A Virginia Concrete Company Does Excellent Work

| Wednesday, August 7, 2013
By Cathy Mercer


Driveways, patios and basement floors are some examples of what a Virginia Concrete Company can do. The materials in a mix for a specific project will contain varied proportions of cement, aggregates and reinforcing components. In addition, colors can be added to the mix and stamped patterns can be imprinted on the surface. Staining is another finish that is available.

Aggregate and cement are mixed with water to make this versatile building material. Cement is the binder that holds the aggregate material together in the mixture. An aggregate can be granite, limestone, crushed rocks or gravel. Sand is one of the finer components that can be included. Other binding materials are slag and fly ash.

Following the measuring of all other components, a proportionate amount of water is added. The consistency of the mixture is then partly liquid. This mixture is then poured into the shape outlined by wooden forms. Hydration, the chemical reaction that results when cement and water mix, begins right after that.

The wooden forms that are set up ahead of time, will keep the mixture from running out of the intended placement until it is dry. Then they can be removed. The forms can outline a driveway or a sidewalk. They are used to contain porches or stairs. An attractive walk and steps to the front door are a lovely addition to any home. Rounded steps are especially nice.

For much larger applications a reinforcing component called rebar is added to the mix. There are metal mesh, bars or other additions that will make the mixture stronger when it needs to support the structure. It will then be capable of supporting significant weight such as traffic crossing over a bridge. An overpass on a highway system can support cars and larger vehicles when rebar is added.

In Virginia the weather may be mild all the time. It is possible to pour a project throughout the year. Weather is something that can have an effect on a project as it is being poured. Special precautions must be taken. If it begins to rain during a pour, the project must be immediately covered. It is inadvisable to schedule the work if rain is predicted.

An expert concrete contractor will modify the composition of the mix if weather conditions indicate it is necessary. Delivery of the concrete should be scheduled for a specific time. It is crucial to have enough finishers on the job immediately following the pour. Without enough employees on the job, portions of the surface would not be treated before it began to dry.

All concrete will crack in response to changing weather conditions. This is not as extreme in Virginia as it is in areas having very cold winters. To minimize this, saw cuts are made in a slab following the finishing process. In cold weather states, there is a greater amount of expansion and contraction in response to the temperature changes.

When it comes to designing a project, one homeowner may want something decorative and another plain and practical. For the decorative installation, a color may be added to the mix. The surface can be embellished by staining or stamping before the it dries. A Virginia concrete company will devise a project that fits the specifications of the homeowner who is having his or her property improved.




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