Concrete is an unforgiving material that demands precision, skill, and experience. Small mistakes can lead to significant flaws, so choosing expert concrete contractors is crucial for building developers, landscape architects, general contractors, and owners.
With that being said, here are 11 things your contractor should consider.
1. Concrete Samples & Mockups
- Design Approval: Verify the aesthetic aligns with your vision.
- Accountability: Ensure the contractor delivers quality work.
- Expectation Setting: Avoid surprises by clarifying details upfront.
2. Adherence to ADA Regulations
- Proven Experience: Look for a track record of successful ADA-compliant projects.
3. Jointing Layouts
- Isolation Joints: Installed at all adjoining surfaces to manage movement.
- Control Joints: Placed at correct depths and spacing to control crack locations.
- Decorative Joints: Added as desired to enhance aesthetics.
4. Elevation and Slopes
- Drainage
- Structural Stability
5. Subgrade Preparation
- Material: Is there a Granular Base?
- Uniform Compaction: Prevent settling and cracking.
- Adequate Moisture: For proper compaction and curing.
- Uniform Thickness: Consistent thickness across the concrete pour.
6. Mix Designs
- Strength and Durability Requirements
- Accelerators or Retarders: Used if necessary for curing time adjustments.
- Correct Aggregates and Additives: For the desired finish.
- Testing for Slump, Air Entrainment, and Compressive Strength
7. Forming
- Proper Height and Alignment
- Appropriate Surface Texture: Forms should match the desired finish.
- Proper Slopes for Drainage
- ADA-Compliant Ramps and Platforms: Includes truncated domes where required.
8. Reinforcement
- Wire Mesh or Rebar
- Fiber Mesh
- Slip Dowels & Baskets: For expansion and contraction movements.
- Electrical Bonding Near Water
9. Placing and Finishing
- Protect Adjacent Surfaces: Shield from concrete splatter.
- Proper Slump, Screeding, Floating, and Troweling
- Consistent Surface Textures: Whether it’s broomed, Sandscape, or Exposed Aggregate.
10. Final Acid Wash, Cure, and Seal
- Final Acid Wash: For a consistent Sandscape or Exposed Aggregate finish.
- Apply Curing Membranes
- Final Clean and Seal: Finishing touch to set your concrete apart.
11. Protection from Foot Traffic
- Durable Products: Select products suitable for high-traffic areas.
- Timing: Ensure concrete reaches at least 75% of its design strength before allowing vehicular traffic.
If anything, know this…
By choosing a concrete contractor who considers these 11 things, you can guarantee a higher-quality outcome on your project.
Since 1947, we’ve built our reputation on integrity and dedication to getting things done right. Our dedication to integrity, backed by our process-oriented training through Bomanite, are conscious choices we make to follow our mission.
Looking for more guidance on specifying a qualified concrete contractor? Check out our blog post, “Specifications Causing You Headaches?” for tips on setting yourself up for success. For any other questions, contact our team! We’re here to help.
