If you’re a DIYer, you know exactly how satisfying it is to do projects on your own, around the house or in your office. You save money, learn something new, and understand some things you used to take for granted. Of course, some projects are best left to the experts. We’re talking about electrical work, plumbing, and gas appliance repairs. If you want to get your hands dirty, work with concrete. Building your own driveway can be a rewarding project, but pay attention to safety.
If you need to do improvements, you may want to prepare the concrete yourself. But why bother? You should better purchase premixed concrete. Ready mix concrete is specifically manufactured for customers’ projects. It’s a combination of Portland and other types of cement, water, and aggregates (gravel, sand, or crushed stone). Ready mix concrete is typically used for foundations, walls, floors, basements, driveways, and footpaths, to name a few. Suppliers produce both dry and wet mixes. Dry mixes are usually available at local hardware stores.
Comparing Ready Mix and Site Mix Concrete
There are two main types of concrete, namely ready mix concrete and site-mix concrete. It’s essential that you select the right type for your project. As the name clearly suggests, ready mix concrete is ready for use. It’s typically sold by volume, expressed in cubic metres. Site-mix concrete, on the other hand, is prepared at the construction site. Different components are mixed in specific ratios to get the desired strength. It can be prepared by hand or using a mixer (continuous mixer, batch mixer, or drum mixer). Specific formulas are used to determine the exact amount of materials needed to obtain the desired consistency.
Ready mix concrete doesn’t require you to have any equipment on-site. It’s already mixed for you and delivered to your place. Site-mix concrete takes a long time to prepare because it involves numerous steps, and formulas, which need to be carefully considered. If you’re using ready mix concrete, waste is minimal. You’ll make less of a mess. What’s convenient is that ready mix concrete can be calculated as a single item or cost. Thus, you don’t have to account for all the individual components and labour. Ready-mix concrete offers a higher quality, and variation between batches is minimal.
According to the experts at Titan Concrete, ready mix concrete is most suitable for large projects that require a high volume. Nonetheless, you can use it for small projects, such as renovations, even if the concrete volume is significantly lower.
Before You Order Ready Mix Concrete, You Have to Provide the Supplier with Some Basic Information
To make sure your project achieves the best possible outcome, provide the ready mix concrete producer specific details. Here are some basic requirements to keep in mind when placing an order:
Select A Suitable Concrete Grade
One of the preferred methods for ordering ready mix concrete is by specifying performance requirements. The concrete grade impacts the quality and durability of the structure in the construction project. It’s selected based on the structural design requirements. Take into account the size of the coarse aggregate, slump, entrained air, and the quantity of concrete in cubic metres or cubic yards. The producer is best positioned to proportion, mix, and furnish the concrete for the desired performance. If you have questions or concerns, reach out to the supplier.
Know The Quantity of Ready Mix Concrete You Require
The delivered volume is calculated from the measured concrete density or unit weight. When calculating the volume of concrete for your order, use site measurements rather than drawings or plans. It’s a good idea to order 10% more ready mix concrete than estimated. This will account for over-excavation, waste spillage, loss of entrained air during placement, and change in volume.
Order Ready Mix Concrete In Advance
You should pour the ready delivered concrete in maximum 2 hours from the time you’ve received it. Schedule the delivery to accommodate your schedule. Give the producer your address and get an estimate on the delivery date. It’s recommended to place your order at least one week in advance. After taking the order, the dispatcher will repeat the order and give you a confirmation number. Orders placed after 3 p.m. may not be delivered until the next available delivery date. Ready mix concrete can’t be prepared on short notice due to other orders. Delays translate into lost time and money.
How Much Does Ready Mix Concrete Cost
The price varies from one ready mix concrete producer to the other. Prices differ by region, and you’ll have to pay a delivery fee. At any rate, you can’t ignore the cost. Create a budget for your project to ensure you’ll remain on target. Don’t make compromises when it comes to the cost of ready mix concrete. The only way you can get cheaper concrete is by purchasing subgrade concrete. There’s a risk of deterioration during wet weather. If you don’t want unpleasant surprises, buy quality, durable concrete. Otherwise, you’ll jeopardise the completion of your project.
Prepare Before the Ready Mix Concrete Arrives
If you plan accordingly, you can make the most of this convenient product. Find a suitable location for the ready mix concrete producer to park their truck. If the vehicle can’t be parked nearby, hire a concrete pump to transport the concrete from the truck to your home or office. You’ll want to give neighbours a heads up. Let them know about the date and time of the delivery. This way, your neighbours will have enough time to move their vehicles to safety and take the necessary steps to minimise disruption.
Now, prepare the ground where the concrete will be poured. If the base isn’t well-done, you’ll struggle with cracks, damage, and other problems. You can pour ready mix concrete directly over dirt, but it’s better to remove the debris. Smooth out the ground so that you have a level surface. You can pour rounded gravel for additional drainage needs. Make sure your forms are securely set. Use screws to fasten the stakes to the forms. If you want your concrete project to last, apply a sealant after the concrete is dried and cured. It’ll enrich and preserve its appearance.