The Dangers of DIY Concrete Pouring

Concrete is the most widely used construction material in the world because of its strength and durability; two qualities that also means when something goes wrong in its preparation, it really shows. Pouring concrete requires knowledge, skill and careful planning as well as the right tools and materials for the job, so if you’re considering taking on the challenge yourself, make sure you check out our list of the most common things that can go wrong before you begin.
Inadequate preparation
Many DIY concrete pourers think preparing the ground for the concrete simply means excavating the area and clearing any plants and stones. However, this base is not enough to provide a strong concrete foundation that won’t crack, crumble or degrade as the soil settles. The ground needs to be properly levelled and compacted, and building frames.
The wrong weather conditions
The weather can have a major impact on the quality of the concrete mix, the pour itself, and can continue to damage the concrete in the hours and days after. When mixing concrete yourself, you’ll also need to consider the area’s general climate as this can affect the long term durability of your concrete and so you will need to make adjustments to your mix.
Getting the water to cement ratio wrong
Adding too much water to cement is one of the most common mistakes made by DIY concrete pourers, possibly because the runnier the mixture the easier it is to work with. However, if the concrete mixture is too runny, or indeed too think, it will have problems in its appearance and durability once its set.
Missing equipment and tools
Dealing with concrete is time sensitive as it will soon start to set once it has been poured so it’s imperative to have all the right tools and equipment you need to hand. If you don’t, then you run the risk of the concrete setting without your control and a potentially lengthy and costly removal process.
Not taking safety seriously
Perhaps the most significant mistake DIY concrete pourers can make is not taking the health and safety of themselves and others seriously enough. Though concrete is a safe material to work with, it doesn’t come without any hazards and you will need to take appropriate precautions to protect your eyes, ears, and respiratory system and take care when handling heavy objects.
When to call in the ready mix concrete professionals
The best way to ensure your concrete pour is successful, and that your concrete is the right mix to last for years and years, is to call in the professionals. At Wright Readymix, we help ensure your project is a success by supplying the perfect mix of concrete right where you need it. What’s more, when you use our ready mix concrete, you only order what you need, saving you time, money and the risk of having too much concrete that you’ll then have to waste resources on disposing.
To arrange your competitive quotation for the best ready mix concrete in the South and South Wales, contact Wright Readymix today on 0117 958 2090 and we’ll be happy to help.