Concrete slabs in Geelong are commonly used as foundations for many types of structures. From homes and commercial buildings to sheds and garages, a concrete slab provides a level, stable surface for your building structure.
Every concrete pour is unique, making installation a tricky job. When pouring concrete, one must consider the project's structure, size, shape, colour, and finish. Moreover, to ensure effective installation, one must also follow certain measures. It is always advisable to contact a professional contractor for concrete work.
If you are planning to install a concrete slab on your property, here's a quick guide on the steps involved in the process.
Step 1. Site Preparation
The site needs preparation before pouring the concrete to reduce the likelihood of heaving caused by expanding soils and cold. Prepare the area for the slab pour by excavating. The slab's thickness will determine how deep the excavation must be. Excavating 8 to 10 inches is sufficient for most Concrete slabs in Geelong.
Step 2. Concrete Forming
Concrete is an outstanding product since it starts as semi-solid, can be moulded into almost any shape, and further hardens to take the given shape. Concrete is the most widely utilised building material in the world because of its capacity to fill spaces and take on different shapes.
Concrete forms are solid barriers or frames that keep concrete in place or compel it to take on a specific shape. It is mandatory to install the necessary forms before pouring, as they provide the shape for the concrete slab. You must ensure that your forms are made from high-quality lumber, so they don't warp or bend when the concrete is poured.
Step 3. Prepare Mixture & Add Reinforcement
Install any reinforcing, such as wire mesh or rebar, as needed for your slab. Fill the mixing drum with the number of bags of concrete mix you require. And about three-quarters of the water indicated on the package. Then, with the mixer running, incorporate the components, gradually adding the remaining water as needed to obtain a uniform consistency. Take care to add only a little water, enough to allow the mix to run freely out of the drum. Also, avoid overloading the mixer.
Step 4. Use of Adequate Water
Moisture is crucial and prevents cracking. Professional concreters moisten the ground in the excavation area with a hose or sprinkler before pouring the concrete, as it prevents quick drying and prevents the development of cracks.
Step 5. Pouring
Fill the concrete forms to the top edge with wet concrete. Use shovels and concrete rakes to move the moist concrete to level it out while pouring. Be sure to consolidate the concrete as you go so that there are no air pockets.
Step 6: Smoothening
Concrete compacting and consolidating also take place in this step. It is the process of levelling and smoothing the concrete. To skim the top of the concrete, you can use a sizable metal or wooden board. After that, smooth out any high or low areas and compact the concrete with a float. Wide bull floats cover large areas, while small hand-held floats perform well for edges and detail work. Work control joints and edges into the concrete simultaneously using appropriate hand tools.
Step 7: Troweling & Finish
Rest the concrete until the top starts to solidify. Once it's hardened, make a smooth surface with a steel trowel. For optimum uniformity, trowel little portions at a time.
The concrete gets a final finish when all the float or steel troweling is finished. The most basic type of finish is called a "broom finish." The Concrete slabs in Geelong are swept with a unique brush to give them a rough texture. A few other finishes are stamped, textured, or smooth trowel.
Step 8: Curing
Let the concrete cure and settle for a while (get hard). The initial 48 hours of the curing process—which lasts 28 days—are the most crucial. Applying a liquid chemical curing and sealing compound will aid in the gradual and even curing of the concrete, minimising surface discolouration, cracking, and curling. After 3 to 4 days, you can use your concrete for mild foot traffic. Five to seven days later, you can drive and park on it. Once cured, your Concrete slabs (Geelong) slab will be solid and durable for many years!
Step 9: Cleaning & Disposing
Once the work is over, the area needs a thorough cleaning and accurate disposal of the debris is essential. Concrete, for example, can be crushed for later use. At the same time, any trash that cannot be recycled must be put in a container for collection by a waste management firm or sent to a landfill or recycling facility. The garbage cleaned up and removed from your job site after professional contractors collect the concrete doesn't just get transported off to the closest landfill. Concrete trash is recycled and utilised in a variety of ways whenever it is possible.
Conclusion
Installing Concrete slabs in Geelong may seem like a straightforward process, but it is challenging to manage. It needs a combination of skill, knowledge and advanced tools to manufacture crack-free and long-lasting concrete slabs in Geelong. Hence, it is always advised to approach an expert professional concrete contractor like Exon Group for your projects. They are one of the leading groups with 20 years of experience and extensive expertise. The concrete slabs give a level and stable surface for whatever structure you plan to build. Call them today for concrete services in town.
