A Guide to Concrete Floor Coating Methods and Techniques

November 28, 2014

Gone are the days of a concrete floor, or basement, or showroom base, being an uninteresting grey slab. Today, there are coatings or mix additives that provide an attractive, hardwearing and cost-effective product finish. No matter how old your concrete base is, it can be repaired and given a new lease of life. Below are some alternatives to turn your ugly grey slab into an attractive, long-term floor. Concrete Sealers Sealers fall into penetrating or film-forming categories. These include acrylics, polyurethanes, epoxies, hardeners and densifiers. Each has different properties, specific to what the base has been designed for, and the required…

ICF: The Potential Future of Home Builds

October 20, 2014

Though unheard of just a few years ago, it is now not possible to attend a building forum or even watch an episode of Grand Designs without hearing about the benefits of Insulated Concrete Formwork. So we take a look at what advantages this new method of house building provides, and the costs associated with it. What is ICF As an alternative to mainstream blockwork and timber frame, ICF uses Insulated Concrete Forms to provide the very structure of a new build. The initial structure is created using polystyrene moulds or forms which are then filled with ready-made concrete, creating the…

What is the World’s Largest Concrete Pour?

October 10, 2014

This year has seen a new record set for the largest ever continuous concrete pour, as part of the foundations of the new Wilshire Grand Center hotel and office complex were laid in Los Angeles. Previously, the record has been a contentious subject, with the pour for the foundations of Las Vegas’ Venetian hotel in 1997, recorded as 21,000 m³, and the 2007 pour for the foundation of the Landmark Tower in Abu Dhabi at 20,927 cubic yards, both laying claim to being the largest. Located in LA’s down-town financial district, the Wilshire, at 1,000 feet, will become the tallest building…

Concrete vs. Steel in Construction

August 25, 2014

It can be difficult to choose between concrete and steel before initiating any major construction, and ultimately the decision will be based on the needs of the project. Indeed, both materials are used extensively throughout the industry and their presence can be seen in nearly every structure built during the last century. While there are positive and negative aspects to each material, many astute builders will choose concrete over its steel counterpart. So, why is this the case? And what are some of the most profound advantages that are offered by concrete? Preparation Many will point to the fact that…

The History of Volumetric Concrete

July 30, 2014

Concrete is the one of the most ubiquitous materials in use by humans today, second only to water, and is the single most important component in construction work across the globe. However, despite being a major feature of the modern metropolitan landscape, concrete is no new invention. In fact, its roots can be traced back to the ancient world, where a number of separate civilizations, including the Babylonians and the Egyptians, combined some manner of bonding material (often clay) and water to form solid building blocks. Concrete in its modern form didn’t appear until the middle of the 18th century, when…

How to Stain a Concrete Floor

June 17, 2014

Staining a concrete floor is an excellent choice for people who want a more sophisticated look without the work of replacing the floor entirely. Concrete that has been stained appears luminous and attractive, and has much more depth and character than painted concrete. You can use a concrete stain to imitate the appearance of marble, stone or even stained wood. Best of all, the process is simple enough that almost anyone can do it themselves. If you’re renovating a basement, building an extension, or carrying out any other kind of project that requires you to lay a new floor, a concrete…

Roadmaster Concrete Mixers at Hillhead 2014

May 15, 2014

Hillhead is a biennial trade show held on site at Lafarge Tarmac’s Hillhead quarry, located off the A515 south of Buxton in the Peak District. The show focuses on heavy duty construction and quarrying equipment, and around 450 suppliers of plant and equipment will be exhibiting their products and services. This year, the show runs from the 24th to the 26th June, and takes place in a working quarry with large-scale demonstrations of working equipment. Most of the exhibits are outdoors, so it’s wise to wear appropriate clothing and suitable footwear. Hillhead 2014 Hillhead’s unique location permits the exhibition of equipment…

How to Avoid Cracks Forming in Concrete

April 30, 2014

Concrete is undoubtedly one of the strongest, most robust man-made materials available when it comes to construction or floor laying. But even the toughest things can become damaged over time or through heavy duty impact. Concrete often has to withstand a lot of traffic, either from people, vehicles or machinery, making it susceptible to cracks and other faults. This is largely inescapable. However, cracks can also form if your concrete is incorrectly mixed or laid, which is most definitely avoidable, so long as you’re aware of the reasons that might cause them to occur… Incorrect Mix One of the biggest…

Should you Refurbish or Replace your Mixing Truck?

March 15, 2014

With better materials and better construction technology, the modern volumetric concrete mixing truck is far more sturdy and reliable than in previous decades. However, this doesn’t mean that your truck won’t need replacing or refurbishing at some point, as with constant use there is an end of life for every truck. There are two options available to you depending on your situation. The first is that you can simply choose to have the truck refurbished; this can be done if the vehicle itself is still in good working condition and only the mixer needs replacing. The alternative, presumably because neither the…

Surface Preparation Guide for Concrete Floors

February 17, 2014

Concrete floors are the ideal option for many industrial and commercial environments, particularly where heavy machinery is involved. Some domestic premises can also benefit from the surface, such as in utility rooms, driveways and garages. Having a concrete floor laid is a job for professionals. However, once completed, treating and painting the surface can be carried out by anyone in possession of a decent DIY grounding, the correct equipment and a few useful tips… NB: It’s important to note that the advice below is based on concrete floors that do not need repairs to cracks or other damage. The tips are…