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About concrete
About concrete
The word concrete comes from the Latin word "concretus" (meaning compact or condensed)
Concrete is made from - sand, aggregate, water and cement, all of which originate from naturally occurring materials. So some variation in colour and texture of the concrete surface is to be expected.
Concrete production is time-sensitive. Once the ingredients are mixed, workers must put the concrete in place before it hardens.
Concrete should be kept moist during curing in order to achieve optimal strength and durability. Hydration and hardening of concrete during the first three days is critical. Over 90% of a mix's final strength is typically reached within four weeks, with the remaining 10% achieved over years or even decades.
Frequently asked questions about concrete
Frequently asked questions about concrete
WHEN CAN I WALK ON THE CONCRETE?
WHEN CAN I WALK ON THE CONCRETE?
Standard answer - the following day, but concrete will still mark if you scuff your feet or drag anything on it.
WHEN CAN I DRIVE ON THE CONCRETE?
WHEN CAN I DRIVE ON THE CONCRETE?
An average car 7 days, longer is better, as it takes 30 days to reach designed strength.
HOW LONG WILL THE SEALER LAST?
HOW LONG WILL THE SEALER LAST?
On plainer/smoother finishes 3-5 years. Exposed aggregate 4-7 years due to the raised stone surface. The elements play a huge roll in this, concrete under cover and not driven on will last much longer. (providing two coats are applied)
WILL CONCRETE CRACK?
WILL CONCRETE CRACK?
There are several different reasons concrete will crack, such as soft sub-base, shrinkage, premature loading, movement i.e. vibration and more.... you can minimize the chances of this happening by using the correct strength concrete, reinforcing, compaction and the curing processes, but due to the many and varied reasons behind concrete cracking and the cost in time and money to carry out these processes there are no real guaranteed ways to fully crack proof the product.
DO I NEED MESH?
DO I NEED MESH?
Yes, if mesh is specified in your plans. For your patio's, paths, driveways we recommend you talk to your concrete specialist for the best advise for your particular job. Mesh will not guarantee that your concrete will not crack, but will lessen the risk and keep the crack from spreading.
DO I HAVE TO CURE THE CONCRETE?
DO I HAVE TO CURE THE CONCRETE?
Yes, It is our recommendation, it makes the concrete less likely to crack, stronger and more durable. Curing means to keep concrete moist for some time (typically 3–7 days). By keeping concrete moist the bond between the paste and the aggregates gets stronger.
HOW TO CURE The most common ways of curing are: applying extra water to the surface of the concrete. Another way to cure concrete is to cover with plastic sheets to slow down moisture loss. Hosing in the morning and again at night and letting the concrete dry out in between is no good. Talk to us about the best way to cure your new concrete slab.
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