Proper concrete mixing at the outset eliminates hours of frustration, not to mention costly re-dos. This way, you can avoid making these top 5 mistakes:
- Adding Too Much Water
One large temptation is to add more water for better mixing, but this seriously weakens the strength of concrete. Anymore than that will cause the mix to be runny and break easily; it also needs more drying time. Follow the mixing instructions and water-cement ratio on your mix bag.
- Inconsistent Mixing
This leaves dry pockets and lumps that will weaken the mixture. Mix well for at least three to five minutes, make sure there are no dry bits of powder left in the mixture. You want a smooth, lump free batter.
- Ignoring Weather Conditions
In cold weather or hot weather you will see differences in the curing time and final strengths of concrete. When it is hot, evaporation happens quickly whereas cold weather can cause setting time to take forever. When you can, plan your project around a season of moderate temperatures. For Concrete Gloucester, visit https://www.monstermixconcrete.co.uk
- Using Dirty Tools and Containers
Old concrete residue is a culprit for future batches that cause alignment problems. Between mixes, make sure to clean tools well. Your end product should be smooth, and even minor debris can make a weak spot.
- Poor Measurement Practices
When we eyeball our measurements, there is no way to achieve consistency. Spend more on better measuring and be precise in following machine vs. water ratios. This way you’ll enjoy uniform strength and appearance through several batches.
By forsaking these common mistakes for better-quality mixes, contractors will need less repair work and they’ll get their projects done right the first time. Invest the few extra minutes it takes to properly mix — your future self will thank you.
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