The key to success in pouring concrete foundations, walls, and driveways lies in careful preparation, reinforcement, and curing.
Concrete Advice for Walls, Foundations, and Driveways
If you're having concrete poured for your home, have it done properly the first time. Concrete is naturally prone to settling and cracking. But if your contractor prepares, applies, and reinforces your concrete with expertise, you won't spend time and money having it repaired later. Here's some practical information you'll need to know:
Concrete Driveways
Before an ounce of concrete is mixed and poured for a driveway, make sure you or your contractor ensures an even, compacted, and consistent subgrade. Next, if you can afford high performance concrete mix, it will last longer and resist weather and wear. Consider using steel rebar or wire mesh to reinforce the concrete driveway. The thicker you pour the concrete, the greater its resistance to load capacity. Make sure the driveway is finished with a float and stiff broom.
Concrete Foundations
Homeowners always find that foundations will crack. You can prevent damage from cracking by sealing and waterproofing so as it settles, the cracks won't fill with moisture and create fissures. Curing properly is the key to success. T-shaped foundations are used where the ground freezes in winter. Slabs are used in warm weather locales.
Concrete Walls
As with driveways and foundations, the key to success in concrete walls--whether poured or stacked brick--lies in proper reinforcement. Consider the use of steel if you can afford it. Ultimately it can save you money over having to repair your wall.
Remember: preparation, reinforcement, and curing are the keys to success.
