Basic steps for concrete placement
In areas of Southern California like Santa Monica, Menifee, and Mission Viejo, cracking and heaving concrete slabs and foundations are common. It's easy to realize you have a problem with your concrete, but in order to educate oneself on why and how concrete cracks, moves, and changes, a customer must know how it's placed on a property. Below are a few short steps.
1. First, the area where the concrete slab is to be poured is prepared. This includes clearing grass, debris, rocks, and other detritus. The site is usually dug down about 4"
2. Forms are set. Wooden forms are set to act as a temporary mold for the concrete after it is poured. This is typical when pouring concrete driveways, sidewalks, patios, etc. For the slab floor of a home, footings and foundation walls serve as the form for the concrete.
3. Concrete is poured. At times, rebar is placed in a grid pattern to further reinforce the concrete's strength. If you own an older home, it's most likely absent. There is also no rebar present when pouring sidewalks, pool decks, patios, and driveways. Once the forms are placed, the concrete is poured on to the soil and leveled.
4. The surface of the concrete is finished using trowels and brooms, making sure the surface is even and uniform.
5. The concrete then rests and 'cures', hardening for many days or weeks.
What causes concrete to settle over time, cracking, heaving, and lifting? Below are a few short points as to why your concrete may be damaged.
1. changes in the soil's moisture content over time
2. the washing out of soil from underneath the poured slab
3. Poorly compacted soil beneath the cured concrete.
If you believe that your concrete needs leveling or other attention, call Saber for a free inspection and estimate for repair!
