Installation in concrete is not as simple as it seems. There is a great deal of preparation that takes place before a single drop of concrete is poured on site. Everything from the mix design, amount of concrete to purchase, site preparation, tools, weather forecast, placement process, stripping and curing process must be considered beforehand. And what works for one site may not work for another.
1. Not understanding how much concrete is really needed for a project
Concrete always has three dimensions and one of the first mistakes people make when choosing concrete is underestimating how thick the concrete should be for their project. Decorative or non-load bearing concrete can be more or less shallow, but dimensions are crucial for floors, foundations, driveways and load bearings.
2. Do not round a concrete order
Concrete dries quickly, leaving no time for mistakes or adjustments once it has been poured. When ordering concrete, don’t try to be economical or exact. Be cautious and order a little more concrete than you think you will need. If the measurements were a little off, the extra concrete will come in handy. If the measurements were perfect, the driver will remove the excess concrete.
3. Not having all the right tools on hand
One thing that should always be kept in mind is the narrow window of time in which concrete can be worked once it has been poured. Preparation is of utmost importance when installing concrete. Not having the right tools on hand can result in poor installation and a waste of time, effort and money. There’s no time to make a quick trip to the hardware store to buy a forgotten tool, and there’s no time to experiment with tools that aren’t designed for use with concrete.
4. Underestimate the importance of adequately supported concrete forms
Concrete forms provide a “container” for the flowing concrete and hold it in proper shape until it can support its own weight after completely hardening and drying. Forms must have tight joints to prevent concrete from leaking, must be rigid to prevent the concrete from bending, and must be strong enough to hold the concrete firmly in place.
5. Rushing to pour concrete without proper site preparation
Pouring concrete is the exciting part and it’s tempting to rush into that step. But improper site preparation can cause numerous headaches. Take the time to properly prepare the site for best results.
