Whether you’re building a patio in your backyard or adding a paved walkway to your front door, nothing works better than concrete. While every residential concrete project is unique, the process for pouring the material is largely the same, regardless of the size of the space. The team at Piedmont Concrete Finishing Co. in High Point, NC, wants to help you create a long-lasting surface. They’ve put together a few tips to help you properly handle concrete pouring at your home.

Make sure you:

• Consider the Season: Weather conditions can impact everything from preparation to curing times, so you’ll want to find a week when the risk of severe weather is moderate and moisture levels are relatively low. Use plastic sheeting to protect your wet concrete from any upcoming storms, and allow extra time for the curing process to finish in times of high humidity.
• Prepare the Space Properly: Before pouring anything on your site, you’ll need to prepare the space properly. Dig up any grass and large rocks in the area, and level the space as much as possible. Then, spread a layer of gravel within the area, and press it down with a tamper. This gives the concrete the ability to move and reduces the risk of moisture cracks over time. Once the base is ready, you can pour the concrete.
• Don’t Neglect the Finish: Smooth concrete may look great, but it can be a safety hazard after a rainstorm. Instead of leaving the surface smooth, give it a bit of texture. Use a stiff-bristle broom to add grooves to the surface. This creates a naturally slip-resistant texture quickly, keeping you and your guests safe on the slab.
• Let It Cure Fully: Residential concrete sets quickly, but it’s important to give the slab time to cure completely after pouring before you use it. Placing strain on the concrete when it hasn’t cured completely can lead to cracks and flaking.
• Hire a Professional: While pouring residential concrete is something almost any homeowner can do, it may cost you more in the long run. When you install concrete yourself, there’s always the chance you didn’t prepare the space properly or caused poor drainage underneath the surface, damaging your patio or walkway. Hiring a professional ensures everything is installed properly the first time, reducing your risk of costly repair work down the road.

Let the team at Piedmont Concrete Finishing Co. handle your upcoming residential concrete project. Their experienced contractors can do everything from utilitarian driveway installations to decorative walkways designed to add value to your home. Visit their website for more information on their services, and see the difference professional concrete installation can make. Call (336) 434-2181 to schedule a free estimate today.