Concreters can perform a wide range of residential, commercial and civil concreting services. They can handle anything from concrete floor polishing to house foundations. You can find local Concreter Launceston in your area on hipages.
Until recently, concrete only came in one shade: natural grey. But now you can customise your exposed aggregate surface with staining.
Exposed Aggregate Concrete
Concrete is a versatile building material that can be used for many different projects, including driveways, footpaths, patios, and retaining walls. It can be poured in various shapes and textures, and can also be stained or stencilled to create decorative designs. One type of concrete that is becoming increasingly popular is exposed aggregate concrete.
Exposed aggregate is a tough and slip-resistant material that can be used on a variety of flat surfaces. Its unique appearance comes from a mix of coarse aggregates embedded in the concrete. The resulting surface is durable and easy to clean, and can be made in a variety of colours and finishes.
Exposed aggregate concrete can also be sealed to protect it from harsh weather and dirt, and to prevent staining, dusting, wear, and mould growth. Regular sealing will help your exposed aggregate concrete look new for years to come.
Stamped Concrete
When compared to bricks and stonework, this style of concrete is more affordable. It also provides a wide range of design options, which can complement or match your existing pavers and stones. It is a great choice for patios, pool decks, driveways, walkways and courtyards.
After the concrete has cured, an experienced contractor uses large stamps that are pre-loaded with powdered color additive to press a decorative look into the soft concrete surface. This can include textures and patterns that mimic the appearance of stone, wood or tile.
Slip resistance is another benefit of stamped concrete, which can be treated with a non-skid additive for added safety and protection from the elements. Once the stamped concrete is installed, it should be washed regularly to remove dirt and debris. It should also be resealed every two to three years to protect it from moisture, stains and the elements. The concrete is less prone to cracking than other materials and is easy to maintain.
Concrete Slabs
Concrete slabs can be used for a variety of construction projects, including house and shed foundations, driveways, footpaths and carports. Concreters can advise on the best type of concrete for local conditions, taking into consideration factors like insulation and termite resistance.
Concreters can also lay coloured concrete, which allows homeowners to add a splash of colour to their outdoor spaces. This is achieved by mixing water, aggregates, cement and your chosen pigment to create a unique tone for concrete paths, patios and driveways.
Before laying new concrete, concreters will prepare the area by excavating and levelling the ground. They may also install damp-proofing and insulation. Once the base is ready, they’ll order a concrete delivery and pour it using form guides. The concrete will then set and be finished with a broom for rough surfaces or a trowel for smoother floors. For added durability, a concrete sealant can be applied. Concrete can also be polished or stained for a more decorative finish.
Concrete Foundations
A concrete foundation is what supports the entire structure, so it’s critical that it’s strong and durable. Unlike wood foundations, which can be infested by termites and must be topped with a rot-resistant barrier, concrete provides a solid base that’s resistant to moisture, pests and rot.
A slab foundation consists of a single layer of concrete poured directly on the ground and is an ideal choice for mild climates. It can also be topped with concrete block walls or framed to create a basement or crawl space.
Laying a concrete foundation requires careful planning and execution. It begins with clearing the construction site using land-clearing equipment and excavation tools, then placing formwork to create the shape of the foundation according to engineering specifications. Once the concrete is poured and allowed to cure, the formwork must be removed carefully. From slab-on-grade foundations to frost-protected foundations, each type of concrete foundation adapts to varying soil conditions and structural requirements.