A concrete slab is a great way to make a patio, outdoor kitchen, or garage floor. However, you should hire a professional contractor to do the job instead of trying it yourself. Pouring concrete is a difficult task that requires proper training and equipment.
You should also consider the grade of your concrete. Higher grades have greater durability and cost more.
Cost
If you’re planning on building a home on a concrete slab, you’ll need to consider a few different factors that can affect its cost. The most significant is the choice between a poured or pre-cast slab. Pre-cast slabs are made in a factory and then delivered to the construction site, which can reduce the time needed for installation.
You’ll also need to consider whether or not you want to add any texturizing or colorization to your concrete slab. These services can increase the price by up to $8 per square foot. You’ll need to choose a colour or texture that doesn’t interfere with the thermal mass of your house. Darker colours work better because they are more insulating than light finishes.
You should also factor in any dirt work or grading that needs to be done before pouring your slab. These tasks can take a long time and are highly dependent on weather conditions and soil conditions.
Appearance
While DIY concrete slab installations are possible, they’re very time-consuming and require a lot of work. You’ll also need to prepare the site properly and take all necessary safety precautions. If you’re planning on pouring a large slab, you’ll need multiple helpers. The subgrade should be compacted and free of soft spots. In western states, this should include 2 to 8 inches of crushed rock.
The concrete’s consistency is crucial to its strength and appearance. Too much water and the concrete will be too soft to form a solid surface. Too little and the concrete will be brittle and easily crack. Getting it right is all about finding the perfect balance between these two factors.
Another important consideration is the aggregate type and size. It should be smooth and round, not jagged or oddly shaped. Also, be sure to choose a concrete mix with a high psi strength. This is important because the slabs will be subject to many stresses, including expansion and contraction.
Durability
Concrete is a durable material that can be used to make sidewalks, patios, floors and foundations. It is inexpensive and long-lasting, making it a great choice for many home improvement projects. However, it is important to hire a concrete contractor with extensive experience and relevant concrete industry certifications. Make sure to review images of previous work and read client testimonials to find the right contractor for your project.
Concrete slabs can crack for a variety of reasons, such as shrinkage or settlement. They may also be damaged by water or termites. These problems often require professional contractor foundation repair to resolve. It is recommended to perform cylinder break testing on day 28 to monitor the compressive strength of the concrete slab. This method requires drilling holes in the concrete and then compressing it in a lab to get an accurate measurement of its strength. This process can be damaging, however, and can result in voids beneath the concrete that can be prone to leakage and structural damage.
Maintenance
There is a wide range of concrete slab repair companies available, each with their own national and local network. Choosing the best contractor for your home will require research and careful consideration of reviews and past projects. Look for a company that offers a free consultation and no-commitment estimates.
Cracking of concrete is common, but not all cracks are a sign of damage or structural problems. Cracks in control joints and other planned weaknesses are normal, but you should always err on the side of caution if there is any evidence of water seepage or the cracking spreads.
Homeowners often assume that a large crack is a sure sign of collapse and will require extensive repairs, but this is rarely the case. The type of crack is just as important as its size. For instance, a small crack caused by an improper pour may not be a cause for concern, but a large crack caused by soil movement could be catastrophic.
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