Types of Concrete Contractors

Concrete contractors can help you with a variety of home renovation projects. They build and repair concrete patios, driveways, garage floors, and foundations. They can also add colors, designs, and stamps to the concrete.

They can also perform concrete leveling, which is a way to fix uneven surfaces. They can fix the resulting problems caused by improper water-to-cement ratio, excessive shrinkage, or natural forces.

Vapor Barriers

Vapor barriers (sometimes referred to as moisture retarders) prevent the transfer of water from the ground to concrete slabs. This can reduce the amount of vapor that diffuses through concrete, which can emulsify certain adhesives and cause floor coverings to deform or discolor.

A code-compliant vapor barrier should be placed under the ground and directly below concrete in all cases where a slab will be enclosed in a heated environment. The IRC identifies 6-mil polyethylene as the minimum acceptable barrier material, while the ACI recommends 10-mil or higher. Ideally, the chosen barrier should be low-permeable and thick enough to withstand puncturing during construction.

Air-Entraining Agents

Air-entraining admixtures increase the workability of concrete by increasing its flowability. They also help prevent damage from freezing and thawing by reducing stresses on the concrete. These admixtures also prevent blistering and improve adhesion of coatings, toppings, or repair mortars to the concrete surface.

The bubbles created by these admixtures are microscopic and tightly-spaced. They intersect the capillaries of the concrete, making it very difficult for water to get trapped within the concrete structure.

Adding an air-entraining agent is a quick and cost-effective way to improve freeze thaw resistance in concrete mixes. It is also effective in combating bleeding that occurs due to changes in cement content or sand grading.

Fiber Reinforcement

Concrete can be strengthened by adding fiber reinforcement, which can reduce cracking and increase its durability. These materials are available in various types based on application requirements and include steel, glass, polypropylene, and natural fibers such as jute.

Glass and polypropylene fibers are popular because they do not corrode, unlike steel. They also provide resistance to freeze-thaw cycles. Natural fibers are also eco-friendly and help control concrete cracking in slab-on-grade applications.

The fibers are added to the concrete during mixing and should be evenly distributed. This requires careful calculation, attention to mix design, and proper curing techniques. In addition to reducing crack widths, fibers enhance flexural strength and help redistribute stress in structures.

Stamped Concrete

Stamped concrete is a great option for patios, driveways and pool decks that requires durability but doesn’t want the look of stone or other expensive materials. This process uses rubber stamps and texturizing mats to imprint patterns into wet concrete. Patterns can resemble brick, cobblestone, slate or wood planks.

These patterns can be colored in a wide variety of hues. Choose a color that blends with your surrounding landscape or home’s architectural style.

A release agent is used to prevent the stamp from sticking to the concrete surface once it’s been stamped and tamped. This helps the concrete contractor achieve a uniform color distribution throughout the slab.

Crack Repair

Concrete is a relatively strong material, but its rigidity can lead to cracks over time. Depending on the type of crack, this can affect its aesthetics or lead to structural deficiencies.

Small hairline cracks caused by shifting or shrinkage are normal and don’t need immediate repair. However, structural cracks should be assessed by a professional for safety reasons.

Homeowners can sometimes repair cracked concrete by applying a concrete-specific epoxies or sealant to close them up. But major cracks in concrete may need a more substantial method like stitching to re-establish tensile strength. In some cases, a homeowner may need to have the concrete raised and re-poured.

Concrete Removal

Concrete slabs are a heavy material that require professional tools to remove. For this reason, hiring an experienced concrete contractor to handle the job is typically your best option. They can get a permit on your behalf, and they also have access to equipment that can break up large pieces more quickly.

If you are interested in removing your concrete slab yourself, prepare by wearing personal protection equipment and using safety goggles and gloves. You can also rent a jackhammer for the project and save some money on labor costs.

For large jobs, professionals contact utility companies to flag off any buried lines before demolition starts. This is usually free and helps prevent damage to the pipes during removal.

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