If you’ve been wanting to have a concrete slab poured at your house but don’t have to pay someone else to do it, this is a project that you likely can do all on your own. However, before you jump into a construction project like this, you’ll want to make sure that you’ve done your research and know a few tricks to help you get it right the first time.
To help you with this, here are three things to know before pouring your own concrete slab at home.
Get The Conditions Right
The first thing you’ll have to do before you even start taking steps to actually set up the space for the concrete slab is to get the conditions right for completing this project. This last thing you want to have happen is for the weather not to cooperate with you so that the concrete doesn’t work as you had anticipated.
For the most ideal conditions, you should wait for the weather to be dry and warm. Ideally, you should try to pick a time when it will be dry and warm for at least a few days after you plan to pour the concrete. This way, it won’t take as long for the concrete to cure, which means that it sets up so that you can use it as intended. If it’s cooler than about 70 degrees Fahrenheit, it can take a few days longer for the concrete slab to cure correctly.
Don’t Forget The Rebar
When you have a time set that you’re wanting to get your concrete slab poured, the next thing you need to do is get the area ready. You’ll need to create the base, fill it, level it, and get everything set to start pouring in the concrete.
As part of this, make sure you use rebar when preparing and filling in the base. By using rebar, you’ll be reinforcing the concrete slab and making it more resistant to cracking. Just make sure that you tie off the rebar correctly so that everything is connected together for maximum strength.
Be Ready To Work Quickly
Once you have the area all set and you’re ready to mix and pour in the concrete for your slab, be ready to work quickly. While it can take a few days for the entire slab to cure, the process does start very fast once you leave the concrete to sit on its own. So to give you the most optimal result, have everything that you’ll need close by so that you can work quickly and efficiently.
If you’ll soon be pouring your first concrete slab on your property, consider using the tips mentioned above to help you prepare for this project.
