With so much information online these days, it seems that more and more Australians are undertaking their own home improvement projects. Performing DIY projects at home is an excellent way to save money and have some fun too, but it’s vital that you understand which jobs you can perform successfully and when to call in some extra help. Having to redo any projects because of simple mistakes can really eat into your savings, not to mention your level of fun!
Pouring a concrete slab is one DIY project that many homeowners tend to struggle with. Regardless of whether you want to replace timber floors or build a new driveway, there are many things which can wrong with pouring a concrete slab so it’s paramount that you get the process right the first time. To shed some light on the topic, today we’ll be examining concrete slabs in more detail and providing you with our top 5 DIY concrete pouring mistakes to avoid. 1. Uneven formwork Reliable formwork is critical to the success of your concrete slab. Not only does formwork hold the concrete in position so it doesn't overflow into other areas, but it also shapes the appearance of the finished slab. Though it can be tough to build formwork and position it correctly in the excavated area, it's a vital step that must be completed correctly. Uneven formwork can have some major consequences not to mention uneven concrete! If you can't do this properly on your own, it's best to find help elsewhere. 2. Not using enough reinforcement It's critical that homeowners add reinforcement to their concrete slab to make sure it continues to bond together for many years in the future. Although concrete is typically strong, it has low tensile strength and reinforcement increases the total strength of the surface and holds the concrete together if it begins to crack. The most convenient way is to use plastic, glass, or metal fibres mixed in the concrete before it gets poured, but even rebar and steel mesh creates exceptional reinforcement too. 3. Substandard ground preparation It’s crucial that the ground and surface area beneath the concrete slab is appropriately prepared to stop contamination by underlying soil and materials. A level layer of manufactured sand, compacted stone, or crusher dust is required to soak up moisture and avoid contamination. A customary mistake that homeowners make is not hosing down and moistening the sub surface prior to pouring the concrete on hot days. Separation cracking and shrinkage can easily transpire if fresh concrete is poured on a dusty and hot surface. 4. Insufficient curing time Although concrete normally hardens within a day or two, it needs adequate time to cure successfully which can take at least seven days. Concrete needs to cultivate strength and durability by retaining moisture and temperature conditions and leaving your concrete subjected to the elements can have an effect on how the compounds bond together. Whether or not you use water from your garden hose, tarps, or a curing compound, your concrete slabs needs to be sheltered by maintaining the preferred temperature and moisture until it has cured. 5. Unsuitable mix Another standard mistake made by homeowners is putting an excessive amount of water in the concrete mix which results in curing issues. The water to concrete ratio is very particular and ultimately your wet concrete should be smooth but not chunky, dry, or runny. It's attractive for homeowners to add excess water simply because softer concrete is easier to handle. Too much water in the concrete mix decreases the strength of the concrete so always comply with the manufacturer’s instructions concerning the concrete mix. Concrete is a weather resistant, durable, and low-maintenance building material which is readily used throughout the world. For homeowners carrying out DIY projects with concrete, it's imperative that they get the procedure right the first time to ensure their concrete slab continues to be in great shape well into the future. If you have any more questions concerning the correct way to pour a concrete slab, get in contact with the formwork specialists at Uni-Span by phoning their team on 1300 882 825.
2 Comments
7/28/2023 04:20:00 am
It was interesting to know that adding reinforcement to concrete slabs can make the structure last longer. My friend wants to have a concrete driveway. I should advise him to work with a concrete contractor service to ensure quality work.
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3/15/2024 11:29:24 am
5 DIY Concrete Pouring Mistakes to Avoid" from Uni-Span offers invaluable tips for anyone undertaking concrete pouring projects independently. This insightful blog post outlines common mistakes that DIY enthusiasts often make and provides practical guidance on how to avoid them. From improper mixing to inadequate surface preparation, the article covers essential aspects of concrete pouring, ensuring a smoother and more successful DIY experience. Whether you're a novice or experienced DIYer, this resourceful content is a must-read before embarking on your next concrete project.
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