The Risks of Amateur Concrete Operations

Relying on an amateur concrete operation may seem like a way to save money, but it can end up costing you in the long run. There are several risks to hiring an amateur to carry out concrete projects that result in complications and hazards. Best Concrete Mix Corp. has built a strong reputation for outstanding concrete services in the Flushing, NY, area. Here, we discuss common problems with hiring amateurs for your concreting operations to help you understand why you should trust a professional concrete operation.

Common Problems With Amateur Concrete Operations

They Rush to Complete Jobs

Amateur concrete operations often rush to complete jobs due to inexperience or the desire to move on to other work. They can rely on inaccurate and imprudent measurements and processes to get fast results that won’t last and won’t hold up to their intended application.

Professional concrete operations take on every job with integrity. They take the time to ensure the concrete is poured into a proper form and take care of the prep work to ensure the concrete looks good and provides suitable durability. A professional ensures the concrete is level and cures correctly before leaving a worksite to ensure a valuable outcome.

Permits and Experience

Amateur concrete operations rarely have the experience to plan a flawless concrete project. They often lack the expertise and understanding to pour concrete on complex surfaces and properly cure it in various temperatures and humidities. Poor execution can result in concrete with imperfections and poor durability. An amateur operation may not have the knowledge or regard to pull the correct permits, resulting in complications with the local government.

Professional concrete operations have the experience to assess a job site properly and plan for a successful concrete project. They know proper measurements, mixing, and reinforcement for complex projects and less-than-ideal temperature and humidity conditions. Professionals know what projects require a permit and how to pull the correct permit for the job, ensuring the structure complies with local regulations.

Inadequate Equipment

Amateur concrete operations typically have old or inadequate equipment, resulting in unacceptable or dangerous work. Amateurs often use improvised tools, such as wheelbarrows and buckets to mix concrete instead of a concrete mixer. They also typically lack safety equipment, which can result in injuries on the job.

Professional concrete operations use state-of-the-art equipment and protective gear to complete the job safely. They mix the right high-quality ready-mix concrete for your specific application thoroughly in a mixer to provide the ideal consistency. Their crews use shovels and come along rakes to ensure no voids in the poured concrete. Professionals smooth it out with a large metal or wood board and compact the concrete with fresnos and steel trowels. Professionals have the right equipment to give the concrete the desired finish, such as the classic broom finish.

Little or No Reputation

An encounter with an amateur concrete operation can sometimes feel like a hit-and-run accident and leave you paying the bill. Amateurs typically have no reputation to protect, leaving a substandard or incomplete project after taking their pay. When you rely on an amateur, you risk your entire project. Professionals are licensed and insured to provide proper accountability and have a reputation they need to protect. They complete their job and try their best to satisfy you.

Trust a Professional Concrete Operation

A professional concrete operation has the experience, permits, and equipment to complete your concrete job safely and on time without rushing. Professionals have a reputation to uphold and will complete the job to your satisfaction. Best Concrete Mix Corp. is an experienced ready-mix concreting operation in Flushing, NY. We have provided professional concrete services in the Greater New York City Area for more than 30 years and have been New York’s leading supplier since 1992.

Our clients include the MTA, police stations, and stadiums, and we are one of the few New York Department of Transportation accredited concrete suppliers. We are also approved by the National Ready Mix Concrete Association and the New York City School Construction Authority. We have the expertise to provide high-quality concrete products and services to exceed your needs. Contact us to learn why you should choose Best Concrete Mix Corp. for your needs in Flushing, NY, or call us today at 718-539-5946.

Safety Precautions for Concrete Operations

Ready-mix concrete is a primary component of any construction project, and it is important to ensure the safety of crews working with and near concrete laying operations. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported more than 174,000 workplace injuries or illnesses in the private construction industry in 2020. Following concrete safety best practices can reduce the chance of injury on your worksite. Best Concrete Mix Corp. has built a strong reputation for safe concrete services in and around Flushing, NY. Here, we discuss safety precautions for concrete operations.

Best Practices for Concrete Safety

Wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Protective gear and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) are necessary components of onsite concrete safety guidelines. Wet concrete can cause chemical burns and irritation when it contacts the skin and mucous membranes. Working with concrete requires crews to work on their knees and carry heavy gear. Workers should protect their knees with waterproof knee pads and wear back protection when lifting heavy loads.

Falling concrete and blowing dust or wet splatter can also be a risk. Workers should wear hard hats, goggles, and face protection rated for concrete work. Steel-toed boots, long shirts, and pants protect the worker’s body from exposure to concrete and heavy objects dropping on the worker’s feet.

Employ Proper Techniques

Concrete operations require lifting support and framing structures, heavy equipment, tools, and wet or dry cement. Heavy objects should be lifted by a team of two or more workers and with equipment such as a forklift if necessary. Equipment operators and manual lifters should employ proper techniques to lift without injury or risk of falling objects. Workers should lift with their legs and keep their backs straight without awkward twisting.

A concrete safety manager or a certified trainer should teach workers how to use equipment properly and operate machinery. Avoid using equipment for unintended purposes that can pose a risk to the operator and other personnel. Concrete placed in a wheelbarrow, pump, or chute should not be lifted. Instead, it should be pushed to avoid overexertion. Use mechanical and powered equipment to bring concrete as close to its destination as possible to avoid stressful lifting.

Use Safe Equipment

Equipment should be procured for its intended use and regularly inspected for functionality by a concrete safety manager or similar individual. Avoid using broken or unsafe equipment, such as shovels with broken handles, malfunctioning mixers, and wheelbarrows with flat tires that can result in accidents and injuries. Powered equipment for concrete laying should always have proper concrete safety systems and features, such as splatter guards and safety shutoffs. It should not be manipulated to negate or work around safety features.

Working Conditions

Always conduct concrete-cutting operations in well-ventilated areas to minimize dust exposure. When pouring concrete in a cold environment, work in a heated enclosure if possible and ensure workers keep warm and well-hydrated throughout the day. While warmer temperatures from 70° F to 80° F are often better for pouring and curing concrete, they can be a problem for workers. Operators and workers should have a cool and shady place to rest, wear hats with wide brims, and stay hydrated with plenty of water.

Have Eyewash Stations on Site

An eyewash station is a vital component of a concrete safety system, protecting workers from severe injury. Every concrete operations worksite should have an eyewash station with a supply of clean water, alkaline-free soap, and clean towels. It will minimize injury if a worker gets dry concrete dust or wet concrete on their skin, eyes, mouth, or nose.

Rely On a Safe and Professional Concrete Operation in Flushing, NY

Concrete safety is essential to any concrete laying operation and can prevent injury to workers using ready-mix concrete. Consider what makes a concrete laying worksite safe when choosing the right concrete supplier, and ensure you work with a professional concrete operation that follows concrete safety best practices. Minimizing workplace injury helps you complete your project faster.

Best Concrete Mix Corp. is a professional concrete operation in Flushing, NY, that delivers trustworthy ready-mix concrete products and services safely and efficiently. Since 1992, we have been the leading concrete supplier in New York, and are recognized by the National Ready Mix Concrete Association and New York City School Construction Authority. Contact us at 718-539-5946 for expert concrete laying operations.

Strengths and Advantages of Ready-Mix Concrete

Finding the best concrete for various projects may be challenging if you don’t understand their strengths and benefits. Ready-mix concrete has several advantages and strengths that you need to know before acquiring such a product. Best Concrete Mix Corp. is a reliable ready-mix concrete supplier in Flushing, NY, that offers customers superior products combined with timely deliveries.

Check out our recent projects on our website and see what we can do.

Advantages of Ready-Mix Concrete

Ready-mix concrete is a customizable product that matches the demands and specifications of the client. It undergoes manufacturing in specialist batching facilities; then expertly mixed to guarantee clients obtain the ideal mixture to help them complete their projects smoothly. There are several advantages to ready-mix concrete, and we’re here to tell you about them.

High-Quality Product

The construction industry is based on the use of the most durable, high-quality materials. It is critical to ensure that the water-cement ratio is balanced and that the aggregates utilized are appropriately graded. Ready-mix concrete makes these elements easier to manage and monitor because of a more specialized and readily regulated system, resulting in a more quality product.

Saves Time

In the construction industry, time is essential in completing projects. Using this concrete may eliminate delays caused by installing and dismantling any onsite mixing equipment and get right to work instead. Ready-mix concrete deliveries are usually timely and efficient, regardless of your order size.

Lowers Cost

In any construction project, saving money can reduce many inconveniences, such as time delays, and that’s where ready-mix concrete can help. Instead of buying each raw ingredient separately, using it means leaving the proper mixing of your concrete to professionals and guarantees you have the desired balance. In addition to lowering initial expenses, this strategy saves the expenditures of paying for onsite raw material storage. Finally, the hardness of concrete grows with time, giving it a strong, robust, and long-lasting alternative with low maintenance expenses.

Customizable

You can also customize it to guarantee you get the right product for the task. For example, we can alter the mixture by lowering the water-cement ratio for a stronger mix that is durable. Therefore, we can have it mixed to your exact specifications depending on your project.

The Mixing Process is Eco-Friendly

Ready-mix concrete undergoes an eco-friendly process thanks to the readily-available nature of the critical components such as water, aggregates, and cement. In addition, they do not damage the environment as other building materials, and you can recycle or reuse the leftovers easily. The mixing process also leads to less wastage of water compared to manual mixing which uses a lot of water that may end up polluting the environment. Using ready-mix concrete for your projects eliminates this water waste leading to pollution.

Zero Waste

You can have ready-mix concrete created to your precise specifications, so there is no waste. When a concrete building is destroyed, it may be pulverized and recycled into tiny aggregates that can be used elsewhere, such as in constructing new foundations and backfill.

It’s Safer

Bagged cement spews microscopic particles of cement dust into the air. This dust may irritate the lungs and the skin if the workers do not use proper protective gear. You won’t have to worry about this difficult-to-monitor health and safety component if you use ready-mix concrete. Instead, you’ll have wet, ready-to-pour concrete supplied in quantity for your projects.

Durable

You can have ready-mix concrete developed into different sorts to meet the needs of specific work applications. The base of the strength of the concrete is the paste comprised of water and cement. The water-cement ratio calculates the paste, and the stronger the concrete mix, the lower the water-cement ratio.

Water can also make this concrete durable or weak, depending on the quantity used. You need to create the paste that binds the sand and stone. However, too much would break down the concrete mix and reduce its strength.

Ready-mix concrete also proves its durability since it is made under regulated circumstances using the best materials available. In other words, it has been built and tested over many decades to withstand harsh weather and abrasion, and to deliver industry-standard strength.

Why Should I Choose Ready-Mix Concrete?

Selecting the best concrete is essential to any construction project’s success. Ready-mix concrete offers the perfect mix of easy pouring and efficiency crucial to any construction project. Its primary benefits include lower cost, high quality, durability, and time-saving, which are the foundations of completing projects on time.

If you need a trusted ready-mix concrete supplier in Flushing, NY then you should choose Best Concrete Mix Corp. Our mission is to provide superior products and timely deliveries to complete your project in time. Contact us today and learn more about our product and services and we will make your time worthwhile.

Basics to Preventing Concrete Wear

Concrete is regarded as one of the strongest building materials available. With such strong properties, it is suitable for a wide range of uses, including pavements, houses, skyscrapers, dams, and bridges. However, even with its tough and durable natural properties, concrete is still susceptible to wear and tear if not cared for properly.

An excellent way to help maximize the life expectancy of your concrete is by taking the necessary precautions. Here, Best Concrete Mix Corp. discusses what you can do to prevent your concrete from becoming damaged.

Ways to Help Make Your Concrete Last

Concrete, which is subjected to constant punishment and becomes damaged, can severely affect the integrity and durability of the structure. Wear and tear can result in your concrete needing to be replaced well before its life expectancy. To prevent this from occurring, construction workers, builders, landlords, and property owners can follow these concrete best practices:

Clean Your Concrete Routinely

Not only will cleaning your concrete regularly help maintain its pristine condition, but it can also help maintain its integrity. By cleaning the surface, you are removing debris that can be potentially harmful to the concrete, such as foliage, water, any stains, and more.

Continue to Inspect Your Concrete

One of the simplest ways to ensure your concrete is not experiencing any structural issues is by consistently inspecting it. By doing so, you will be able to identify any problem areas, such as cracks or missing pieces, which can progress into major setbacks.

Repair Any Problem Area Right Away

During your routine inspections, should you notice any discrepancies, it is critical to have them addressed immediately. The worst thing you can do is ignore signs of wear and tear or put them off. For instance, small cracks that appear minor can quickly evolve into large breaks. Addressing minor issues when you see them may result in simple fixes, whereas ignoring them may lead to them needing major repair or even replacement.

Become More Familiar With Your Concrete

It is important to remember that the type of concrete determines the limit of weight it can support. Anything beyond the suggested weight limit can lead to your concrete being damaged. Understanding your concrete and knowing its weight restrictions can help you prevent it from being subjected to such pressure and preserve its integrity. Quick tips for subjecting concrete to extreme weight include:

• Ensure weight is evenly spread, so it does not cause too much pressure on one specific area.
• Avoid leaving heaving objects in one spot for too long because, after a while, the concrete can begin to break down.

Add an Extra Layer of Protection

While concrete features strong and durable structural properties, its porous nature allows it to absorb water and soluble salts, which can be destructive to its reliability. In addition, when steel reinforcement is used in concrete to enhance its strength, its ability to absorb salts, most notably chlorides, can result in corrosion.

To combat these potential issues from happening, an added layer of protection can be used in the form of concrete sealers. Once applied, sealers perform as water repellents. They will reduce or eliminate the amount of water and other soluble containments that penetrate the concrete, helping maintain its high strength. Sealers are effective by reacting with the compounds of the inorganic concrete to fill its pores, making it difficult for anything to penetrate its surface.

Learn More from Best Concrete Mix Corp.

Wear, tear, or areas that are cause for concern can be difficult to spot to the untrained eyes. A surefire way to make certain your concrete is in top shape is by trusting the products and services of Best Concrete Mix Corp. We will conduct the necessary inspections and perform any repairs needed to ensure your concrete maintains its tough structural properties. Our experience working with this building material can be seen in our recent projects for clients in Flushing, NY, which include:

• Residential buildings
• Parking garages
• Retail stores
• Office buildings
• Parking lots
• Hotels and motels
• Athletic fields
• Playgrounds

For more information on how you can best preserve your concrete or how we can help, please contact us today at Best Concrete Mix Corp.

How Your Location Impacts Your Concrete Grade

Whether you are pouring concrete for a residential or commercial project, the location dictates concrete grade. Many different concrete grades are available, including standard strength and high-performance, and choosing the correct option is vital for a successful finished project. Best Concrete Mix Corp. offers a host of concrete products and services, and here, our team walks you through the various types of concrete and discusses the most suitable climates for each.

What Affects the Strength of Concrete?

The ratio of water to concrete plays a significant role in the strength of concrete. The lower the water-to-cement ratio is, the higher the strength of concrete — and vice versa. The compaction of concrete also plays a part, because the presence of air voids in concrete greatly reduces its strength. When selecting the strength of the concrete necessary for your project, you can use a concrete core test as a guide.

Different Concrete Grades and Uses

You will want to select the grade of concrete that corresponds best with the space where you will be laying your concrete. For instance, Best Concrete Mix Corp. works with a few types of concrete, including high-strength, lightweight, and architectural. Some factors to ponder when choosing the best concrete for your commercial or residential project include:

Residential Use Concrete

For residential uses, you can usually count on standard-strength concrete grades. Some different types in the standard-strength range are:

• C10: One of the most versatile concrete mixes, C10 is commonly used for trench fills, general floor binding, drainage, and similar residential needs.C10 is not suitable for any structural mass formations.
• C15: While not rated for large industrial projects, C15 is a perfect choice for developing foundations for smaller walls or concrete steps. You may also use it for residential flooring.
• C20: This concrete is frequently used to form lightweight foundations and applications in residential projects. The best uses for this grade of concrete are internal floor slabs, driveways, garages, and sheds.
• C25: Arguably the most versatile concrete mix on the market, C25 lies somewhere between residential and commercial grade. It can be used for foundations, large mass fills, footings, and reinforced bases.

Commercial Use Concrete

Since concrete for commercial projects must support large, industrial support beams and foundations, it naturally requires a much stronger grade. The most common grades for commercial concrete include:

• C35: This grade offers substantial strength and works well on larger commercial buildings and foundations for high-quality strength.  C35, also known as PAV2, often contains special additives to reduce the potential of air bubbles forming to guard against surface cracks during freezing temperatures.
• C40: An extremely strong commercial-grade concrete, C40 is the ideal option for roadwork applications and agricultural yards.

Why Concrete Grade Matters

Mixing concrete is a versatile and widely-implemented practice used for many different types of buildings and structures. But since each structure has a different purpose and size, having the proper type of concrete for the job is essential. The different grades of commercial and residential concrete are created specifically to deliver high-quality performance for your task.

Find Your Concrete Grade with Best Concrete Mix Corp.

If you need guidance understanding which grade of concrete is best for your project, the team at Best Concrete Mix Corp. has the knowledge and resources to help. We will supply you with the concrete grade that best suits your needs and educate you on architectural concrete and decorative options. Choose from self-consolidating concrete, flexural strength concrete, pervious concrete, tri-blend mixes, gunite, and more for your residential, commercial, or architectural needs.

In addition to our vast knowledge of concrete and superior products and services, we also strive to deliver excellent customer service in all our dealings. Take a look through our recent projects and feedback for evidence of our dedication to our clients. If you are located near Flushing, New York, and on the hunt for concrete services and supplies, contact Best Concrete Mix Corp. today to get started.

The Balance between Soil and Concrete

When preparing for a project that involves lying concrete onto the soil, there are various stabilization methods to consider. Creating a quality concrete base requires a careful soil evaluation prior. Whether you are building a house, shed, or large building, your first step in the concrete laying process begins with an understanding of how soil and concrete work together.

Best Concrete Mix Corp. delivers a wide selection of concrete products and services to government contractors, builders, landlords, and property owners throughout Flushing, New York. Here, we discuss the relationship between concrete and soil.

Understanding Soil Stabilization

One of the first steps in making concrete includes soil stabilization. The term refers to the array of treatments that change the physical properties of the soil to increase its stability and load-bearing capacity. It is essential to have a secure base before you begin building on top of the soil. If the area you wish to construct contains unsound soil that does not meet requirements, you may find it difficult to obtain a building permit.

Soil stabilization is important for several other reasons, as well, including:

• Cost: If stabilization does not occur before building on fine-grain soils, your newly-built construction will develop waves and dents and require repairing or rebuilding much sooner. In turn, you will have to pay more for repair services.
• Stabilization provides a more workable environment: Once the soil has been modified to prepare for concrete, the space becomes easier to work with, and the job progresses without added difficulty.
• It protects the environment: Although the older processes of soil stabilization focused on digging up and replacing the soil with aggregate, newer and more-developed processes leave the soil alone, simply adding stronger elements. This method shields the environment from unnecessary damage because it eliminates the need for mining and soil disposal.
• Erosion control: Erosion may cause substantial damage to concrete bases, such as road construction. By stabilizing the soil before laying the cement, you ensure a solid surface that limits the likelihood of sinking.

Following the proper steps and stabilizing your soil beforehand will save you from unnecessary and undesirable consequences. Therefore, you should evaluate the soil thoroughly and implement the best soil stabilization methods and materials to leave your building pad adequate for laying down concrete foundations.

How to Stabilize Soil before Using Concrete

At the beginning of the stabilization process, you need to figure out what kind of soil you want, as each requires a different stabilization process. The four types of soil and what to consider when evaluating each variety include:

Sand

The most well-known soil due to its beach popularity is sand. You can identify sand easily by looking at the size of the particles. Sand consists of much larger particles than other soil types. Sandy soils usually contain very little organic content and generally no plasticity.

Silt

This option can be a challenging soil for construction because of its particle size and density. Silt is created from eroded rock, such as when the rock has been worn away by water or wind. Silt promotes water retention and air circulation since the soil is dense but does not bond together.

Clay

Unlike all other types of soils, clay ranges in color and characteristics. Besides particle size, a significant difference between clay soils and other soils is that it develops plasticity when wet. Since clay-based soils are challenging to work with, they are usually removed from the construction site or treated with a chemical or additive for permanent hardening.

Loam

Another soil choice is loam. This variety is a mixture of sand, silt, and clay and features a blend of their elements.

To determine the type of soil, conduct a loam test such as a sieve analysis to determine the particle size. An Atterberg limits test is also beneficial to determine the soil’s plasticity and organic content. Once you have concluded which soil you will use, you can begin your project.

Build a Concrete Structure that Lasts with Soil Stabilization

If you are building a concrete structure and need assistance with soil stabilization, turn to Best Concrete Mix Corp. for help. Our team has performed numerous concrete projects for clients in Flushing, NY. Contact us today if you need concrete products and services or tips on accurately stabilizing soil.

Harsh Weather Effects on Concrete

If you’re planning to pour concrete to finish a project or repair a walkway, you should be aware of the effects harsh weather has on setting concrete. Best Concrete Mix Corp. provides a variety of commercial and residential construction services in Flushing, New York. We’re constantly using concrete to build or strengthen structures, and along the way, we’ve learned a few things about concrete that will prove very useful to you. Here, we describe how harsh weather will negatively affect the ready-mix concrete.

Moisture from Rain or Snow

One of the biggest hazards you’ll encounter when pouring and curing concrete is rain and snowfall. If concrete is to cure properly, the water to mixture ratio needs to be as precise as possible if it’s going to harden and maintain its integrity. If the concrete is exposed to rain, snow, or any other source of water, it’ll take significantly longer to set. And even when it’s finally cured and hardened, the strength and integrity of the concrete will have been severely compromised and will be prone to chips and damage, resulting in costly repairs.

Before deciding on a date to mix and pour the concrete, check the forecast ahead of time to make sure there’s no snow or rain in the near future. It can take up to two days for concrete to completely cure and solidify, so make sure you give yourself a buffer day just to be safe.

Cold or Freezing Temperatures

In addition to the excess hydration caused by snow and rain, the cold and potentially freezing temperatures will harm the concrete. Colder ambient temperatures slow the curing process of the concrete, and if the concrete is curing at a slower rate, it has a higher chance of being exposed to excess water.

But the integrity of the concrete doesn’t stop when the surface is solidified. There are small crystals that grow when it begins to cure, and more crystal development means stronger concrete. At lower temperatures, crystal formation is stunted, and after a certain point, the growth is halted entirely. The damage caused by this is irreparable, and you’ll certainly have to repair that section.

Additionally, avoid pouring concrete over frozen ground, like soil. This is because when it begins to thaw, it has the potential to crack the concrete that’s been laid on top of it.

Curing Concrete in the Heat

You’ll also run into problems if the ambient temperature is too hot, or if the concrete mixture reaches temperatures above the ambient. If you’re planning to put down concrete in the summer months, plan the pour so that it has time to set and cure in a more temperate environment.

In hotter environments, the concrete will set faster than it usually would. While this sounds like a time-saving benefit, the downside to this outweighs the time saved. Hot conditions cause the water in the mixture to evaporate at an accelerated rate, which causes the top of the concrete to shrink. This ruins uniformity throughout the concrete, and the lack of moisture may cause the hardened concrete to become brittle. When this happens, the finished product may be brittle and more prone to cracks and breaks.

Contact Us for Professional Concrete Advice

To learn more about harsh weather effects on ready-mix concrete, contact Best Concrete Mix Corp. in Flushing, NY, today.

Replacing Concrete Without Lost Time

Concrete can withstand an extreme amount of weight, making it a durable, long-lasting material for sidewalks, parking garages, and commercial buildings. But when concrete features do eventually crack or wear down, you’ll want to replace them safely and quickly using ready-mix concrete. Here, Best Concrete Mix Corp. provides insight into replacing concrete efficiently and on schedule.

Repair vs. Replacement for Concrete Structures

Luckily, when concrete is poured correctly, it takes a long time for regular wear and tear to make an impact. But when concrete does get damaged, you’ll need to decide if it can be repaired or if it needs to be fully replaced. When deciding between repair and replacement, here are some factors to consider:

• Time: Consider if you have sufficient room in your construction schedule to replace a concrete element or structure. If it’s better for a concrete structure to be accessible rather than to look perfect, a repair will likely be the quicker option.
• Aesthetics: If you patch damaged concrete, it may be structurally sound, but it might not be pleasing to the eye. This is especially true if the damage is in a highly visible area. In this case, you may want to choose replacement.
• Functionality: Sometimes, the decision to repair or replace comes down to how a concrete structure is being used. For example, if you have some minor damage to the concrete floor of a residential garage, you can probably patch it without much impact on the functionality of the space. In contrast, a cracked sidewalk slab can pose hazards even after it’s patched, so replacement is likely the safer route.

While evaluating the area, you’ll also want to think through costs. Repairs may cost less than replacements. However, if you’re just buying yourself some time, you may ultimately spend less money by replacing concrete now instead of later.

Choosing a Type of Ready-Mix Concrete

There are many styles of ready-mix concrete. Whatever type of job you’re working on, it’s fairly simple to find a material that suits your needs. A few common types of ready-mix concrete include:

• Expanded polystyrene (EPS): Made from a mix of cement and expanded polystyrene, this variety of concrete is known for its light weight. EPS has low thermal conductivity and high thermal insulation, so it’s a good choice for environmentally friendly construction.
• High-strength: This type of concrete is commonly used for jobs that require poured concrete at a depth of more than two inches. Because of its durability and strength, it works well for replacing load-bearing walls and foundations.
• Pervious: True to its name, pervious concrete allows water to pass through, so it helps prevent runoff and flooding. Pervious concrete is a great option for replacing pathways, sidewalks, and patios.
• Self-consolidating (SCC): Because this type of concrete is very fluid, it flows freely and evenly, minimizing the need for manual leveling. The consistency makes SCC a good option for small patching jobs.

A concrete supplier can advise you on the best option for your project. Be sure to choose a reliable supplier and check on the availability of their products to ensure your project timeline isn’t impacted negatively.

Get Replacement Concrete from Best Concrete Mix Corp.

If you need ready-mix concrete for a commercial or residential project, choose Best Concrete Mix Corp. For more than 27 years, our team has been providing concrete products and services to construction companies, builders, and property owners in the Flushing, New York area. For more information or to request a quote, contact us today.

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.