Using Ready-Mix Concrete: Tips For First-Timers

Posted on: 27 September 2022

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Choosing to do your own property improvements, including things like walkways, patios, and other concrete fixtures, can be rewarding. It can also come with some challenges if you're not really familiar with ready-mix concrete. Don't let the idea of concrete intimidate you. In fact, ready-mix concrete is pretty simple to use if you're properly prepared. Here's a look at some of the things you should know about ready-mix concrete.

Know Your Ratio

Before you even consider preparing your ready-mix concrete, you need to make sure you know what ratio the product requires. Every ready-mix concrete product requires different ratios of sand to cement, so read the product instructions carefully so that you get the ratio correct before you mix. This is important to ensure that the concrete sets up the way that it should.

Stage The Area

As you're preparing to use your ready-mix concrete, you should gather everything that you'll need and create a staging space for mixing as you need it. That way, you don't find yourself interrupted halfway through because you need something else that's in the shed or indoors. Take time to gather everything that you'll need, including mixing tubs, tools, and water. Once you have everything, the whole process will be much easier to complete.

Don't Rush The Mixture

When you do decide that it's time to mix your concrete, don't rush it. Mixing concrete takes some time, so you'll want to be sure that you approach the process with patience. If you don't allow it the time and mixing that it needs, your concrete may be clumpy and won't cure properly. Don't rush through the mixing stage.

Allow The Concrete To Cure

Even ready-mix concrete needs curing time the same way that traditional poured concrete does. Once you've spread, leveled, and smoothed your ready-mix concrete, rope it off to keep everyone off of it for at least 24 hours while it cures. Check the instructions for your specific ready-mix and you'll find that the surface will be considered "dry" before the concrete is actually cured. It's important to mind the cure time so that you don't inadvertently weaken the structural integrity below the surface before the concrete is fully hardened.

These are just a few of the things that you should know about ready-mix concrete. Check with a supplier near you today for more help and information. They can get you the product that's the best fit for whatever application you have in mind.