Choose the Perfect Mixing For Your Construction Project

concrete mixing methods surrey

During the old times, when readymade products were still a far-fetched dream, the concrete mix was created with a manually done blend of cement, sand, lime and water. But times have changed, and pre-blended concrete mixes are readily available anytime. But the trick of mixing the right amount of water still lies with the builder.

concrete mixing methods

Understanding the three most important methods

Hand Mixing

The purpose of hand mixing is true to its moniker. It merely involves break the dry material blend into a big enough container, pour the adequate amount of water, and then mix by hand. A stirring tool or jiffy mixer can be used for the blending process. But it is not favoured for large-end constructions for apparent reasons. It is a slow and inconvenient process and is always in a risk of miscalculating the wet-to-dry proportion, resulting in a weaker concoction than expected.

Batch Mixing

Batch mixing is commonly seen in medium-scale constructions for blending of concrete in Surrey. The process is to make several batches of concrete mix in a day’s work by churning the dry blend and water together in a mechanised mixer basin. The amount of mix blended in one turn depends on the size of the mixer. Most commercial ones can make around 8-12 cubic feet of material at once. But it poses a limitation that is similar to hand mixing – the possibility of inadequate or excess amount of water. The measurement of water is done manually, and hence the possibility of a mismatch between two batches of the mix is very much there.

Continuous Mixing

This newer and cutting-edge option involves a mixer machine that takes care of everything, making the element of human error out of the equation. The builder or operator has to pour out the dry material into the hopper and switch on the necessary buttons. A dosing shaft automatically pushes the dry blend into the mixer and then adds pressurised water. The amount of water inflow can be adjusted from outside, which assures proportion accuracy in this method of mixing. It allows the mixture to be consistent, and once it is done, it can be transported to any location required.

Which one to choose?

The decision lies entirely on the nature of the construction. The factors that should determine your choice are:

  • Size of building: Batch mixers serves well for small to medium scale projects, while continuous mixtures are ideal for large scale projects.
  • Portability: Hand mixing is the most portable. Some batch and continuous mixers are qualified for transportation as well, though it requires logistics.
  • Power supply: Batch mixers can operate on a standard plug pin, but continuous mixers need at least a 23-Volt outlet to function. Cobra Concrete is a family-owned supplier of concrete solutions that are sustainable, cost-effective and energy-efficient. With an industry experience of over two decades, they are among the top companies that come to mind when you think of concrete solutions in Surrey.

Know How To Accelerate Concrete Drying Time With 6 Easy Tips

concrete-construction-drying-time

Though there are numerous concrete suppliers scattered all over Sutton, make sure you choose someone experienced as they know how much time a concrete mix needs to cure and dry. Negligence to dry it the proper way can lead to structural failures which can delay your construction project further. Accelerating the concrete drying time will not only boost your project’s efficiency but also ensure your safety.

concrete construction drying time

Few Tips To Accelerate The Concrete Drying Time

  • Choose The Right Weather

Sunnier days are considered to be the best time to dry concrete as the weather is warmer and dry and everything dries faster. If possible, try to wait till summer before starting with your construction project. Just make sure that the temperature is not too high as it can lead to rapid cement hydration and increase evaporation rate which can lead to cracks.

  • Add Calcium Chloride

A majority of the concrete suppliers in Sutton suggest their clients add calcium chloride when preparing the wet concrete mix as it helps in accelerating the cement hydration process. It will also take less time for concrete to solidify and you can pour it with ease.

  • Avoid Adding Excess Water

Construction workers should limit the amount of water they are using to prepare the concrete mix as it will take a long time for concrete to set if more water is added. Though you can minimise the drying time by adding less water, adding too little water will make the concrete mix extremely thick and inflexible. You can also add water-reducer if you want the mixture to have high fluidity.

  • Add Warm Water

If you want the concrete curing reaction to happen the right way, using the right amount of water is necessary. It is also advisable to use warm water when preparing the concrete mixture as it helps in speeding up the concrete drying process. The reaction occurs more quickly without affecting the efficiency of the structure. Extremely hot water should be avoided as it can damage the quality of your concrete in Sutton.

  • Avoid Hard Trowelling

How long will it take for the concrete mixture to dry is also dependent on the trowelling technique you are using. Avoid hard trowelling as it can lead to several issues by increasing pressure. High intensity trowelling will collapse the air pockets in the mixture and the moisture in it can’t evaporate easily. This will increase the drying time even further.

  • Use Heater

Construction workers undertaking a building project during winter can utilise artificial means to create heat. Two things widely used are heating mats and heaters. Set the temperature of the heater wisely as overheating the wet concrete mix is a strict no-no! These being said, it’s time you start following the tips stated above and invest in high-quality concrete if you want to accelerate the concrete drying time.

Working With Concrete? 5 Tips To Ensure Your Safety

concrete-safety-tips

The construction industry is indeed a bit hazardous, especially for construction workers. It is mandatory for them to acknowledge their own set of safety concerns. All the industry set standards and regulations should be put in place to ensure the safety of the professionals working on job sites. If you are working with concrete, not only should you approach renowned concrete suppliers in Surrey but also follow a few tips to ensure your safety.

concrete safety tips

Few Tips To Ensure Your Safety When Working With Concrete In Surrey

·   Keep Your Skin Protected

Concrete burns are one of the most common threats people in the construction industry have to face. The caustic and abrasive texture of concrete can lead to severe irritation and burn your skin. The danger of concrete burns is more if you are using fresh concrete. It is mandatory for construction workers to always keep their skin covered. Long sleeve shirts, protective eyewear, gloves and long pants are vital components of their uniform. Wash off your skin immediately if they come in contact with fresh concrete.

·   Use Safe Tools

The tools used by construction workers when working with concrete can also pose safety hazards. This is why they should know how to handle them safely, operate properly and store them appropriately. They should wear hard hats and use the latest tools using proper grips and techniques. The construction workers should also communicate with the machine operators regarding the clearance and movement of the machinery.

·   Stay Aware Of Silica

If you are willing to stay away from construction hazards, be aware of silica. Ensuring silica safety is a must when using concrete. Construction workers should avoid getting exposed to crystalline silica as it is considered to be a carcinogen. Crystalline silica can lead to severe lung diseases like lung cancer. OSHA has made medical surveillance of workers mandatory to ensure that they are not being exposed to more than 50 micrograms of silica dust per cubic meter of air.

·   Look Before You Step

New concrete can also lead to tripping hazards in a wide variety of ways. Misplaced tools, rebar and uneven ground can make construction workers trip and fall, thus injuring themselves. All walking paths should be clear. Workers should watch their steps while walking. The easiest way to keep their feet protected is by wearing rubber boots which helps in creating more traction.

·   Lift Safely

Workers have to often lift and move heavy objects on construction sites. They should move objects using safe lifting techniques. If they feel that some object is too heavy, they should be ready to work in teams and pairs. Workers should determine the right amount of fresh concrete to be loaded in the shovel so that they can lift it with confidence. Lifting injuries generally happen when they twist their back accidentally while lifting heavy objects.

Time to follow the tips stated above and ensuring your safety when working with concrete will become easier.

How To Use Ready Mix Concrete For Your Project During Winter?

ready-mix-concrete

Do you have a construction project coming up this winter season? But, with the cold weather outside making things more complicated, are you perplexed about what to do? Well, even though the cold season isn’t ideal for concrete, you can turn things in your favour. Are you wondering how? Well, all you need to do is approach the best suppliers of ready mix concrete in Croydon. Trust us; they can protect your concrete from the damage of cold weather.

How To Use Ready Mix Concrete

Pouring concrete in winter season is inevitable for contractors who have to work in colder climates. The material loses its durability, weather resistance and comprehensive strength if it freezes during the pouring and setting process. And, only the concrete suppliers and contactors protect the material from the damage of cold weather. This means that if your project requires pouring concrete during the winter months, you need to approach the experts.

The Winter Mix

As the weather gets colder, concrete suppliers will heat the material during the mixing process. The extra heat accounts for the expected drop in temperature during an average one-hour delivery in the winter season. This heat will prevent concrete from cracking, freezing and losing its comprehensive strength in the cold climate. Leading suppliers of ready mix concrete in Croydon also provide customers with the warmest possible on-site concrete.

Even the concrete mix matters to the overall project. Depending on the outside temperature and your project requirements, the suppliers will adjust the mix. This will help in pouring the concrete well and setting quickly in the winter weather.

Addition Of The Accelerators

Adding accelerators to the mix speeds up the concrete setting time as well as allow it to cure faster. Also, this prevents the concrete from freezing and experiencing any frost damage. Moreover, accelerators help in speeding up the finishing phase. The less time it takes for project completion, the better the quality of the finished product.

Water-Reducing Additives

Water-reducing additives create a higher-density paste of cement. This results in more weather-resistant and stronger qualities in the concrete.

Avoiding Fly Ash

Do you plan to expose the cement to de-icing chemicals once it cures? If so, you will want to reduce or avoid the amount of fly ash that’s added to the mix. This is because; fly ash can lead to scaling or peeling of the surface when exposed to de-icing chemicals.

Pouring Concrete In Cold Weather

Even though winter isn’t the ideal time to pour concrete, it’s possible to pour the concrete well enough. By taking just a few steps, concreting can result in a long-lasting, strong product in the cold season. To protect your poured material from damages, you need to remember certain rules. These include-

·         Never pour concrete on ice, snow or frozen ground

·         All protrusions and corners must be triple wrapped

·         In case the ground is frozen, thaw it for two days by using blankets and heat pipes

·         Cover the material until it cures completely So what are you still thinking of? Approach a reliable concrete supplier and get started with your construction project!

4 Situations When You Should Opt For Ready Mix Concrete

If you are planning your next concrete project, the first thing you need to do is approach an experienced concrete supplier. It is a very durable and low-maintenance construction material which helps in providing thermal mass and reduces the energy consumption of buildings. There are numerous concrete suppliers scattered all over Bromley. Look for one utilising the latest machinery and techniques to pump ready mix concrete into places where you need it. There are a few situations when using ready mix concrete, becomes necessary and you can complete your complicated construction project fast.

Opt For Ready Mix Concrete

Few Situations When Opting For Ready Mix Concrete Becomes Necessary

·   Require Customised Product

You can easily customise the mix of cement to other ingredients as ready mixed concrete is generally manufactured by concrete suppliers at a batch plant as and when required. Though you can use dry concrete when customisation is required, the level of customisation offered by local suppliers of ready mix concrete is always more. Customised concrete can be put to various uses on a construction site so you can get better value for money.

·   Volume Is Required

If you are planning to undertake a large construction project, opting for ready mix concrete is highly advisable as dry concrete is only suitable for small projects. You will require a bulk amount of concrete when building a yard. You can also save a few money, by opting for ready mix concrete instead of dry concrete for large projects. The easiest way to conduct a price comparison is by visiting your local concrete supplier.

· Consistency Has To Be Maintained

You have to add water with dry cement for every batch. It becomes a challenge for construction workers to get consistent batches and complete concrete work to the highest standards. If you are undertaking a project where you have to maintain a specific concrete texture (also known as a concrete slump test), opt for ready mix concrete. Renowned suppliers of ready mix concrete in Bromley use advanced scales and equipment while making large batches of ready mix concrete with identical consistency. You will get concrete of consistent quality even if you require several batches.

·   Time Is Vital

Everyone in the construction industry is aware of the importance of time, irrespective of the size of your project. Construction workers have to mix dry cement on site before placing the material. They have to open all the bags containing cement and mix water in the right quantity. This made the process very time-consuming. Ready mix concrete, on the other hand, can be delivered to be laid on sites efficiently and without wasting your time and effort. Since you are now aware of the various situations when opting for ready mix concrete becomes necessary, it’s time you start looking for a renowned supplier in Bromley and reap all the benefits offered by this concrete variety.

Hire The Best Concrete Suppliers In Croydon For High-Quality Concrete Work

The focus of every construction worker is always on providing the highest standard of concrete work. If you also want your construction project to be both beautiful and durable, the first thing you need to do is to choose a renowned concrete supplier. They should have years of experience in providing high-quality concrete in Croydon. Since their focus is always on maintaining their reputation, you can stay assured that they will provide quality concrete. Just discuss your concrete needs with them, and they will suggest the best concrete variety which will help construction workers deliver great work.

concrete company Croydon

4 Factors Concrete Suppliers Consider Before Starting Concrete Work

·   Condition Of The Soil

The longevity of a specific structure is mainly dependent on the condition of the ground which it has been constructed. It is advisable to avoid land comprising of clay and fine particles if you don’t want the structure to become vulnerable to cracking. This is because it takes a long time for water to drain in the soil, which increases the water table. If you have to build the structure in such ground, make sure there are at least 2 inches of gravel or engineered soil placed below the concrete slabs.

· Dowel Pins

Dowel rods and dowel pins are generally used in civil constructions and provide a mechanical connection between two slabs without restricting its horizontal movement. Ask the contractors to use them at places where the concrete meets the foundation of your home. This prevents the concrete slab from settling in the foundation which would have otherwise drained water towards your home, flooding the crawl spaces and basements. The rebar mats help in resisting bending forces.

·   Thickness

The thickness of the concrete structure is a vital thing to consider, so stay away from contractors who are too greedy or lazy to pour concrete of sufficient depth. Not only will it harm the durability of the concrete structure, but cracks will develop all over it, and finally it will fail. If you are not sure about the proper thickness, talk with your concrete suppliers in Croydon. Generally, the poured concrete should be around 4 inches thick if you are doing some residential flatwork. You will get good concrete work if its thickness is checked before the slab is poured.

·   Control Joints

The primary task of concrete joints is to create weak points on the surface of the concrete slabs so that cracking occurs inside the joint and not on the surface. This is why they are known by the term control joints and are placed inside the concrete slab. The maximum distance between two joints should be 12 feet in each direction. Just check whether the contractors are cutting the joints to the proper depth.

Since you are now aware of the factors which impact the quality of concrete work, it’s time you start with your construction project.

3 Types Of Ready Mix Concrete Used During Construction

The easiest way to take advantage of the concrete technology is by going for ready mix concrete. They are nowadays being widely used for various domestic and commercial construction projects. Just make sure you have chosen the right material by enhancing your knowledge about the different grades of concrete. The grades are generally dependent on the composition and strength of the concrete. The best thing to do is have a talk with the supplier of ready mix concrete in Surrey and they will let you know the various types of concretes available and the benefits offered by them.

ready mix concrete Surrey

Need Ready Mix Concrete For Your Construction Project? Know Their Varieties

· Transit Mixed Concrete

They are also known as dry-batched concrete as the supplier providing it feed all the basic ingredients used to prepare this concrete variety including water into the truck mixer. While the materials are being loaded into the mixer, the drum revolves at a very charging speed. The mixer drum rotates at the normal agitating speed after all the materials have been loaded into it. Transit mixed concrete is further divided into three varieties. They are concrete mixed at the job site, concrete mixed in transit and concrete mixed in the yard.

· Shrink Mixed Concrete

This concrete variety is mixed in two parts. It is first put in the plant mixer and then the rest of the mixing is done in the truck-mounted drum mixer. How long will the concrete stay in the transit mixer is dependent on how long it has been in the central mixing plant. Concrete suppliers conduct tests to determine the amount of mixing required in the plant mixer and the truck-mounted drum mixer.

· Central Mixed Concrete

The concrete is fed into central-mixing concrete batch plants for mixing before being discharged into the truck mixer. These batch plants consist of a stationary, plant-mounted mixer. Central-mix plants are also known as pre-mix or wet batch plants. The truck mixer acts as the agitating haul unit during central mix operations. For low slump and mass concrete pours, suppliers sometimes use dump trucks.  Since you are now aware of the various types of ready mix concrete supplied, it’s time you choose one according to your construction project requirements and approach a reliable concrete supplier in Surrey.

Make Your Concrete Structures Stronger In 6 Easy Steps

Concrete is nowadays being widely used for construction as the structures used to make them are sturdier and durable. Whether you are willing to construct retaining wall, floors or foundations, use concrete and you can have complete peace of mind for years to come. Another vital reason why the demand for concrete is always quite high is that the construction material is inexpensive when compared with other building materials. If you have undertaken a construction project where very strong concrete will be necessary, there are a few easy steps you can follow.

make Concrete Structures Stronger

Few Steps To Follow For Stronger Concrete Structures

·         Step 1

Rebar or steel mesh can be used for concrete pour reinforcement. Though various additives can be used to strengthen the pour, rebar is the most preferred choice. How strong the finished project will be is largely dependent on how much rebar you are adding in the concrete when constructing a horizontal or vertical project. The strength also increases when more bars are added.

·         Step 2

The strength of a concrete structure will be more, if the steel is in the centre of the wet concrete and not at the bottom. The easiest way to do this is by raising the rebar level in the flat pour. The rebar can be positioned using rebar chairs so that there is some distance between the rebar and the sand base.

·         Step 3

How long will it take for concrete to set is dependent on various factors, the weather being the primary among them. If the weather is too hot with little humidity, the structure will be a bit weak, as the concrete will set very fast. Such being the situation, talk with your concrete suppliers in Surrey and they will add water according to the consistency you are looking for.

·         Step 4

A water hose should be used to mist new concrete at fixed intervals on the day you are pouring it. After which you should use it for at least 3 times every day. The more time it takes for the concrete to cure, the stronger the structure will be. A strong internal bond is created when the exterior of the structure is misted for at least 3 days during the curing process.

·         Step 5

A primary reason why concrete suppliers never mix calcium with the material if the weather is cool is that it reduces the drying time. Though it speeds up the pouring process, the strength of your concrete structure reduces drastically. Calcium is one of the additives which support filtration of air in wet concrete.

·         Step 6

The easiest way through which the material can strengthen is by vibrating the wet concrete. It supports filtration of wet concrete into hard-to-reach areas and voids. The final product also becomes more solid as vibration removes small bubbles from the concrete.

Time to follow the steps stated above and approach the right concrete supplier in Surrey if you want the structure you are constructing to be stronger.

Why Choose Ready-Mix Concrete Over On-Site Mix For Your Project?

Is a domestic or commercial construction project coming up? Need high-quality concrete delivered to your site, mixed professionally and on-time? Getting ready-mix concrete supplied to your site by reputed concrete suppliers in Surrey can be your most informed decision. Wondering why you should use ready-mix instead of on-site machine mix? Read on.

Ready-Mix Concrete

Whether you are laying foundations or a shed base for new-build homes, whatever the case is, you will want a high-quality grade of concrete for your job. Choosing ready mixed concrete over machine mix is preferred by most contractors owing to many reasons. Ready-mix concrete is easy to pour and offers the perfect mix of efficiency, crucial to all kinds of construction projects. Having concrete delivered in bulk and ready to pour is ideal for every construction project.

Listed below are a few reasons to choose ready mixed material for your project.

4 Reasons To Choose Ready-Mix Concrete From The Best Concrete Suppliers In Surrey Over Machine Mix

1. Ensures High-Quality Concrete

One of the major reasons most contractors prefer ready mixed concrete is the assurance of premium quality material. With traditional material, controlling the exact water-to-cement ratio as well as the grading of aggregates is almost possible with traditional concrete. On the other hand, when you approach leading ready-mix concrete suppliers, the material comes with guaranteed quality. Ready-mix concrete boasts of a consistent quality since it is produced under controlled conditions.

2. Saves Construction Time

With machine mix concrete, you will have to order the ingredients for purchasing and stacking them on your job site from beforehand. At times, getting the job done becomes difficult since the required materials are not supplied on time. In contrast, ready mixed concrete can save you from such hassles since it’s professionally handled by the suppliers. Pre-mixed at plants and then delivered to your site, they save the mixture preparation time and reduce the time of development.

3. Lowers Cost

On-site material production involves the costs of manual labour, transportation of ingredients, concrete mixing machinery and equipment, which are costly in comparison to ready-mix concrete. On the contrary, ready mixed concrete reduces the number of labour required for mixing the raw materials and preparation of mix at the site. This way, having concrete delivered to your site from concrete suppliers in Surrey can save you a large amount of money.

4. Saves Storage Space

Finding great storage space for the raw materials of your construction project is not only challenging but also an expensive affair. You will even have to set up machinery on your site for the smooth transition of your project. In such a situation, finding space to stack concrete ingredients becomes more difficult. Ordering ready mixed concrete is the preferred option of many since it saves contractors from on-site storage. So, don’t you think ready mix concrete is a better option in comparison to site mix? Quickly find the best concrete supplier and kick-start your construction project!

Top 5 Reasons Why Concrete Is The Best Construction Material

With so many construction materials available, builders and homeowners often have a tough time choosing the best among them. The visual appeal and durability of the building you are constructing are largely dependent on the material you are opting for. The durability is a vital thing to consider,  as it will give you the assurance that your building will look good in years to come. Just make sure not to opt for the cheapest material. Instead, look for a material which offers numerous benefits like concrete.

concrete construction material

Few Reasons To Approach A Concrete Supplier In Croydon

·         Hardens Easily

Not only is concrete affordable but the material easily sets and hardens at room temperature. This means that you don’t have to spend your money on the material to gain its strength. The inorganic material can bond at low-temperature so you can use it irrespective of the weather conditions. Though it will take around 2 days for the concrete to set, the structure will cure completely in a month.

·         Customisable

One of the main reasons why the demand for concrete in Croydon has enhanced drastically in the last few years is that it can be cast into any shape according to your requirements, of your construction project. Fresh concrete is available in a liquid state which makes it flowable and so construction workers can easily pour it into any framework. The concrete mix can be adjusted to cast complex shapes.

·         Water Resistance

The water-resistance characteristics of concrete, makes it capable of withstanding water, without worrying about any serious deterioration. No wonder, it is being widely used for underwater applications like canals, submerged building structures, dams, linings, pipelines and waterfront structures. Corrosion is generally caused due to the presence of chlorides, carbon dioxide and sulphates dissolved in water.

 ·         Temperature 

Just visit renowned concrete suppliers in Croydon and you can stay assured that the material they are supplying will be capable of withstanding higher temperature, than steel and wood. The main binding ingredient of concrete is calcium silicate hydrate which is capable of withstanding almost 910oC. Being a bad conductor of heat, you can use concrete to store heat from the environment.

·         Economical

Though there are numerous engineered cementitious materials for you to choose from for your construction project, you can keep the production cost low by opting for cement concrete. Being inexpensive, it is widely used all over the world and its demand is higher than polymers, steel and other construction materials. Water, cement and aggregates are considered to be the main ingredients of concrete and are easily available in the market. Since you now know why concrete is considered to be the best construction material, it’s time you start looking for a reliable concrete supplier in Croydon and reap all the benefits stated above.