3 Concrete Installation Mistakes to Avoid

3 Concrete Installation Mistakes to Avoid

The versatility of concrete makes it the material of choice for a wide variety of projects, from pool decks to sidewalks to staircases and more. A successfully installed concrete project can look nice and last for years with minimal maintenance. While it may seem like a simple matter of pouring the concrete mixture where it is needed, installing concrete can actually be a much longer process with a lot of room for error. Here are three of the most common concrete mistakes to avoid. 

1. Not Doing Proper Preparation Work

In order to get an area ready for concrete, a few things will need to be done. Firstly, the space will need to be measured and cleaned up. Any rocks or other debris in the way can interfere with the concrete and lead to damage down the road. The ground beneath the concrete needs to be properly compressed to create a stable area for the concrete to sit. A contractor may also spend some time figuring out how to keep the area dry and prevent it from shifting too much over time. Calculations will need to be done on the space to determine how much concrete is needed to fill the area. 

2. Choosing the Wrong Materials

Choosing the right concrete for a job is about more than just finding whichever option is the cheapest. There are many different types of concrete to choose from, each with a unique composition that can make it better suited for different situations. When choosing concrete you and your contractor will need to consider a variety of factors including what the concrete is being used for, the temperatures and climate of your area, and your price range. 

Purchasing Materials

When working with concrete it is a good idea to purchase more than enough materials to get the job done right. Since timing is an important part of any concrete project, running out of materials halfway through can be an issue that is best avoided. Your contractor should be able to help you determine the right amount of materials to cover your area even if you end up needing more concrete than expected. It is far better to have a few materials left over than to discover not enough was purchased. 

3. Using Incorrect Techniques

Successful concrete projects are usually installed in a few stages using specific techniques. Rather than just dumping concrete on the ground, most projects will require extra work, such as adding stabilization and properly smoothing out the concrete as it dries. Leveling and smoothing the concrete is a task that looks fairly easy but can actually be somewhat complicated and is a vital part of getting a clean-looking finished product that many beginners forget. Skipping steps or not using the proper techniques to get them done can lead to a finished product that looks sloppy or doesn't last long before cracking and crumbling. 

Finding the Necessary Equipment

Working with concrete requires a unique set of equipment. While not the most complicated tools in the world, it is important to have the right items on hand to work with the concrete as it dries. Contractors with experience installing concrete should have all the necessary tools on hand to get the job done right. 



Install Your Concrete the Right Way

The easiest way to avoid the many concrete installation mistakes that can happen during a project is to work with an experienced contractor. Whether you are a homeowner or the manager of a business, you can benefit from having a professional give you long-lasting results that look great. For more information on how to get your concrete installed the right way contact us at (707) 318-4430 or visit our website to browse the services we offer.