Top 5 Problems Concrete Contractors Face
Concrete is a preferred material to be used by contractors because of its versatility and reliability. Unfortunately, if the concrete material or equipment purchased is not of great quality, you can run into a lot of problems. Although avoidable, here are the top 5 problems concrete contractors face:
Discoloration
Concrete will generally remain the same color as long as you use the same mix, batch, and materials throughout the project. However, if any of these components are altered, it could cause concrete to discolor. Some other factors that could cause concrete discoloration includes if there has been excess water added to the mix, if there is poor workmanship and if calcium chloride is added to the mix.
Crazed Concrete
Another repeated issue concrete contractors face is crazing. Concrete crazinggenerally occurs on the surface and will reveal several fine cracks. Often times contractors are unable to see that the concrete in crazed until it starts to become damp and when the cement paste reaches the surface and begins to shrink. To avoid concrete crazing, use a broom finish and do not dust cement on the surface while water is still visible at the surface.
Cracking
One downfall to concrete is that it can crack pretty easily. Some common reasons for concrete cracking include the drying shrinkage, subgrade settlement, thermal contraction and amount of loads applied. However, if the crack is between 1/16” to ¼” and does not leak water, it is considered to be “acceptable.” For best results, you should consider investing in some of the best available equipment to avoid as many concrete mishaps as possible.
Scaling
Concrete scaling refers to when the surface of concrete breaks off to about 2 inches and continues to peel away. This will usually happen as a result of weak concrete, an inadequate curing producer, or exposure to freeze-thaw cycles.
Curling
During the process of pouring concrete, there is sometimes too much shrinkage at the bottom of the concrete after is has hardened which can lead to concrete curling. Concrete curling usually occurs due to variations in moisture and temperature between the top and bottom surfaces.
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