Pouring Concrete in Hot Weather

Concrete is a durable and versatile construction material, but its effectiveness depends on external conditions during the installation. Hot weather can alter the result of a concrete pour if you don’t recognize potential problems and make preparations to prevent them. Best Concrete Mix Corp. has been in business for over 27 years serving government contractors and working on other large projects in Flushing, New York. Here, we describe the process of properly pouring concrete in hot weather.

What Hot Weather Means When Pouring Concrete

In terms of concrete, hot weather is any combination of high ambient temperature above 90°F, low relative humidity, high wind speed, and solar radiation. Under the ideal temperature range of approximately 50-60˚ Fahrenheit, concrete settles in eight to 48 hours and reaches 70% strength in about seven days. Conversely, concrete typically dries faster in hot weather and has less time to strengthen.

Concrete pouring is influenced by hot weather because it cures through hydration. In other words, concrete uses the water it is mixed with and grows crystals around aggregate pieces. When the concrete temperature exceeds 77°F, hydration accelerates and produces internal heat. This process can evaporate the water and prohibit proper hydration, leading to the loss of strength. Unfortunately, you cannot rehydrate the finished surface with water, as doing so may cause further weakening and contribute to crazing.

Possible Problems of Hot Weather Concrete Pouring

Before you pour concrete on a hot day, you should know what complications can affect the final result. Not only will this knowledge help you understand what solutions to take, but it will also save you money and time in the long run. Here are numerous problems you might face when pouring concrete in hot weather:

• Increased rate of slump loss—which can lead to entrained air loss
• More difficulty during the finishing process
• Higher chance of cracking
• Shrinkage of plastic in the concrete mixture
• Development of cold joints that decrease setting time
• Lower compression strength
• Diminished durability overall
• Minimized set time that forces the crew to work faster

Ensuring a Successful Concrete Pour in Hot Weather

Pouring concrete in hot weather produces numerous problems, but you don’t have to worry about them if you take proper care. Consider the following precautions when planning your project in the heat:

• Have ample power throughout the entire process to finish the job quickly.
• Avoid pouring concrete on 100-degree days or during peak times of heat, like the afternoon.
• Utilize concrete materials that thrive in warm conditions.
• Prepare all equipment and supplies before the hot weather comes.
• Keep all equipment covered or in the shade until the moment of use.
• Implement sunshades or windbreaks to mitigate possible harsh conditions.

Start Your Project with Best Concrete Mix Corp.

Although hot weather can impact the effects of pouring concrete, awareness of potential issues and proper preparation ensures you complete the job successfully. When it comes time to pour concrete in hot weather, trust the materials and service from Best Concrete Mix Corp. in Flushing, New York. Contact us today for more information on our concrete services.

Advantages of Concrete as a Construction Material

Among architectural materials, concrete is the most widely used due to its benefits compared to other materials. With exceptional features that make it desirable, you can see concrete architecture in almost every urban building. Contractors look for several important factors concerning building materials, including cost, strength, sustainability, durability, and safety.

Best Concrete Mix Corp. provides concrete with the perfect balance between all of these elements that can be used in many different application methods. Here, we take a look at some of the benefits of using concrete in architecture.

Concrete Is Energy Efficient in Production

Concrete is the only building material that delivers the lowest carbon footprint in production. The amount of energy used for concrete production is low compared to other materials, such as steel. For example, you only need 450 to 750 kWh/ton of energy to produce cement, while reinforced cement needs between 800 to 3,200 kWh/ton. This energy use is lower than steel production, which can demand up to 8,000 kWh/ton.

Furthermore, concrete is recyclable and can be used as a subbase in roadbeds and parking lots. This makes it the best option for reducing carbon footprint and other wastes used in construction.

Concrete Is Affordable and Economical

Concrete provides one of the most efficient and cost-effective means of constructing buildings. Compared to other architectural materials, concrete materials are low maintenance, meaning they reduce the operating costs related to upkeep and rebuilding.

Since the main ingredients of concrete – cement, water, and aggregates – are inexpensive and widely available worldwide, this makes it incredibly affordable as well.

Furthermore, concrete structures don’t require coating and painting for regular applications compared to steel and wood. Coating and painting can be done on a routine basis, which makes maintenance costs lower than other structures.

Concrete Is Local

The fact that concrete is found anywhere in the world makes it a common commodity. Suppliers don’t have to ship the material to great distances when constructing buildings because they can manufacture from any area using local resources. As a result, it minimizes shipping and pollution while also contributing to the local economy.

Concrete Is Strong and Durable

Concrete is designed to last many years, with a lifespan twice as long as any other building materials. It gets stronger over time, too, which reduces the total ownership costs and environmental impact associated with reconstruction. As a result, its strength makes it the preferred option when looking to shoulder heavy loads since it contributes to the compressive strength of reinforced concrete structures.

Also, concrete isn’t affected by rust or rot, which makes it exceptionally durable. Its architectural structures are built to last and contain water-resistant characteristics. In the aftermath of extreme water events, concrete structures are shown to be resilient. It can be ideal for underwater and submerged applications as well, which is why concrete is used to build structures in or near waterways, such as dams and waterfront structures. 

Concrete Is Fire Resistant

Concrete can withstand high temperatures better than wood and steel. It’s a poor conductor of heat and can withstand it for up to six hours. As a result, you can use the material at high temperatures and in blast applications.

The main binder in concrete is calcium silicate hydrate, which can withstand a temperature of 910 degrees Celsius. It can store a considerable amount of heat from the environment, allowing sufficient time for rescue in the event of a fire.

Concrete Can Be Flexible

A unique feature of concrete is the flexibility that enables architects to form different types of structures. It’s a fluid building material that permits designers to adapt it to any form, shape, or texture. Fresh concrete can be poured into various configurations to form desired shapes and sizes at a construction site. 

While it’s strong and functional when hardened, concrete’s plasticity makes it a favorite for designers and architects. It can be cast into complex shapes and formations by adjusting the mix. Technology has also allowed for innovations, such as ultra-high-performance concrete or photocatalytic concrete.

Utilize Concrete’s Benefits Today

With all of these benefits, you can see why concrete is a favorite building material in construction and architecture. To learn how concrete could play a role in your next project, contact the Best Concrete Mix Corp. at 718-539-5946 for a consultation so we can help you design concrete structures for your next architectural project.

Pouring Concrete In Cold Weather

Pouring concrete for any construction job takes a lot of preparation but pouring concrete in cold weather presents additional challenges. When you pour concrete in colder temperatures, it must be protected from freezing shortly after it’s been poured. Fresh concrete that’s frozen during the first 24 hours can lose 50% of its cured strength. There are various precautions you can take to ensure concrete installed during the winter performs just as well as concrete installed at any other time of the year.

Cold Weather Concrete Pouring Is Different

Concrete sets much slower when it’s cold. The American Concrete Institute provides guidelines for cold weather concreting, which provides concrete producers and contractors with some of the best ways to protect concrete when temperatures drop.

The primary objective is to keep the concrete warm for the first 48 hours to promote normal strength development. The concrete’s temperature must be equal to or greater than 40 degrees Fahrenheit or the curing process slows down or may even stop altogether. Concrete must set before being exposed to freezing temperatures, so it develops the required strength to safely remove forms, prevent cracking, and support the structure’s intended function.

Tips For Pouring Concrete In Cold Weather

You’ll find numerous tips for pouring concrete in cold weather to prevent curing issues and ensure it acquires the required design strength. Before you contemplate concreting, you must determine the cold weather protections required for the type of concrete mix you’ll be using on your project. Consider a heated concrete mix, ask about adding an accelerator to the mix to speed up setting time, or request a low-slump concrete with minimal water to cement ratio to reduce bleeding and decrease setting time.

Once you’ve chosen the type of concrete you’ll be using, learn any special considerations or strength requirements for the concrete, so you’re properly prepared to protect it at specific temperatures. Keep a precise record of concrete temperature and exterior temperature throughout the project, so you’ll know exactly when to make these special considerations. Other tips include:

• Use heaters to thaw frozen ground or melt snow and ice before pouring concrete
• Ensure concrete has the appropriate amount of air entrained voids to resist the effects of freezing and thawing
• Cover concrete with curing blankets during the hydration period to hold in heat, prevent freezing, and speed up the curing process
• Use insulation blankets or windproof and weatherproof heated enclosures for three to seven days to maintain concrete temperatures above 50 degrees Fahrenheit
• After using blankets or enclosures, keep concrete temperatures above 40 degrees Fahrenheit for a minimum of four more days
• Cool concrete surfaces gradually after the protection period ends to decrease the likelihood of cracking due to thermal stresses
• Avoid starting the final finishing process with bleed water present
• Use a vacuum or squeegee to remove standing bleed water that doesn’t evaporate

Get Quality Concrete For Cold Weather Pours

Best Concrete Mix Corp. in Flushing, New York, has been a leading ready-mix concrete supplier serving contractors in the New York City area for over 27 years. We can help you choose the correct slump, aggregates, and accelerator for pouring concrete in cold weather, so your concrete provides the right strength for your project. We’ll deliver your high-performance concrete mix directly to your job site from one of our two fully modernized production facilities, so you can count on receiving it when you need it. Contact us today at 718-539-5946 with your concrete pouring questions or to place your order.

Signs There Is A Problem With Your Concrete Foundation

Concrete foundations are the standard in modern construction because your home or business depends on your foundation’s strength. It supports everything from the ground up, so when it’s damaged, it can cause serious structural issues.

Concrete foundations are affected by the soil beneath and its surroundings. Expanding and contracting soil, inadequate drainage, and excessive moisture are just some of the factors that may threaten the strength of your foundation. It’s important to remain vigilant of any signs that there may be problems with your concrete foundation and quickly address them.

Possible Signs Of Concrete Foundation Issues

Poor soil compaction, climate, insufficient drainage, and plumbing leaks can damage your concrete foundation. You may even face issues involving the strength of the concrete itself if the contractor doesn’t use quality materials. Recognizing the potential signs of foundation problems early helps you correct or even prevent issues that could have disastrous effects. On the outside of the structure, look for:

• A broken and/or cracked foundation
• Cracked bricks
• Displaced moldings
• Noticeable separation around doors, windows, and walls
• Wall rotation

On the inside of your home or business, warning signs might include:

• Cracked or uneven floors
• Cracked drywall
• Misaligned doors and windows

While some foundation problems have easy fixes, others may require significant repairs. Depending on how and when the foundation was poured, there may be immediate issues that could require replacing the entire foundation.

Immediate Concrete Slab Issues

If you’re pouring a new concrete foundation in the winter, the cold climate could spell trouble before you even begin building your home or business. In frigid temperatures, concrete may freeze, causing a dusty, sandy grit to shed off the top of it, and, in worst-case scenarios, it can reduce the strength of the concrete.

If you’re concerned your newly poured concrete might have strength or stability issues, have it tested by a concrete laboratory. To avoid this issue in the future, only hire a reputable concrete contractor to ensure you’re not getting subpar concrete and understands the risks of pouring concrete when it’s cold.

Sinking Or Settling Foundation

While settling is a natural process you see in all homes, it can lead to foundation issues. This problem is usually seen in older homes, but new foundations can also start to sink under certain circumstances. Indications of a sinking foundation are subtle, especially in new construction. Watch for jammed or sticking windows and doors or cracks in the drywall. As the problem worsens, you may notice cracks in the exterior stone and brickwork or separation between chimneys or additions.

Settling can cause entire sections of the home supported by the concrete foundation to drop by several inches, causing damage throughout the building and compromising its structural integrity. No matter which technique you choose, fixing a sinking foundation is a tremendous, complicated job. If you suspect settling, call a foundation professional for an immediate inspection to learn whether your foundation needs extra supports to prevent it from sinking further.

Concrete Foundation Cracks

Cracks in your concrete foundation don’t always indicate a broader problem, especially in older homes. Cracks in older structures are most often caused by settling, and as long as the settling it isn’t severe, fixing these cracks is purely cosmetic. However, in a relatively new structure, a cracked foundation shouldn’t be ignored.

If you have noticeable foundation cracks, schedule a foundation specialist to examine it immediately. An unstable base won’t get better over time. The sooner you learn there’s a problem and get it fixed, the less damage there is and the less it costs to fix it. If the problem is left unchecked, it could end up costing you a bundle.

Get Quality Concrete For Your Foundations

Quality ready mix concrete is essential to ensuring your construction project is completed to the highest standards. Trust Best Concrete Mix Corp in Flushing, New York, to help you choose the correct strength, aggregates, and slump to match your project’s requirements.

We’re a leading ready-mix concrete supplier who has been serving contractors in the New York City area for 27 years. We deliver your high-performance concrete mix directly to your job site from one of our two fully modernized production facilities in Flushing. You can count on your concrete foundation starting off right when you contact us at 718-539-5946 to order superior concrete from the experts.

How to Pour A Concrete Slab Safely

Whether you plan to put up a shed or are planning a permanent patio installation, learning how to pour a concrete slab is a valuable skill. For a building project, concrete forms the foundation on which the building rests. Pouring concrete on your own can also reduce your costs when it comes time to fixing your driveway or making repairs to your sidewalk. Follow this 10-step process to get excellent results, even if you have no experience working with concrete. 

1. Prepare the Location

Before you can start learning how to pour a concrete slab, you need to have the area stripped down to the bare earth and a sub-base laid to hold the concrete.

2. Compact the Subgrade

Your sub-base (subgrade) is made up of a gravel mix that you compact tightly to hold up your concrete. The more compact and stable the subgrade, the stronger your final concrete slab. Use a hand tamper or plate compactor, depending on the size of your project, to get a solid surface. Typically, you will need between four to eight inches of subgrade material, though you’ll need to check your local building codes for confirmation.

3. Create A Form 

Next, build a form to hold the concrete in place. To check the edges and angles, measure from corner to corner, diagonally. If both measurements match, it’s properly constructed. Also, make sure to create a small slope with your form to help water run off the finished concrete. 

4. Add Strength with Mesh or Rebar

Adding a layer of wire mesh or rebar can give your concrete added strength and help prevent cracking. For some uses, this step may not be necessary, but for high-traffic areas, such as driveways, adding this reinforcement is essential.

5. Mix Your Concrete

Follow the instructions for stirring up the concrete mix you’ve selected. Best Concrete Mix Corp. offers seven types of concrete, each with distinct properties. Each is already formulated with easy instructions for mixing to the proper consistency.

You can use a mixing truck or machine or stir by hand in a wheelbarrow with a shovel. Stir up the concrete until the result is smooth and blended. If it’s too solid, you can add a little extra water to loosen it up. The goal is to add as little water as possible while still creating a workable texture, so watch out for rainy New York weather and avoid the winter months.

6. How to Pour A Concrete Slab

Once you have your mixture ready to go, simply pour it into the form and fill up to the high point, using concrete shovels and rakes to maneuver the mix into the corners and throughout the form. 

7. Screed the Top

Grab a board that is the width of your form and jiggle it back and forth over the surface of the concrete. Repeat this process across the entire surface until it starts to resemble a finished slab.

8. Float the Surface

Start with a bull float, pressing down on the surface of the concrete. This process helps the pure concrete rise to the surface and pushes down the gravel. As you push the bull float away, keep the back slightly upward. As you pull the bull float toward you, elevate the far edge. After you finish with the bull float, grab a hand float and go over the surface again in long, sweeping strokes. 

9. Add Control Joints

Every five feet or so, you should cut in control joints to let water flow away from the concrete surface. Joints also help prevent cracking in concrete that might shrink or swell depending on the weather. Cut joints using a grooved and go about a quarter of the thickness of the slab. 

10. Sweep to The Finish

Once the concrete has started to set, take a broom and sweep the surface to create traction. You can make designs or personalize your slab. If the broom starts to create more than surface designs or picks up clumps of concrete, re-float the area and wait. 

The Finishing Touches

After completing your slab, seal the concrete to prevent discoloration. Most concrete takes several weeks to cure, so you may need to wet the surface periodically to minimize the chance of cracking. 

For more information about choosing a type of concrete or advice about your pour project, contact Best Concrete Mix Corp. online or give us a call at 718-539-5946. 

Start Your Concrete Project with The Right Concrete Supplier

For construction projects, often, the results are only a good as the supplies used and the efforts of the subcontractors. Choosing the right concrete supplier for your job is an important decision for ensuring that every subsequent phase goes off smoothly. Best Concrete Mix Corp. has high-quality products, hires a team that understands the correct way of mixing, pouring and smoothing concrete, and is committed to showing up on time and ready to work.

Here are a few things to consider when evaluating concrete supplier services in your area.

Understand the Extent of Your Project

Before you book a concrete supplier, it’s essential to understand the scope of your project, your timeline, and the amount of concrete and other materials. This can help you narrow down the suppliers in your area, as some may not have the equipment and manpower for large-scale projects. Other concrete suppliers may specifically work on smaller residential or modest commercial projects. Knowing the necessary materials also helps you to opt-out of vendors who don’t carry them or have experience working with them.

Reputation and Experience

Companies that have a reputation for fair, transparent pricing, a history of completing jobs on time, and demonstrated longevity are vital factors in evaluating potential vendors. Suppliers that have been in the business for several years understand the difference between various types of aggregates and can make recommendations as to what blend of concrete is best for your project. Don’t be afraid to ask for suggestions to determine the extent of their knowledge.

Reputation matters — each potential concrete supplier should be able to provide references from past jobs. You can also ask your fellow contractors who they recommend and even visit sites like Yelp! and Angie’s List to vet suppliers and read reviews. Customer service is also valuable — the way a company treats you now, as a potential client, reflects on how they’ll treat you when you have questions about the project or ask for updates.

Capability to Complete the Project

Are your potential suppliers capable of completing the project? Your needs may be beyond newer or smaller companies, so it’s important to clearly spell out the requirements and schedule the concrete installation phase. You can also ask to see examples of projects completed that are similar in size and scope to the one you’re planning. If you’re able to visit the locations, it can give you a hands-on, visual idea of their capabilities.

Solicit Bids

Collect three or four bids from the concrete suppliers that have impressed you the most in terms of reputation and ability. Make sure to ask about their certifications, licensing, and knowledge about building codes in your municipality. Watch for outliers in the bid amounts, too.

A bid that’s way too high may indicate that they’re quoting a more exceptional grade of materials than you require, or the company is dishonest and charging more than the job is worth. Don’t always accept the lowest bid, either. You do get what you pay for, and if a bid is notably lower than the others, it can indicate a new company without much experience, or the company may cut corners or have poor workmanship.

Another thing to ask for during the bidding process is the vendor’s plans for delays in completing projects, what happens if they have a cost overrun, and how do they prefer to communicate during the project. You may even choose to ask about how they handle emergencies or incorrectly poured concrete. Establishing your preferred schedule for updates and communication will make it easier when the time comes to work with your concrete supplier.

Let’s Get Started!

Our team at Best Concrete Mix Corp. has extensive experience working with both residential and commercial clients in the greater New York City area. We have the experience of working in tight city confines, and we understand the right types of material that protect against the severe weather in our region. Give us a call at 718-539-5946 or visit us online for a FREE, no-obligation estimate for your next project.

How Stamped Concrete Will Give Your Project a Unique Look

Whether you’re constructing a new building or upgrading an existing property, stamped concrete gives you a unique look that your projects need to stand out. The variety of colors, textures, and patterns of stamped concrete are endless, which includes the ability to mimic popular, expensive materials. Skilled concrete contractors can stamp the surface of fresh concrete to look like wood, tile, stone, brick, slate, flagstone, granite, and other surfaces in precise detail, without the upkeep required for many of these materials. Any look is possible with professionally installed stamped concrete.

Where To Use Stamped Concrete

Stamped concrete, also called decorative or imprinted concrete, is a type of architectural concrete that enables you to establish realistic patterns of your choosing. Decorative concrete is an ideal choice to create unique pathways, entryways, decks, and patios. When used outdoors in place of pavers, it eliminates problem areas, such as unevenness or unlevel surfaces, that cause trip hazards. Weeds and ants have no place to invade because cracks aren’t an issue.

While it’s typically used as an exterior surface, it’s also becoming a popular choice for interior applications. Stamped concrete offers a distinctive look for various indoor projects, including flooring, countertops, wall and fireplace enhancements, and overlays for existing concrete floors. Wherever you want a more glamorous look, you’ll benefit from stamped concrete, which lasts decades without any touch-ups.

Create A Unique Look And More

Your concrete contractor can fully customize stamped concrete using a wide array of colors, textures, and designs to complement the look of the surrounding area inside or outdoors. The color and texture added during the pouring and finishing process provide an impressive richness that dazzles the eyes. Combined with your chosen stamping design, the final product is a one-of-kind creation for your home or business that directly reflects your style and sophistication. 

Coloring Options

Any color used to stain or dye concrete is available for color application. Your contractor can mix the integral coloring into the material, ideally pastels and earth tones. For a more intense color palette, choose dry-shake color hardeners laid on the concrete’s surface. Combine either option with surface-applied stains, dyes, and tinted release agents to make textures appear more like the natural materials you want to mimic.

Stamping Options

Add instant curb appeal and value to your property with stamped concrete that is long-lasting. Complement your overall landscape design with a clean, custom look of natural materials, or opt for something truly unique. Consider incorporating a floral or leaf design, include a medallion or family crest, or choose something unusual, such as your alma mater’s or favorite sports team’s colors and logo to show your support. It’s your project, so make it fantastic with stamping options limited only by your imagination.

Trust The Stamped Concrete Experts

Our skilled concrete contractors at Best Concrete Mix Corp. help you create a mix that satisfies your architectural and budgetary requirements. We can also construct a stamped concrete pattern that works based on your unique concept and the amount of space available.

We’re the leading stamped concrete contractor and supplier of all types of concrete in Flushing, New York. Our superior products, services, and timely deliveries from our two state-of-the-art production facilities make us your trusted concrete expert. Contact us at 718-539-5946 to learn more about our stamped concrete options, or call 718-539-5946 to place your concrete order today.