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Five Reasons To Seal and Finish Your Sidewalks

We usually think of wood and plastic when it comes to frequently used materials in the world. However, concrete is quickly becoming one of the most popular items used, especially for sidewalks found everywhere. For businesses, protecting their investment is a priority. When it comes to sidewalks,  it’s essential to finish and seal them to get the most extended lifespan possible. Here are a few reasons why you need to consider concrete sealing.

Stops Mold Growth

Concrete is a porous substance, which creates the likelihood of mold formation. Excess moisture will build-up without protecting your sidewalks. Even smaller cracks can be the culprit of mold growth that could turn your property into an unsightly green color.  Keeping your sidewalks sealed will prevent cracking that eventually lead to mold overtaking your entire sidewalk. You want extra moisture out? Get it sealed.

Durability 

In most areas of the United States, extreme weather is not uncommon. High or low temperatures and various kinds of precipitation can take a beating to your sidewalk.  Again, cracking can become an issue as well as compromising its overall structure. Concrete sealing provides an answer for the sustainability of your sidewalks for years to come!  Taking this extra step can eliminate additional maintenance and unnecessary expenses. In any region you live in, you’ll feel confident that concrete sealing is your answer for the protection you need.

Longer Lifespan

Could there be a better reason than longer lifespan as a reason why you should consider concrete sealing? Concrete already has a better than average lifespan, but it is still susceptible to cracking, mold formation, and losing its luster. Damage to concrete is usually created because of an excess of moisture or water penetration. Applying a sealer to your sidewalk essentially makes it waterproof, meaning you’ll reap the benefits of a functional sidewalk for decades.

Aesthetically Appealing 

Unfortunately, concrete can become discolored when it is exposed to extreme weather. The result can make sidewalks look lifeless, old, and unappealing to anyone who sees it. It’s often said that you don’t get a second chance to make a great first impression. The same statement holds water when you are the owner of any property. When you have a business, first impressions are critical to the long-term success of your operation. You want potential customers to feel good about what they see.  When you choose concrete sealing, any additional water, sunlight, or mold will be far less likely to get down deep inside your sidewalk. A beautiful exterior for years to come awaits!

Lifelong Insurance!

Concrete sealing will make your sidewalks unable from being stained. It’s almost impossible for spills to happen along any sidewalk, but you won’t have to worry about damage or any fading that could occur. Concrete sealing is meant to serve as a permanent solution to eliminate any possible breakdown in the structure.

Sealing and finishing your concrete will involve a small investment, but the long term benefits will undoubtedly put money in your pocket. When you want a long-lasting solution for your sidewalks, there are tremendous benefits when it comes to concrete sealing. Concrete is an essential substance in the world of construction, but it also needs to be appropriately maintained. Consider these reasons before you decide to forgo on this necessary task.

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How to Maintain Concrete: Everything You Need to Know

For centuries, concrete has been the prime choice building material for all sorts of projects, including sidewalks, parking lots, bridges, and roads, among others. This widely used building material is basically a highly refined mixture of coarse aggregate and meticulously formulated additives that enhance strength and durability. Nevertheless, that doesn’t necessarily mean that concrete is maintenance-free. The following are some helpful tips on how you can achieve concrete minatenance in the sidewalks and parking lot:

1. Clean concrete surfaces annually

The commonest stains that you’ll find on your concrete parking lot are grease, oil, and anti-freeze stains. These stains are usually caused by radiator fluid and oil drizzling from the cars that drive into your facility on a daily basis. Anything from automotive leaks to birds’ droppings and fallen leaves can ruin the aesthetic appeal of your concrete parking lot.

For a business that caters to a discerning clientele, it is imperative that the stains be washed out from time to time. The Florida Concrete & Products Association recommends that stains on concrete surfaces be cleaned off at least once per year. An annual cleaning will not only rejuvenate your facility’s appearance, but it will also extend the life of the top layer.

2. Seal concrete joints annually

Concrete joints, also known as control/contraction/expansion joints, are usually placed in concrete slabs to prevent random cracking when concrete shrinks or expands due to changes in temperature. To ensure that the joints keep your parking lot structurally sound, they have to be sealed.

Most experts recommend that concrete joints be sealed at least once per year. This can help to keep fluids, water and debris from infiltrating and damaging the sub layers of your concrete sidewalks or parking lot. Ensure that the sealer used for joint sealing allows vapor to escape from within the concrete.

3. Repair cracks and potholes Instantly

Even when you keep up with annual cleaning and joint sealing, some cracking is inevitable in due course. Age and regular use will ultimately wear down concrete, letting grime and water inside. The more debris and moisture, the flimsier the concrete sidewalks or parking lot will become, leading to more cracking and deeper potholes.

Besides being aesthetically unappealing, big cracks and potholes can also affect the performance and reduce the lifespan of your concrete. It’s therefore advisable that you have concrete repairs and resurfacing done as soon as you notice signs of wear and tear. You can also have a paving contractor perform structural inspections periodically to determine the condition of the structural elements. Doing so will enable you to know whether your concrete surfaces need repair or repaving.

4. Repaint concrete periodically

After some years, the striping in your parking lot will wear away and make traffic markings and spot divisions hard to see. Repainting the stripping will make the traffic patterns visible for both pedestrian and drivers. This will not only ensure that everyone that visits your property gets to move safely, but it will also give your sidewalks or parking lot a fresh look. In fact, repainting your concrete is the simplest and inexpensive way to add the wow factor to your business premises.

When you are a business owner, your parking is an extension of your business. Therefore, its state will say a lot about your business. Keeping your parking lot and the sidewalks in good shape will not only boost the curb appeal of your facility, but it will also enhance safety for pedestrians and vehicles traveling across it.

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Hot Weather Concreting: How to Avoid the Problems that it Presents

The Perils of Concreting During
Hot Weather And How To Avoid Them

Hot weather concrete pouring can cause a myriad of problems. Many people think it is just about the heat itself but there is more to it than that. Many factors affect the quality and success of concreting during hot weather conditions. Hot weather, as defined by ACI 305R is any combination of the following:

  • High ambient temperature above 90 degrees
  • High concrete temperature
  • Low relative humidity
  • High wind speed
  • Solar radiation

The heat is not the problem as concrete cures through hydration and not temperature. However, when the concrete becomes hotter than 77 degrees, it speeds up the hydration timing. If the concrete isn’t hydrated properly, it will be weak, crack easily and be more susceptible to damage from freezing and thawing. Construction crews must prepare for hot weather concrete placement.

Ways to Prepare for Pouring Concrete in “Hot Weather”

  • Crews should avoid pouring the concrete during the hottest part of the day. Tracking hour by hour temps can assist with this determination. It is also wise to avoid extreme temperature changes. Pouring concrete on a hot day when followed by a cool night can cause thermal cracking to ensue.
  • A team of workers should be available to ensure that the work is finished quickly and efficiently. Truck delivery should occur early in the day and a group of laborers ready to start immediately. Check for any potential delays so that the task will be completed in a timely manner.
  • Sunshades, windbreaks or mist fogging can be used to protect and slow down the process of the concrete curing too quickly.
  • Extended set additive, moderate heat cement and blended cements can provide solutions to pouring concrete in difficult conditions.
  • Keeping concrete in the shade before pouring or using an evaporative retarder may help as well.
  • Once the water is added to the mix, reduce the mixing time.
  • Ice or cold water can be added to the mixture to cool down the concrete. Cold water can reduce the heat of the concrete by about 10 degrees and ice by approximately 20 degrees.
  • If a slab is being poured, putting cool water on the sub-grade is another neat trick.
  • Control-joints can be spaced closer together to aid in strengthening.
  • Steel Fiber Concrete can be used to make slabs to add after walls and roofs are built out. Adding steel fiber to concrete has advantages and disadvantages so do your homework before choosing this method.
  • Extreme weather conditions may require the infusion of liquid nitrogen into the mixers. This solution can be costly as there are concerns about damage to blades and precautions must be taken.
  • There are several curing methods that can be used. Understanding these methods directly impacts how successful your curing process is.  Concrete companies will want to have a plan ahead of time as to the correct method for each individual situation and to follow through with recommended procedures.

Setting concrete in difficult situations is a complicated process. However, with a little research and a lot of preparation, a concrete job can have favorable results.

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7 Advantages of Choosing a Concrete Parking Lot for your Business

Don’t underestimate the value of a great parking lot to your business. From prospective clients to potential employees, your parking lot is a big part of the first impression your building makes. Obviously, you want that impression to be a good one. An adequate number of spaces is just the beginning. The parking lot should also be a safe environment for guests.

Asphalt is a popular car park material. It is inexpensive and quick to install. Smart business owners think long-term, however. More and more companies are choosing a concrete parking lot instead. Here are seven reasons to consider a concrete parking lot, even if the bid is a little higher:

 

1. Stronger

Concrete is far more durable than asphalt. It keeps its form without buckling even under the weight of heavy traffic and heavier vehicles. If you expect high traffic or visits from a lot of trucks, concrete is the material that can take the beating.

 

2. Longer-Lasting

As a business owner, you have a keen eye to “return on investment.” A lower price tag is not a great value if the product has to be replaced in half the time or less than the pricier option. In this case, concrete lasts far longer than asphalt, making it a better investment long-term.

 

3. Better-Looking

Don’t forget that crucial first impression. Even a basic concrete parking lot typically looks better than its asphalt cousins. Better yet, concrete can be textured, colored, and decorated to create a unique, appealing aesthetic customized to your business.

 

4. Better for the Environment

Most of the materials in concrete are natural and chemical-free. “Sustainable concrete,” which contributes to a stable rainwater cycle, is available as well. In the summer heat, asphalt parking lots soften and seep oils and chemicals, becoming unpleasant and unsafe to walk on. A concrete parking lot absorbs less heat, which keeps the office park from turning into a “heat island” that damages the local flora and fauna.

 

5. Low-Maintenance

Asphalt requires annual service and preventative maintenance. Concrete parking lots need service far less frequently. If you have enough to keep you busy at your company without having to schedule service calls every year, a concrete parking lot is the way to go.

 

6. Better Lighting

Asphalt is black or dark gray because it absorbs more light than it reflects. In contrast, concrete reflects three times as much light as asphalt. This reflected light reduces the amount of electric light required to keep the parking lot well-lit. A well-lit parking lot is crucial for safety, as it deters crime. Easy lighting also reduces electric bills.

 

7. Long-Term Cost Savings

Lower utility bills. Less maintenance. Longer lasting. You can probably see a pattern emerging. Yes, the initial installation cost can be higher and more time-consuming. Over the long term, however, the costs associated with a concrete parking lot can actually be a lot lower than an asphalt one, in terms of both cash and time expenditure.

 

 

Installing or replacing a parking lot is a critical investment in the life of a business. Remember, the best solution isn’t always the least pricey solution. From eco-friendliness to cost savings, consider the long-term advantages of a concrete parking lot.

 

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Common Concrete Issues

Concrete is a common material used due to its durability and versatility. Under the right conditions, it is a sustainable material. But, there are numerous common concrete problems, which can prevent concrete from attaining its longevity. Recognizing these problems and understanding the solutions can improve the overall performance of concrete. The common concrete problems include dusting, blistering, plastic shrinkage cracking, discoloration, and scaling.

Dusting

Dusting on concrete occurs when a hardened concrete surface appears as a powdery material. Laitance, which is a layer of cement, water, and fine aggregates is the primary reason why dusting occurs on concrete. The laitance layer is weak, porous, and thin. As a result, the laitance makes the hardened concrete surface vulnerable and weak.

Other reasons why dusting appears include improper cure of the concrete surface, exposing the concrete to carbon dioxide while it is in a plastic state, and conducting finish operation on the concrete surface while it still has bleed water—this is water that separates itself from the concrete.

To avoid these problems, proper concrete curing procedures should always be followed; equipment that produces carbon dioxide should always be vented while the surface is in the plastic state, and the finishing operation should always be conducted on the concrete surface after bleed water has been removed.

Blistering

Blistering appears on a hardened or fresh concrete surface as bumps. These blisters occur when bleeding water or entrapped air rises to the sealed concrete surface. Blistering of concrete surfaces is problematic, as it causes the concrete to break easily under stresses like traffic. Other reasons why blistering occurs include excessive or inadequate use of vibration during concrete compaction, setting concrete surfaces over the vapor barrier, and sealing the concrete surface early.

To prevent blistering from occurring, appropriate concrete compaction procedures have to be followed, if possible, concrete should not be placed over vapor barriers, and trowel blades must be kept flat at all times to avoid sealing the concrete surface early.

Plastic Shrinkage Cracking

Plastic shrinkage cracking occurs when a crack appears on fresh, hardened concrete surfaces. Like the name suggests, these cracks develop while the surface is still in the plastic state. These cracks occur when the concrete surface experiences a rapid loss of water before it sets. Although plastic shrinkage cracking is an aesthetics issue and not a structural issue, these cracks end up allowing chemicals to penetrate the surface, and this can result in structural problems later on.

The loss of water on concrete surfaces can occur due to several reasons like low relative humidity, high winds, and high concrete temperature or ambient air. To avoid these conditions, ensure you use fog spraying equipment, windscreens and windbreaks should be installed, and always avoid placing concrete at midday.

Discoloration

Discoloration of concrete can occur due to various reasons like material exposure, weather conditions, and even the curing time. Although concrete discoloration may look aesthetically unpleasing, there are numerous ways you can repair these issues. The first method is using a concrete cleaner. These will help give the concrete a better and natural look. If that does not work, you consider using a concrete stain.

Scaling

Scaling on concrete surfaces occurs when the surfaces start to chip or flake away. This is usually because of freeze-thaw, water seepage, poor concrete finishing, or weak concrete surfaces. To repair scaling issues, use trowel-grade light coat, as it helps fill the scaled area. Also, ensure that you seal your concrete at all times, as this helps to reduce scaling significantly.