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How a Concrete Patio is Installed
March 21, 2022
Many homeowners get to a point when they want to add something extra to their backyard, such as a concrete patio. According to the Concrete Contractor Industry, the concrete market size grew to $66.6 billion in 2021. While it can be easy to add a concrete patio to your home on your own, there are many qualified professionals that can build a concrete patio in your backyard.
They Use A Gravel Base
A contractor ensures that the ground for the concrete patio is graded and level. They will create a bed of gravel to do this. Contractors use a gravel base to help when you live in an area that experiences freezing temperatures or have poor drainage. They will use a compacting machine to create a compact gravel base.
Pour Concrete Slab
The contractor dampens the gravel, places the concrete at one corner and then spreads it. Then, they pour the concrete against the form to compact it into the corners using a square shovel or mortar hoe.
Striking the Concrete Patio
The contractor levels the concrete to move strikeout across the form. After striking off, they use a Darby or bull float for the initial finishing. After that, they smooth down high spots and fill small hollows left after striking off.
Edging Concrete
If you want an edge the your concrete patio, the contractor runs a mason's trowel between the concrete and outer edges of the slab form. They most likely follow up with an edger.
Controlling Cracks by Joining Concrete
Concrete slabs will crack. To control the cracks in your patio, the contractor is going to set the joints with a 1" jointer.
Floating Concrete
Your contractor can float with wood or magnesium hand float before the surface becomes stiff. A magnesium hand float creates a smoother surface.
Drying Concrete
The last step is to dry the concrete. A concrete patio slab must be moist cured to prevent the surfaces from drying too quickly. It becomes weak, powdery, and crumbles if it dries too fast.
If you are considering having a concrete patio installed, it is helpful to know the steps the contractor is going to take. This gives you some insight as to what is happening with your patio. Contact a professional concrete patio installer today to find out how long it will take them to build your patio.
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