Concreating Projects Adelaide
If you’re planning on having concrete installed at your Adelaide home or business, there are some important points for you to consider. Many of us don’t know a great deal about this flexible material, beyond the fact that it is hard and grey, but all concrete is certainly not equal.
Besides the fact that this versatile wonder can create a vast assortment of products and styles, blends can be modified to achieve different results and you might hear some industry terms, which relate to the strength and application of your concrete.
It is advisable to learn about the preparation that underpins a concreting project; this way, you can ensure that your chosen contractor is up to scratch. When you are aware of the groundwork involved, it will be easy to identify if vital steps are being missed.
Read on, as we delve into some questions commonly asked by our valued customers in Adelaide.
MPa? PSI? What the … ?
MPa refers to megapascal—the metric unit expressing a material’s compressive strength or, in other words, its resistance to downward pressure. PSI is an acronym meaning ‘pounds per square inch’, which is just another unit of expression for compressive strength. In Australia, MPa is the most commonly used term.
The higher your concrete measures in megapascals, the stronger it will be. Choosing product of a higher MPa comes at an increased cost. Improved resistance to force is especially important for surfaces like home foundations, carparks and driveways.
In some instances, a structural engineer will dictate the required MPa of a surface but, a knowledgeable contractor will prescribe concrete of greater MPa, based on the intended use of your surface, or due to factors like high salinity in your area. At Adelaide City Concreting, our comprehensive consultation process ensures that we always prescribe the correct MPa for the required application.
Is all concrete prone to cracking?
The answer to this is complex; qualities inherent to concrete mean that it can easily crack, but the extent of this can be mediated by rigorous standards of preparation, installation and aftercare. If you have chosen a reputable and experienced business, like Adelaide City Concreting, to handle your project, any imperfections that appear will almost certainly be hairline fractures—thin cracks that are barely noticeable and which do not interfere with the material’s structural integrity.
If a contractor tells you that their job won’t crack, be wary. Water is a component of concrete, meaning that it shrinks as it cures, as some water evaporates; this process creates a build-up of pressure and, because concrete is solid and inelastic, small cracks can occur.
Hairline cracks are no reflection of inferior workmanship or subpar materials but, if extensive cracking develops and the surface appears uneven, it is worth calling your contractor to have it assessed.
What kind of preparation underpins concrete installation?
There are important steps that your contractor can take to safeguard the integrity of your new surface. First, the ground will need to be properly prepared—the subgrade should be firmly compacted, with no less than ten centimetres of gravel.
It is important that control joints are spaced over the subgrade at regular intervals; these are metal items, of various shapes, which provide for movement in the concrete and regulate cracking.
Steel mesh is another crucial component of any project. A mesh grid is placed on the subgrade, providing a reinforcement for the concrete and resulting in a stronger, cohesive structure. It is important that the mesh is raised near to the surface, when concrete is poured, for it to work effectively.
Wet concrete should only be finished once all the surface water, or bleed water, is gone; finishing too early can compromise the surface appearance. Concrete is susceptible to salt damage and must be sealed with a professional-grade sealer.
At Adelaide City Concreting, we prepare our projects to exacting standards and use only the finest materials to ensure that each of our projects is structurally sound and finished to perfection.
The takeaway
Concrete can be a temperamental beast, however beautiful the finished product. Choosing Adelaide’s most-trusted concreting team will guarantee that your project is completed to superior standards. But, it is important to note that minor imperfections can appear, irrespective of your contractor’s skill level. If you have any further questions about the steps we take to create Adelaide’s finest concrete surfaces, contact Vinnie at Adelaide City Concreting today.