Concrete Resurfacing
Concrete resurfacing is a very popular project for homeowners, because it allows one to get a brand-new surface for a fraction of the cost of what new concrete would cost. The concept is not new, and it is gaining in popularity for commercial ... [... more]
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Pouring Concrete Sidewalks
The sidewalk should be poured at least 4 inches thick. If you increase the thickness to 5 inches, it will dramatically increase the durability of the sidewalk. Installing reinforcing steel will also significantly strengthen the concrete. Use ... [... more]
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Sand And Mortar Quantities
The quantities change significantly for brick since the average brick is so much smaller than a concrete block. You need many more brick than block in a given wall. This means more bed joints and more vertical head joints. For brick you need: 7 ... [... more]
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Concrete
Proper curing of the finished concrete is also important. If the best concrete masons install concrete but fail to allow it to cure, the concrete can fail long before its time. The water used to mix the concrete must not be allowed to evaporate ... [... more]
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Concrete In Cold Weather
There are all sorts of things the concrete mason should do to insure that your concrete will last for many years. First, the ground upon which the concrete will be poured must not be frozen. In fact, it would be ideal if the contractor could ... [... more]
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Concrete Overlays
It is important that a sufficient amount of cement is added to the overlay mixture so that it will resist freeze-thaw cycles that will occur in the winter months. Since your overlay material will be mixed most likely in a wheelbarrow or a rented ... [... more]
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Resurfacing Concrete
The best weather to perform this work is when the temperatures are in the 50 - 60F range. Overcast days are ideal. You want the resurfacing to set up slowly. You apply your final finish to the overlay when the material is somewhat firm. Do not ... [... more]
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Minimize Cracks While Pouring Concrete
Cracks can also be minimized before the concrete is poured. The ground beneath the slab needs to be solid. Don't pour concrete over trenches that were filled with uncompacted material. If a utility line trench passes under a driveway or sidewalk, ... [... more]
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Reinforcing Steel In Concrete
Installing concrete that will last a lifetime is absolutely possible. The process begins by ordering concrete correctly. Always keep in mind that the cement powder in the mixture is the glue that holds the sand and gravel together. If you have ... [... more]
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Guidelines For Strong Concrete
Slump refers to the stiffness of the mix. The lower the number the stiffer concrete is. You can actually mix and pour concrete with a 1 or 2 inch slump! Have you seen highway median work where the crash barrier is done with a forming machine? The ... [... more]
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Magnesium Chloride & Deicing Salt Companies
To the best of my knowledge, magnesium chloride is only produced offshore. The primary source is the Dead Sea located in the Middle East. Those of you who remember your world geography should recognize this location - the lowest dry land below ... [... more]
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Deicing Facts
Those of us who live in the snowbelt are fairly familiar with rock salt. Large trucks distribute it on roadways to keep traffic flowing. I would curse the salt producers and the drivers of these trucks, not because of damage to roadways, but to ... [... more]
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