Concrete Slab - Port St Lucie Concrete Contractors
Concrete slabs are an an important element of any construction job, and it is essential to get it right. A slab that is not properly constructed can cause problems with the structure later on.
Port St Lucie Concrete Contractors are the experts in concrete slabs. Our company has years of experience and can offer you the top service. Also, we always make use of high-quality materials to ensure a durable end product. Continue reading for more information on concrete slabs and services.
What are concrete slabs?
Concrete slabs are an essential construction element used in building. It is a large and flat horizontal concrete surface typically used for an area for flooring or as a roof. Concrete slabs are utilized to build the ground flooring in some homes. They can be laid directly on the soil or as support for the foundation.
Our Concrete Slab Installation Process
Step 1: Preparation for the Site
We use the same process regardless of whether working on a small slab or huge project. Preparing the site is the very first stage in all of our projects. We clean up all evidence of contamination to allow us to begin fresh. As part of our preparation we make sure that all materials are present at the location. We plan the delivery of the materials prior to the actual work. This lets us begin and complete the work in the quickest time.
Step 2: Form Concrete Forms using Steel and Reinforce Concrete Slabs with Steel
Once the site is cleaned, we can construct concrete forms using wire mesh. Concrete forms work as a solid blockage to help hold the concrete mix in its place. Concrete forms force wet concrete to take on a particular shape or design. To reinforce concrete using reinforced concrete, we mix it by using the help of rebar. This will ensure that concrete surfaces are stronger.
Step 3: Mixing Concrete Mix
Concrete trucks are used to facilitate the process. It is also useful to ensure concrete materials are properly mixed. Sometimes, we do manual mixing. A concrete mixer is needed for most projects.
Step 4: Pouring Concrete
After mixing the concrete, the concrete slab is then poured into the molds. It's crucial that we make the concrete mix carefully to prevent air pockets. Air pockets are caused by lack of mortar filled with the aggregate. Concrete is created by spreading the mix evenly over the shape.
Step 5: Level and Smooth Wet Concrete Slab
The concrete is leveled using an iron trowel until it's level. Then we employ a bullfloat to smoothen the surface. We adjust the handle to keep the leading edge slightly higher. If the float angle gets too steep, we can use wet concrete to pave low areas. Three to four passes are necessary for the bull float to be able to pass. It is important to remember that water and cement can be a problem for the surface, which can cause the surface to degrade in the event that it is floats too often. In addition, we use plates to compact the surface. It is crucial to properly compact concrete so that it will not crack.
Step 6: Create Control joints
Control joints are cracks made to be installed on slabs. They prevent cracks and other damage caused by thermal contractions and expansions. To work, they must be at least one-quarter of the width of the concrete slab. It should be between 2 and three times the thickness of the concrete slab. Our concrete experts make sure to take precise measurements to avoid errors.
Step 6: Cure Concrete Slab
Seven days after the concrete slab was installed the concrete slab is now accessible for pedestrians. Concrete takes approximately 28 days to cure completely. It is crucial to allow concrete dry properly. Concrete slabs can last for many decades when they are allowed to dry in a proper manner.
Port St Lucie Concrete Contractors
1786 SW Bradway Lane Port St. Lucie, Fl 34953
(772) 227-1479