Everyone loves saving money when it comes to concrete patio installation, but not all DIY concrete patios turn out right. A majority of concrete patios end in shambles due to the concrete not being properly prepared, failing to set up proper forms, overworking the concrete, and many other reasons. If you have an upcoming concrete patio project which you’re considering undertaking by yourself, you’ve come to the right.
At Artistic Concrete Designs, we’ve compiled the common reasons most DIY concrete patios fail.
FAILING TO SET UP PROPER FORMS
A concrete form is a solid barrier that holds fluid concrete in place while it dries and hardens. A common mistake that do-it-yourselfers make is building uneven forms or using concrete forms that are too big. Ideally, concrete forms should be of the right size and allow the concrete to dry evenly.
ERRORS IN MIXING OR POURING
Most concrete patios fail because of a number of mistakes that do-it-yourselfers make when mixing or pouring concrete. For instance, pouring concrete that is too wet diminishes the strength of the whole structure. Concrete that is too dry is also not recommended as it won’t be able to cure with full strength. You should also avoid pouring too thin (slabs less than four inches) to ensure your concrete surface can stand up to heavy vehicle traffic.
POURING CONCRETE DURING BAD WEATHER
Pouring concrete during winter and wet months when humidity levels are high without taking the necessary precautions can result in a weak concrete patio. It’s never advisable to pour concrete when winter temperatures dip below 40° F because the concrete can freeze and then expand when the temperature increases, resulting in cracks. Another mistake that do-it-yourselfers make is pouring concrete when it’s hot. Hot weather causes the concrete to dry too quickly, resulting in a soft and chalky texture. The ideal weather for pouring concrete is warm days without rain.
SHODDY TECHNIQUE
Another factor that leads to a shoddy concrete patio is a lack of adequate knowledge and experience with the installation of concrete. Most do-it-yourselfers do not have what it takes to undertake concrete patio installation and replacement. It’s advisable to hire a concrete company to help you out if you’re not an experienced concrete contractor.
USING THE WRONG TOOLS
For a concrete patio to turn out right, you’ll need to use strong and heavy-duty tools to perform various tasks. Using the wrong tools always results in a failed concrete project. Apart from using the wrong tools, many do-it-yourselfers whose concrete patios turn out badly probably use poor materials such as shoddy concrete forms and weak steel support rods.
NOT ADDING TEXTURE
FAILING TO ADD TEXTURE TO A CONCRETE PATIO RESULTS IN SLIPPING AND FALLING. A CONCRETE PATIO WITH A PERFECTLY SMOOTH SURFACE MAY HAVE THE CURB APPEAL, BUT IT CAN BE A SAFETY HAZARD.
Let Concrete Contractors Help You with Concrete Patio Installation
Nothing is more frustrating than putting in countless hours and spending a ton of money on a concrete patio, only to have it end in shambles. If it’s time to install or replace a concrete patio in your home, call Artistic Concrete Designs to get the job done (770) 580-2700 or contact us online.