Concrete services involve more than just mixing and pouring concrete. Your local concreter can help with everything from giving advice, cutting concrete, and removing old concrete, to laying the slab and installing things like washing lines and fence posts. Here’s what you can expect when you hire a concreter near you:
Concrete cutting Concrete contractors don’t just install new concrete - they’ll also help get rid of old concrete too. They might do this before you lay new concrete, or if you decide to move a shed or patio, and replace your old concrete with grass or gardens. They’ll use heavy-duty tools to safely remove concrete, cut up and remove old pathways, remove washing lines, pull out fence posts, and remove broken sections of concrete to prepare for repairs.
Preparing the baseBefore laying new concrete, your concreter will start by preparing the base to ensure a long-lasting, quality finish for your concreting that doesn’t crack or crumble. First, they’ll measure and mark out the area and prepare the base by leveling the ground. If the soil is clay-based or you’ll have heavy loads on the concrete, your concreter may create a reinforcement layer with gravel first. This is compacted with a plate-based leveler, giving each layer a smooth finish before the next is laid.
Setting up form guides and insulationOnce the ground is level, your concreter will mark out the area with form guides and string to ensure a consistent depth of concrete. Your concreter will build a slight angle into the concrete to allow for water runoff. If the concrete is for an indoor area, they’ll also install damp-proofing and insulation before laying the concrete.
Laying concrete slabsConcrete slabs are popular for house foundations, concrete flooring, sheds, and carports, thanks to their durability, termite-proofing, and thermal properties. Slack thickness will depend on the ground underneath, as well as the expected load that it will hold. A concreter near you will advise on factors like insulation and waterproofing for your concrete slab for local conditions. Then they’ll order a concrete delivery, ensuring your concrete is mixed consistently, then poured within the form guides. They’ll use a shovel to make sure the concrete fills out each edge and corner and remove air pockets. Finally, they’ll use a screed to level out the concrete, using the formwork as a guide.
Laying concrete drivewaysA new concrete driveway can dramatically improve the street appeal of your home, and there are many decorative concrete options available. Whether you need a new driveway, a replacement, or you want to add stone or paved look with coloured concrete, a local concreter near you can help. Driveway concreting often requires council approval, so it’s important to find a concrete contractor that is aware of local by-laws and can ensure compliance.
Concrete finishingOnce the concrete for your slab or driveway is poured and starts to set, your local concrete contractor will finish the surface. They’ll use a broom to make a roughened, easier-to-grip surface for outdoor areas, or a trowel to make it smoother for indoor flooring. Your new concrete will need 24-48 hours to dry, and shouldn’t be used heavily for at least 7 days. If your concrete is indoors, you may want to request another finish, like concrete floor polishing to help seal your concrete and give it an on-trend industrial look.
