DIY Concrete Resurfacing and Concrete Finishing Tools
Are you thinking about adding on a new patio to your home for those back-yard barbeques? How about running a sidewalk or path around the side of your home? Having the proper concrete finishing tools for the job should certainly be considered before you begin. Weather you are a concrete newbie or a seasoned handy-man here are the hard facts about DIY concrete resurfacing projects.
Probably the biggest factor in deciding if you should do-it-yourself or outsource to a professional crew is the size of the job. A new driveway for example would be quite a task for even the most seasoned do-it-yourselfer! Especially if you must first tear out the old driveway and if there is rebar (steel) in the old driveway the difficulty level and expense just got much higher. The reason you should outsource this type of job is because the concrete should all be poured at once if not separated by expansion joint material. Also, it will take the efforts of a full crew and many concrete hand tools as well as other equipment to remove the old materials and get the new concrete in place before it sets up. As they say on the job-site “wet concrete doesn’t wait on anyone! “
On the other hand, smaller concrete projects and DIY concrete resurfacing can be accomplished with just a little planning and effort. Also you don’t have to break the bank with a complete set of tools. A float and a trowel are a couple of specialty tools you need for the finishing. Concrete projects like patios and sidewalks need to be properly finished. For example, just before the concrete dries a light sweeping with a broom to give some anti slipping texture should be done. Another option would be DIY concrete resurfacing kit for the trendy new decorative concrete styles. Keep in mind that for larger patio projects many concrete finishing tools are available for rental.
So when planning a DIY concrete resurfacing project or adding a new patio and sidewalk addition around the house here are the basic concrete finishing tools needed for the job and there uses:
The Jointer or Groover: The purpose of this tool is to control the location of the cracks that “will” occur in the concrete. The Edger: The edger produces a radius along the “edge” of the concrete so it is safer and more resistant to chipping. The Float: Floating should be done after edging and jointing to work the concrete into place and push the rough aggregate into the mix to leave a smoother finish. The Trowel: The trowel should be the last concrete hand tool to be used besides brooming. Most concrete will require more than one troweling. Also the angle of the trowel should be higher each time you go over the surface to produce a hard finish. The Broom: This can be difficult. Broom too soon and it will leave an unsightly finish and you have to trowel again. Broom too late and you cannot get the anti-slip finish desired.
Now the list of concrete finishing tools above is just going to give you a basic understanding of the DIY concrete resurfacing and finishing. Please do as much research as possible before you order or mix the concrete because there is a lot more to this task yet to learn and this stuff sets up really quick on a hot day. Although, on cooler days you have much more time to work your material as long as the temperature doesn’t drop below freezing. There are a lot of good information sources available such as books online to learn more before you start.
Also keep in mind that DIY concrete resurfacing and decorative concrete applications are quite a different process so research these as well before you begin.
So before you begin to tackle a concrete project yourself be sure to do your homework and properly assess the tools and labor required. That is probably the most important aspect of any job. Research!
Common Concrete Pumping Equipment and Materials
As an efficient method of pouring liquid concrete, concrete pumps are indispensable equipment needed for any project, either large or small, that involves concrete production and distribution.
There are a number of common concrete pumps that are used in construction and renovation projects. Some of the most common pumps include:
Trailer Pumps: These types of concrete pumps are popular because they are easy to operate. Maintenance is not expensive and they can mix tough concrete material without causing damage to the equipment. It produces an even and effortless flow of concrete and cleanup is easy. Trailer pumps are known for their dependability. There are many options that come with the trailer pump such as skid-mounted with angled flat pack and hopper bib, hydraulic remixer / agitator, electric version – 460V, 60Hz, 3-phase, special voltages, hydraulic rear outriggers, chemical additive pump, and much more.
Line Pumps: With or without a boom, line pumps are great for pouring material into narrow and hard to reach areas because they are small and easy to maneuver. Line pumps are portable devices and can be used to pump concrete, grout, mortar, shotcrete, foamed concrete, and wet screeds. They can extend to spaces that are usually difficult to reach. It is designed to be compact and operate with great flexibility. They are often used on low roof buildings, building bond beams, back fill, foundations, filling fabric forms, repairing underwater concrete, as well as putting concrete in solidly reinforced sections. It can carry a hose pump line of over 170m. There are a number of different a variety line pumps available. Line pumps typically employ ball-valve-type pumps. Some hydraulically driven models have pumped structural concrete at outputs of more than 150 cubic yards per hour.
Truck Mounted Concrete Boom Pumps: Depending on the boom size and pump line, these pumps can easily reach distances of 200 ft. Boom trucks are used for concrete pours for high rise buildings and industrial projects. They consist of a truck, a frame, and pump as a single unit. They are easy to maneuver so they can work in small enclosed areas. Most manufacturers offer a number of optional such as remote control, choice of pump size, various boom configurations, and much more. Ready mix boom trucks can pour their concrete into the one central work area.
Mortar Pumps: These pumps are used for pouring mortar and plasters: They are mainly used for floor screed, sand, and concrete pour projects. They have a high performance record and are mainly found in construction sites. They are good for mixing and pouring fine materials.
Gunite: Gunite pumps use pressurized air to pump dry material from the machine to the pump line and out through the nozzle. Water is added to the dry material. This type of pump device is used to spray walls and sloped surfaces. The compressed air adds force to the spraying process resulting in a more efficient and effective method of pouring concrete.
Mudjacking Pump: This type of pump consists of a pumping hose, injection nozzle, and wired remote control. It is often used for concrete restoration projects. There are a variety of Mudjacking pumps on the market to suit any type of project.
Concrete pumps are a very efficient and dependable way of pouring concrete. The ease and speed of the pumps ensures effective results. With so many different pumps to choose from, they can meet the demands of any residential and industrial project.
Wall Shelving Systems – Choices To Match Your Needs And Decor
Wall shelving systems are used for function and decoration in homes and offices. The variety of styles, materials, colors, and brackets available to mount shelving on your wall or simply place against a wall provides an option for every home and d