The Contractor Supplies Needed for Your Next Concrete Project
Concrete is a durable and economic material that can be used for a variety of projects. It can form walls and create shapes with footing for patios and walkways. According to the American Concrete Institute, the average strength of concrete is around 3000 psi. (lbs/square inch). Some concrete can have strengths above 20,000 psi. Clearly, it's a tough material. However, it requires proper mixing and installation with the right tools to fulfill its potential.
The Cement
Cement is not the same thing as concrete. It is a mixture of clay and sand or gravel that hardens with the addition of water. You will usually see yellow chemical-resistant Portland cement, plain Portland cement, quick-setting cement, and Portland cement with a low-expansion content, also known as economy or low-expansion cement.
Concrete Mixer Truck
A cement mixer truck is a must-have for any concrete job. You can rent it or buy it depending on what you are looking for. If you are going to be working with concrete often, it would be cheaper in the long run to purchase one of these trucks rather than to rent them every single time. As far as concrete contractor supplies go, a mixer truck is pretty high on the list of needed equipment.
Concrete Vibrator
You can use a concrete vibrator to compact concrete to create a smoother finish during the pour. The vibrator makes concrete look better. You can use this process to get rid of any small voids or cracks in the surface of the concrete. Doing so will make sure that it is as smooth as possible. The best part is that concrete vibrators come in all shapes and sizes. Whether working with small-scale projects or huge ones, you can choose a suitable concrete vibrator to complete your job.
Concrete Pump
A pump is essentially a motor that moves liquid from one place to another. It pumps fluid from the bucket to where it needs to go, which would be the nozzle on the end of the pump. When gathering concrete contractor supplies, ensure a concrete pump is among your list of items to get. There are several different types of pumps. It all depends on what you are doing and how deep you need your concrete to be. Prices for pumps vary on the size of your project.
Concrete has stood up through the years in both residential and commercial construction. Because of its inherent characteristics, concrete can make it difficult for contractors to find reliable contractor supplies at reasonable prices. The above items will be necessary before any contractor or experienced do-it-yourselfer starts their next project. For more insights on how to go about your next concrete project, please visit our website today.