Do you remember the last time you realized that your concrete was having problems? I started looking at our yard a few months ago, and I realized that our driveway had more than a few big cracks. I didn't want the issue to blossom, so I started talking with different concrete contractors about how they could help. Although I wasn't expecting much, the contractors came out soon after I called and worked with me to get the issues repaired. When they were finished, my driveway and sidewalks looked a lot better. This website is completely committed to getting concrete fixed the right way the first time.
Winter can sometimes mean you must wait to do many of the outside projects you're wanting to start. However, if you're planning a concrete walkway or another concrete-related project, your work can go on. You just need to think with the weather in mind. If you're brave enough to give it a shot, these concrete suggestions improve your likelihood of project success.
1-Warm the Soil
Frozen ground is often the first obstacle that scares people away from winter concrete attempts. A ground that is so cold that a shovel can't penetrate it is problematic; when weather warms, the soil will expand and whatever is laid on top of it will crack. Therefore, before starting the soil mustn't be frozen.
Sometimes you can just wait for days when the temperature is above the freezing mark. This should give you a warm enough surface. However, you can also lay heating blankets on the area and attempt to warm it that way. Soil thermometers will help you know if the ground isn't above freezing temperatures.
2-Lay a Sub-Base
A thin sub-base layer could be vital for your concrete work. Because it is pre-made, you don't have to worry that it will constrict or expand and ruin the finished project. You might need to shovel out some soil in order to lay the sub-base, so you may want to wait until temperatures rise a bit to do that. Once the sub-base is laid, you can then pour the concrete.
3-Obtain Low-Water Mix
High water content in any concrete mix means that it could freeze before you're done handling it. To give yourself sufficient time, actively seek ready-mixes with lower water content.
4-Seek Assistance
Even if you're a quick worker and are aware of freezing possibilities, more hands can speed the process. Friends or workers you pay will enable the entire area poured and ready before concrete freezes.
5-Keep it Warm
Heating blankets are vital for this next part of the project. Kept in place with either cinder blocks or long plywood planks, the blankets will stop the area from being too cold and drying prematurely. If you leave the area out to the open air, the water could crystallize into ice and the entire space will dry unevenly as soon as a thaw occurs.
The winter need not stop your work if you use this information. Concrete contractors can guide your project and take over if you're unsure that you can do it well