homeowners obtain the function and aesthetics they wish to achieve. The Broom Finish: The broom finish is what you find on the sidewalk when walking through your neighborhood. This finish simply

What is Curing in Concrete Construction? Curing is the process of maintaining an adequate water cement ratio and temperature in concrete from the time the concrete is poured, and until the concrete has met the specified properties of the concrete mix design. Why is Curing Necessary? The water cement ratio in concrete is vital for

Concrete pours can be performed and completed even during the coldest temperatures, as long as the right measures are taken to ensure a quality concrete product. The goal is to make sure that the concrete is poured at the correct temperature, and the concrete is able to reach strength without early age freeze damage. Why

What is Fiber Mesh? (Also Called: Synthetic Fibers) There are several materials that are commonly used as fibers in concrete mix designs. A list of fiber materials include acrylic, cotton, glass, graphite, aramid, nylon, polyester, polyethylene, & steel. Contact your local concrete supplier to find out what fiber material they use in their concrete. Why Use

Air Entraining – Corrosion Inhibiting – ASR Inhibiting – Shrinkage Reducing – Permeability Reducing Air Entraining Admixtures: The most common type of durability enhancing admixture, air entraining admixtures create microscopic bubbles within the concrete that provide the following benefits: Protects Against Freeze Thaw Cycles Increases Workability Reduces Bleeding & Segregation Increases Strength Corrosion Inhibiting Admixtures: