Pouring concrete is an interesting beast. Pouring concrete never gives us the same reaction on any given day. At McFall Masonry and Construction, we have probably poured concrete well over 3000 times and one thing stays the same, it’s always different.
When pouring concrete we have to take into consideration the weather every time we pour. Even a few degrees in temperature changes the way concrete will dry and how long it takes to dry. Humidity will change how concrete will dry and how it feels, meaning when we run our tools across the concrete to create the smooth finish on top, we can feel the concrete and how it feels to glide across. It’s always different with concrete and at McFall Masonry and Construction our crew members have years, even decades of experience to finish the concrete no matter what the weather is presenting us.
When we have windy conditions, the concrete can have what we would call very mushy feeling through the concrete, but it will try and dry on us at the surface. This can create a lot of problems when finishing the concrete. At McFall Masonry and Construction have experienced all weather conditions and many times, we know exactly what to do.
At times a potential customer may ask why we may be a little higher priced than another contractor, we do everything that needs to be done with preparation and pouring of concrete to ensure the highest quality of finish.
Many times customers will say to us, none of your crew speaks Spanish, this is because we at McFall masonry and Construction insist on hiring crewmembers who have lived there entire lives in this country and understand what our customers want. We understand your needs, we understand the engineering of concrete. This is so very important, do not assume because 5 men show up to your house with a truck and tools that they know what they are doing.
When you are looking for concrete home improvements to your home, please do your homework; look into what the preparation and finish of concrete should be on an engineered level. Ask the contractor questions–does the contractor give you instant answers? This is very important, a contractor should be able to literally glance over your yard, and tell you exactly what needs to be prepared for your concrete pour.
Let me suggest just a few things to ask: Does my project require an under base? What type of reinforcement goes into my concrete? How thick is my concrete? How strong is my concrete? How wet will my concrete be when beginning to pour the concrete? What preparation is given to the soil just before pouring concrete? How does the concrete drain? Will my patio furniture slant so much that I feel like I’m falling out of my chair?
DO NOT ASSUME THE CONTRACTOR WILL DO THE RIGHT THING, ASK QUESTIONS!
