A Few Concrete Suggestions

Up until a few years ago, my professional experience was in industries including retail, energy, health care, and fast food. In 1996 circumstances and opportunity led me into the manufacturing, marketing, and installation of products used for Floor Warming, Total Space Heating, Roof Snow and Ice Melting and Snow and Ice Melting of driving and walking surfaces.

Since three out of the four applications for my company's products may be installed into new pour cementitious material like concrete, I quickly determined two things: first, that anything embedded into cementitious materials is only as good as that cementitious material; and second, that the long term happiness and satisfaction of my many of my customers was dependent on the integrity and quality of the work of others. What I did not know, but I have since discovered, is that not all concrete work is of the same quality and that while my company's heating element carries a 25 year warranty, concrete warranties are generally relatively short. As a result of this discrepancy in horizons, I quickly determined that if I wanted to be successful I needed to learn more about concrete, its installation, and the preparation required to insure a high quality job.

Since making that determination I have been fortunate enough to have the opportunity to observe and evaluate many new concrete pours and examine a lot of very old, yet still perfectly good, concrete. As a result of these opportunities I have noted several things that exceptional concrete professionals routinely do and I am convinced that these things, along with high quality materials, result in superior concrete projects. For more information go to : http://www.warmquest.com

Please note that I am not a concrete professional and that my motivations for writing this article are limited to attempting to insure that:

a) your concrete will look as good as possible and last for many years in the future; and,

b) if you elect to install my company's snow and ice melt products, or anyone else's for that matter, it is able to serve its intended purpose for many years to come.

Now for a Few Concrete Suggestions:

Professionals: Always use professionals that have a proven track record and willingly provide creditable references.

Dry Base: Make certain that the ground below where the new asphalt, concrete or pavers will be located is as dry as possible. It is recommended that it be covered whenever there is a risk of a storm for one to two weeks prior to the pour.

Excavation: Be sure that your excavation is deep enough to accommodate the desired thickness of the cementitious material, the depth of a sand bed if the heating cable is being installed under the cementitious material, the thickness of the insulation, and the depth of the aggregate base necessary for proper drainage.

Compaction: Proper compaction is essential and must be given a great deal of care.

Make certain that the entire area to be covered by the cementitious material is completely and properly compacted.

Drainage: In order to have proper drainage and to reduce the likelihood of vertical shifting of the cementitious material, a minimum of 6 inches of high quality aggregate should be laid over the entire area, plus one foot around the perimeter.

Reinforcement: In order to enhance the integrity of the cementitious material, reinforcement materials must always be considered as part of the installation.

Examples of reinforcement materials include fibers in concrete, welded wire fabric, plastic lath, etc.

Insulation: Insulation under concrete and pavers is a two edged sword. On the one hand, it acts as a good moisture barrier, reduces the response time of your snowmelt or heating system, and saves money by reducing operating time. On the other hand, insulation does not allow the heat from the ground to get into the asphalt, concrete, or pavers.

Geometric Shapes: Concrete tends to break into a square geometric shape. As a result I recommend that concrete be poured in square sections no larger than 9.5 feet X 9.5 feet. Pouring other geometric shapes without additional joints almost always results in undesirable cracks at undesirable locations. Each square must always have a joint on each of its four sides.

Jumpers: It does not matter what kind of joint is in the concrete, the heating element should never be allowed to run through it. Always jumper under or around any and all joints.

Thickness: I recommend that the following thickness be observed:

Concrete 5 or more inches
Asphalt 4 or more inches
Pavers 4 or less inches

Suggested Mix: A six-bag mix with fiber or steel reinforcement should always be used when pouring concrete unless the structural or traffic profile requires a different mix.

I am confident that by following the above concrete suggestions you will be rewarded with concrete that looks good and lasts for many years. In the event you purchase a snow melting system and follow the above concrete suggestions you will increase the likelihood that the heating cable is able to perform for years to come by reducing the possibility that it will get damaged or broken by vertical or horizontal movement of the material in which it is embedded.

Larry Lentz

---

Home Remodeling: Colors and Temperature Perception

Colors contain underlying psychological meanings and evoke particular feelings when... Read More

Choosing a Home Construction or Remodeling Contractor

Choosing the right Contractor is the most important aspect of... Read More

What is Injection Waterproofing?

Injection waterproofing is often used to fill and seal cracks... Read More

Fixer-Uppers: What To Fix

You've bought a house, a fixer-upper you can make some... Read More

Poster, Print or Painting - Where Are You Going To Put It?

If you are redesigning or decorating a room, or house,... Read More

Home Floor Plan Designing For Your Future Home

Designing Your Own Dream Home for the New Home Builder:... Read More

Create a Joyful Home with Living Accessories: Houseplants

Houseplants can be soothing because of their visual impact. Besides... Read More

Warm Up the Night! Patio Heaters and Fire Pits

In some areas right now, the weather is ideal for... Read More

Do You Have a Master Bedroom? You Shouldnt! Tips for Remodeling Your Bedroom

The word "master" is an antiquated term that suggests control,... Read More

Would You Steel Your Household Appliances

Would you steel your appliances? That is a question many... Read More

Why Is Your House Cold?

How many of you have experienced this situation? As the... Read More

Remodeling Your Home: How Much Is Too Much?

The classic way for homeowners to increase the value of... Read More

Improving Your Bottom Line Through Vastu

The design of your office and home has a great... Read More

Basement Dehumidifiers

Basements are the most common location for dehumidifiers. Because of... Read More

Marketing For The Home Builder

When one is looking into marketing for the home builder,... Read More

Home Inspection: A Doctor Visit for Your Home

Has your house had a check up yet?Home inspection is... Read More

If You Think Mold and Mildew Hibernate During The Winter, Think Again!

If You Think Mold and Mildew Hibernate During The Winter,... Read More

What To Look For In Persian Rugs

Selecting a Persian rug can be a daunting task for... Read More

Wall Oven - A Necessity For The Disabled

Wall ovens, available in electric and gas forms, are best... Read More

Change The Style Of Your Interior With A Minimum Of Costs

The style of your interior depends for a great part... Read More

Kitchen Remodeling Guide

A kitchen can make or ruin a family life. A... Read More

Save Time & Money Doing Your Own Basic Electric Wiring

Hiring a professional electrician can be very expensive and is... Read More

Choosing the Right House Plan

Now that you have made that bold decision to build... Read More

How to Select Exterior Shutters

Installing exterior shutters is a relatively quick way to add... Read More

Planning Kitchen Remodeling

Planning kitchen remodeling If you are planning to remodel your... Read More

Planning Your Replacement Windows Installation

Windows are the eyes of a home. From inside, you... Read More

Unique and Imaginative Wall Storage Ideas

Everyone can use more organization in their lives (except those... Read More

Breaking Away from White Wall Paint

Paint is one of the most affordable and easiest ways... Read More

Reuse Works for the Workshop

The workshop is a great place for reusing items formally... Read More

Installing Drywall: Mudding and Taping

Installing Drywall, or hanging drywall as the professionals usually refer... Read More

Roller Blinds

What is behind the popularity of roller blinds. Is it... Read More

The Techno-Witch and Magickal Appliances

My favourite episode of Bugs Bunny is the one where... Read More

Seven Interior Design Psychology Ideas for Dining Pleasure

A separate dining room adds glamour, elegance, and excitement to... Read More