DIY home remodeling and reconstruction projects can be really rewarding, given that they are done properly. If not handled the right way, there’s always the possibility that a home construction project can turn into a nightmare. Case in point: any reconstruction work that involves concrete. Experts have enlisted some common mistakes that happen during DIY concrete reconstruction work. If you have taken up a concrete task, avoid the following mistakes:
Picking the wrong type of concrete
Not all construction projects require the same type of concrete. And this is the most common mistake committed by homeowners while working on DIY reconstruction projects. Picking the wrong type of concrete means the entire project might turn into a disaster.
Using the wrong water-to-concrete ratio
Another common mistake during DIY projects is using the wrong water-to-concrete ratio. A right consistency of the concrete mix is essential for every construction project. If you have laid down a driveway with a thin concrete mix, then be ready for crack and chips in no time. You can do a slump test before applying the mix. If you don’t know what a slump test is, consult any good concrete contractor to find out.
Carrying out the entire project alone
Any home improvement project that involves concrete should not be taken up by a single individual. Apart from being a time-sensitive project, concrete constructions also go through many phases. From building an even form to rightly curating the newly assembled construction and then the eventual sealing, one has to take care of all these phases to get the desired result. Therefore, it is always better to have a helping hand when trying to wrap up a DIY project on your own.
Concrete form miscalculations
Building concrete forms is not a mean task. An uneven and disjointed form will mess up the entire construction. Besides seeping all the aesthetic value out of the concrete construction, a faulty form can also make the concrete constructions more vulnerable to cracks, chips and weather deterioration.
Moreover, removing concrete forms too early can also affect the construction. Early removal of concrete forms can result in cracks in the construction. In the worst case scenario, the concrete can also fall apart with the early removal of form.
No reinforcement in place
Concrete constructions without reinforcement can’t serve for long. It has been noted that many DIY concrete projects don’t use reinforcements. If you are not doing a makeshift construction, reinforce it with a relevant reinforcement material. Good concrete contractors usually use steel and fiber to extend the operational life of concrete constructions.
Overdoing the screed
Many homeowners get too finicky while doing DIY concrete projects. For instance, they go overboard with the screeding of the applied concrete. Leveling the concrete more than what’s necessary can result in early scaling and cracking in the construction.
Forget the sealing
Sealing is an important final touch in concrete construction projects. An unsealed concrete construction wears more quickly.
If you don’t want to take up concrete projects because of the possibility of any above-mentioned slip-ups, contact Flat Rock Concrete Construction Inc. We provide first-rate concrete construction services for residential and commercial buildings.
Give Flat Rock Concrete Construction, Inc. a call at (248) 379-0250 or (586) 726-6091 to get started today!