Whether you’re constructing a new house or you’re repairing an existing one, getting a professional to install your concrete slab is important. The installation process is complicated, and there are many factors to consider. These include the interior support structure, damage from soil expansion, and proper water usage.
Proper water usage
Having the proper water usage when installing a concrete slab can be a big help in making sure that the finished product is sturdy and strong. A drier concrete mixture will make the slab stronger and more crack-resistant. The resulting slab will also have a much longer life.
It is important to note that concrete slabs can take up to a year to dry to the same level as they were poured. This time frame is based on the amount of moisture that is in the concrete.
One of the best ways to make sure that a concrete slab is cured properly is to use a vapor retarder. This will prevent water from seeping into the slab. It is also a good idea to use plywood underlayment for extra protection.
Interior support structure
Whether you are installing a prefabricated slab or building a concrete slab on your own, the interior support structure is an important aspect of your project. Having a properly designed and built support structure helps prevent serious problems down the road.
The interior support structure is often constructed with steel or concrete formwork. It is commonly used on low budget jobs and is becoming more popular on commercial building sites. Wooden planks are also commonly used. Often, these planks are left in the concrete permanently, but can be removed after the slab is set.
Depending on the design, the interior support structure is built on the floor, on a
foundation, or on a beam. The support beam should be sized for the opening. If the beam is not properly sized, it can cause serious problems.
Damage from soil expansion
Having expansive soil beneath a concrete slab foundation is a major cause for damage. These soils can expand or contract and can cause the slab to heave up or down. Expansive soils are common in areas that receive rain or snow. When the soil becomes wet, the clay minerals absorb water molecules, which then expand. When the soil is dry, the clay shrinks and the water molecules are re-absorbed. The resulting shrink / swell cycle is an unsustainable phenomenon.
Expansive soils are also prone to settling, cracking, and foundation damage. These problems are especially common in the southern United States and Western states.
These areas are prone to a wide variety of weather patterns that contribute to the problem.
Expansive soils may cause foundation damage because of their ability to absorb moisture. Moisture from plumbing leaks, roof runoff, and other sources can accumulate beneath a concrete slab and cause problems.
Improper installation
Whether you’re putting up a house or installing a concrete slab in a commercial building, it’s important to know how to properly install the slab. Improper installation can lead to damage, shortening the lifespan of your concrete slab.
Cracks are common on concrete slabs. They can be caused by several factors, from overworking the concrete to improper curing. It is important to repair any cracks as soon as they appear. The longer you wait, the harder it is to repair.
The most common cause of cracks on Concreters Ballarat slabs is excess moisture during the installation process. Water evaporating from the concrete can leave gaps, creating an unsightly surface.
When the excess moisture evaporates, the slabs contract, weakening the structure. Depending on the cause, the cracks can travel all the way through the slab.
Repairing an existing slab
Depending on the condition of the concrete, there are different ways to repair an existing concrete slab. However, repairing an uneven slab will not be a long-term solution. In many cases, the concrete needs to be completely destroyed so that it can be re-poured and repaired.
The first step to repairing an existing concrete slab is determining the depth of the crack. This will determine whether or not you need to add new concrete.
Another way to repair a crack is by injecting polyurethane or epoxy into the crack. The epoxy will seal the crack. However, this method may not work if the crack is deeper than a couple centimeters.
In addition to the epoxy injection method, there are other methods for repairing concrete slab cracks. These methods include scraping and surface filling.
