create an outdoor living space from concrete

Posted on: 1 October 2015

A number of factors can cause a concrete surface to become uneven, including earthquakes and poor installation. Unless this concrete is fixed, it can pose a hazard to pedestrians, bicyclists and anyone who decides to cross over the uneven slabs. As a result, concrete leveling is typically used as a way to correct the unevenness in the slabs. Concrete leveling involves the use of concrete pumps and can often lead to terrible results if not done correctly. As a result, there are a few tips you can use when using a concrete pump to perform concrete leveling.

Consider Using a Hydraulic Concrete Pump

There are a number of different concrete pumps and each one is better suited for a different task. Concrete leveling involves forcing the concrete upward and putting a grout mixture underneath the original concrete. This can be done efficiently by using hydraulic pressure and this requires the help of a hydraulic concrete pump. Other concrete pumps are available, but they are not as effective and compatible.

Consider Foam Jacking

Foam jacking is considered to be one the cleanest and easiest ways to carry out concrete leveling. The holes that are drilled into the concrete are extremely small. As a result, the drilling process is quiet and the construction crew is able to lift the slabs a lot easier. If you performing concrete leveling in a high traffic area, then foam jacking may be the best option.

Pump Slowly

While you are pumping your mixture underneath the concrete slab, this slab can easily break. Poor concrete is more susceptible to damage. In addition, concrete that is severely thin will have a hard time holding up during the concrete leveling process. As a result, in order to avoid this it is important to pour the mixture slowly. Give it some to settle between each pump. Lastly, avoid overflowing the concrete slabs as this can lead to cracks further down the road.

Use a Flexible Hose

A flexible hose is often attached to a concrete pump in order to pump concrete into the slab. A flexible hose is ideal because of how smoothly the concrete flows through the hose. Concrete often gets clogged or stuck when it is transferred using a hose. A flexible hose allows contractors to easily feel for any hard spots throughout the hose. The hard spots indicate where the clog is located. They can then use hammers to release the clog and get the concrete flowing again.

Concrete leveling that is performed correctly can last for a lengthy amount of time before needing any repairs. As a result, use these tips to ensure that you are able to effectively fix uneven concrete with the help of a concrete pump.

For more information, contact a company such as Pumptex Concrete Pumping.