Can a Concrete Mishap be Corrected?

Most concrete suppliers deliver high-quality concrete installations, but accidents on the job and external conditions can lead to mishaps in the final product. Thankfully, there are numerous solutions available to remedy mistakes in concrete structures. For over 27 years, Best Concrete Mix Corp. has provided concrete products and services for various large projects throughout Flushing, New York. Here, we discuss what can cause mistakes with pouring concrete and how to fix them.

What Causes Concrete Mishaps?

Concrete surfaces are very durable, but they must be installed properly to retain their structural integrity over time. Utilizing proper mixing materials and installation techniques ensures your concrete structure withstands environmental conditions and lasts for decades. Being aware of improper concrete pouring practices and causes of deterioration helps you avoid mistakes in the first place.

Unsuitable Materials

Forming the right mix of materials is crucial for preventing early concrete failure. Mixtures with too much concrete, too much water, or too much aggregate material will not cure correctly, leading to a weaker structure. You also must ensure the aggregates in the cement types you choose mix well to prevent surface decline down the line.

Specific mixture elements can result in unique problems. For example, concrete made with steel rebar or wire mesh rusts if it comes into contact with moisture and oxygen, diminishing structural integrity. You can also cause chemical damage to your pavement if you use salt for traction in the winter instead of safer alternatives like sand.

Improper Curing

If the concrete does not cure at the appropriate time, it may weaken. Curing duration is determined by the mixture and the climate on the day of installation. For example, pouring concrete during intense heat often makes the water in the mixture evaporate quicker, resulting in dry and plastic shrinkage cracks.

Inadequate Reinforcement

Small and large concrete structures require reinforcement to ensure durability. Incorrectly placed reinforcement may cause the concrete surface to collapse under the weight of heavy vehicles or equipment. Therefore, reinforcement must be placed in load-bearing sections of the concrete to prevent the need for concrete restoration or repair in the future.

An Unstable Foundation

Concrete surfaces must be poured over compacted soil for a solid foundation. In some cases, gravel or other aggregate material must be placed above the soil for additional reinforcement before pouring concrete. Without a strong base, ground movement can occur and allow unwanted space to expand beneath the concrete surface, leading to buckling and cracking.

How Can You Fix Concrete Mistakes?

While mishaps occur with some concrete jobs, they are not beyond correcting. There are cosmetic solutions for smaller mistakes and thorough repair processes for larger mishaps. Regardless of the issue, you must fix the concrete structure to continue using it safely.

Smaller Mishaps

Sometimes your concrete suffers from minor mistakes, such as stains or simple wear and tear. Using a power washer quickly removes stains from dirt, oil, and tires while resurfacing repairs crumbling edges and small cracks. If your concrete looks worn or old, enhance it with staining or sealing for a fresher appearance.

Larger Mistakes

When it comes to serious issues in the concrete surface, you may need to consult a structural engineer or geologist to see if there is a problem with the underlying foundation or surrounding area. From there, you may need an installer to spread a thin layer of concrete mix over the surface with a trowel to make it even. Concrete repair kits are available for DIY fixers, as well, and come with instructions for placing the included epoxy.

Find High-Quality Concrete at Best Concrete Mix Corp.

Whatever mishap you may experience with your concrete job, there are various ways to correct these mistakes. However, it’s better to avoid mistakes when pouring concrete in the first place. When you need high-quality ready-mix concrete for your project, turn to Best Concrete Mix Corp. for help. With two manufacturing plants in Flushing, NY, we provide more concrete products than our competitors in the same amount of time. For more information on the numerous types of concrete we offer, contact us today.

Sustainability Benefits of Concrete Construction

Whether you’re planning out a construction project or need to make repairs to an existing structure, there are a host of benefits to choosing concrete. Surprisingly to some, one of these advantages is the great sustainability it provides, positively impacting your project’s bottom line in more ways than one. Here, Best Concrete Mix Corp. discusses sustainable concrete and why it’s a viable avenue for balancing structural soundness and responsibility for protecting the environment.

Unrivaled Durability

One of the overarching benefits of concrete is its durability, whether it’s used for a parking garage or sidewalk. Concrete is known to withstand even the harshest of elements and often lasts much longer than other materials used in construction. Because concrete can sustain an extreme amount of weight, it reduces the frequency of damage and need for repairs, making it a more sustainable option for your project in the long run.

Energy Efficiency

Concrete is known as an energy-efficient material because of its thermal mass, or the material’s ability to retain and release heat. Buildings constructed with concrete will typically use less energy to maintain the temperature throughout the structure. Because of its excellent thermal insulation properties, you’ll probably notice that you’re spending less on energy per month, and you might even see a drop in your annual energy spending.

Recyclable Material that Reduces Manufacturing Emissions

The sustainability of concrete extends well beyond its use in construction. When buildings are demolished or roads are torn up to be replaced, the concrete that was used to build those structures is taken to be recycled. It’s broken down and crushed so that it can be reused as aggregate, a type of granular material used to reinforce new concrete. This goes a long way in sustainability efforts, as aggregate helps to lessen the need to manufacture brand-new concrete, leading to a reduction in harmful, manufacturing-related emissions.

Typically, this recycled aggregate is used as:

• Backfill: Backfill is used to fill excavated holes in the ground, like the ones created when repairing municipal lines that run underground.
• Roadbase: Roadbase is a combination of gravel and aggregate concrete (and occasionally other materials) that, when compressed, forms an incredibly durable surface known for its high level of durability.

Reap the Benefits of Sustainable Concrete

If you’re ready to reap the many sustainability benefits concrete has to offer, our team is standing by to help. For nearly three decades, Best Concrete Mix Corp. has served businesses around Flushing, NY, providing them with high-quality, sustainable concrete to use in the job sites. We’re proud to serve the people of Flushing, which is why we love to keep you updated about our recent projects. Each project has different material requirements, which is why we offer a variety of concrete types, like:

• Architectural concrete
• High-strength concrete
• Lightweight concrete
• Pervious concrete

To learn more about sustainable concrete or our services, contact us today.