Whether you are making a home, driveway, or sidewalk, concrete pouring is not a simple process, and learning how and when it’s done will result in a smooth and long-lasting finish.
Here’s a guide to get it right.
Pour in Concrete
Pouring concrete involves placing a mix into molds, forms, or structures to allow it to harden and set. It’s a crucial step in making long-lasting surfaces. Waterproofing materials also effectively combine with concrete pouring, providing even more flexibility to the structure while extending its lifespan in moist environments.
The Right Mix is Key
Concrete is a mixture of cement, water, sand, and gravel or aggregates. The correct mix ratio is essential for strength. A typical ratio is three parts aggregate, two parts sand, and one part cement. We use a solid concrete binder to make the concrete a solid structure. Polyurethane or bitumen waterproofing can also be used as additional water protection to prevent moisture from reaching the inside of the concrete.
Preparing the Site
The site should be level, clean, and without debris before it’s poured. You must have a strong base to prevent the foundation from cracking or moving. For environments with high moisture, you may want to use integral waterproofing to help make the concrete more water resistant to prevent long-term damage to your structure.
Pour the Concrete Procedure
- Mix Your Concrete: If you are mixing by hand, use the right cement, sand, and aggregate mix. A cement mixer allows for a better-blended mix.
- Pour the Concrete: Pour concrete evenly into forms to prevent air pockets from forming. Hydroseeps polyurethane waterproofing also repels water, making it useful in foundations.
- Level the Surface and Trowel: Use a trowel or screed to level the surface. In industrial or high-traffic areas, you may also use industrial floor coatings that can protect the concrete.
- Finish the Surface: Smooth the surface with a float after pouring. Over time, if any cracks develop, structural epoxy for crack repair is an ideal cure for filling them.
- Cure the concrete: The concrete should be cured, which means it should remain moist and not dry out too quickly.
After the surface has set, the contractors then apply bitumen waterproofing or a carbon fiber retrofitting process that increases the surface’s waterproofing and stress resistance properties.
FAQs
What is the 1/2/3 concrete rule?
The rule of 1/2/3 is a ratio of 1 art cement, 2 parts sand, and three parts aggregate. This approach guarantees a powerful and robust blend.
How long should you wait after pouring concrete?
Concrete sets in 24 to 48 hours, but cultures for 28 days. Before heavy loads are placed on the beam, wait so the concrete does not break.
What conditions do we pour concrete into?
The ideal pouring conditions include mild temperatures, ideally between 50°F and 75°F (10°C to 24°C). Extreme heat, cold, or wet weather must be avoided as these conditions interfere with curing.
Ensure Your Concrete is Right at Sealbond
For any construction materials or concrete finishing work, get the job done with smooth, durable, and lasting concrete. Choose Sealbond for quality products to ensure your concrete sets and lasts in protection. Contact us today for all your concrete requirements.
