5 DIY Concrete Pouring Mistakes to Avoid
Many Australians have caught on to the fact that performing DIY projects themselves saves a tonne of money! With home improvement shows taking over television screens, there’s never been a time when DIY projects was more popular. Not only do people save money by completing renovations themselves, but there’s also a sense of pride and achievement after its finished. Admittedly, some projects only require some casual know-how and a toolbox, but others require extensive preparation and experience.
Whether you’re building a new driveway, pool deck, patio, or you’re replacing your timber floors, pouring a concrete slab can be tricky and it’s vital to get the process right the first time so you don’t have to rip it up and start again! Considering that many homeowners have difficulty pouring a concrete slab, today we’ll be covering concrete slabs in greater detail by offering you our top 5 DIY concrete pouring mistakes to avoid.
1. Improper mix
A widespread mistake made by homeowners is putting excess water in the concrete mix which will result in curing issues. The water to concrete ratio is very specific and preferably your wet concrete should be smooth but not chunky, dry, or runny. It's easier for homeowners to add an excessive amount of water simply because softer concrete is easier to handle. Too much water in the concrete mix lowers the strength of the concrete so always comply with the manufacturer’s suggestions concerning the concrete mix.
2. Poor ground preparation
It’s vital that the ground and surface area underneath the concrete slab is effectively prepared to stop contamination by underlying soil and materials. A uniform layer of compacted stone, crusher dust, or manufactured sand is required to sponge up moisture and avoid contamination. A common mistake that homeowners make is not hosing down and moistening the sub surface prior to pouring the concrete on hot days. Shrinkage and separation cracking can easily occur if fresh concrete is poured on a dusty, hot surface.
3. Not using appropriate reinforcement
It's extremely important that homeowners add reinforcement to their concrete slab to make sure it remains in one piece for many years to follow. Even though concrete is normally strong, it has low tensile strength and reinforcement enhances the total strength of the surface and holds the concrete together if it starts cracking. The simplest way is to use metal, plastic, or glass fibres mixed in the concrete before it gets poured, but even rebar and steel mesh creates effective reinforcement too.
4. Uneven formwork
Effective formwork is key 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 defines the appearance of the finished slab. Although it can be tough to assemble formwork and position them correctly in the excavated area, it's a crucial step that must be carried out correctly. Uneven formwork can have some significant consequences not to mention uneven concrete! If you can't do this properly on your own, it's best to look for help elsewhere.
5. Inadequate curing time
Though concrete normally hardens within a day or two after the pour, it needs adequate time to cure thoroughly which can take up to seven days. Concrete needs to develop its strength and durability by retaining moisture and temperature conditions and leaving your concrete subjected to the element’s effects how the compounds bond together. Whether or not you use a curing compound, tarps, or water from your garden hose, your concrete slabs needs to be sheltered by maintaining the intended temperature and moisture until it has cured.
Concrete is a weather resistant, durable, and low-maintenance building material which is used extensively across the globe. For homeowners performing DIY projects with concrete, it's critical that they get the technique right the first time to ensure their concrete slab continues to be in good shape for many years to come.
If you have any more questions about how to pour a concrete slab, consult the formwork specialists at Uni-Span by phoning their team on 1300 882 825.
