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Elevated Concrete Slab

Tue, 09 Dec 2014 17:08:00 GMT

Check out these pictures of a patio that is on a slope. This is a kind of patio that needs to be watched if you are the homeowner, because if the forms are not properly "kicked" with stakes set at a 45 degree angle to prevent bowing of the forms from the wetght of the concrete, bowing may occur resulting in a less than perfect slab. If the edge is not straight, when the aluminum installer attaches his bottom rail to concrete it will be straight, and will show the imperfections in the concrete. This installation also requires dirt to be transported into your backyard along with the concrete. Don't let other companies tell you that they will use a concrete pump- you can't pump dirt! In this case, approx. 4 yds. of dirt was installed. Unlike the "other" guys, we transport the dirt in our motorized buggies, in less than an hour, instead of an all day event with wheelbarrows. This allows us to concentrate on the important aspects of your concrete installation- the pitch of the slab, its exact dimensions etc. Our methods insure that your patio is installed in a timely manner, without damage to your yard!

Concrete Cracking-Control Joints

Sat, 14 Dec 2013 17:17:00 GMT

Mr Patio- We turn out one masterpiece after another! Premier concrete and masonry contractor in Tampa Bay! Driveways sidewalks foundations for houses and demo!

Concrete Cracking-Overview

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 17:24:00 GMT

When we talk about "cracking" what we are usually talking about is uncontrolled cracking...

Concrete being a rock like substance, and is subject to the same stresses. It expands and contracts and and builds up stress. In reality the term "cracking" is a misnomer-concrete must crack somewhere, and if not given a place to crack, will find itself a location itself. So what we really want to address is how to control the cracking. But let's cover some important items before we look at crack control.

The dirt underneath and how it is prepared, is an important factor. The organic material (grass and debris) must be removed, as it will degrade over time and leave a void below the slab. When weight is put above, it will stress the slab and create a crack. Concrete has great compressive strength, but is weak in a "snapping" fashion, tensile strength. Also, if fill is added, it should be compacted, to avoid shrinkage and voids underneath.

Another important issue is the amount of water that is added to the concrete. When excessive amounts of water are added to concrete, the concrete becomes weak. When you see concrete being poured and it looks like water, this is a problem. It is usually the result of ignorance or just downright laziness. On commercial jobs this has actually become such a bone of contention, that the "slump" or wetness of the concrete will often be specified in the contract. Normally no water is added without approval by a test man.