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Homeowners > Tips
Finishing
Tips, FAQs and Glossary 1.
Finishing tips
The
pour
Our mixers are able to reach tight spaces that the “big boys”
can’t — so our experienced operator will back up the
truck to your work area and pour the Concrete for you. We’ll
also be able to answer any questions you have and offer on-the-spot
advice.
If your project
is in an area that vehicles can’t reach (such as next to a
backyard swimming pool), our operator will dispense the Concrete
into wheelbarrows for you. If you need hauling equipment, we’ll
be happy to rent you sturdy wheelbarrows at a reasonable rate.
The
finish
Once your project has been poured, level it off using a straight
edge or screed. Let the finish stay rough — don’t overwork
it. Then use a bull float to bring the “cream” to the
top.
Wait until the
“bleed water” evaporates from the surface before finishing.
When your footprint leaves an impression only 1/4 inch deep, it’s
ready.
Finish off the
Concrete by smoothing its surface with a broom or trowel (either
a hand or power trowel will work).
2. FAQs
(TOP)
We’re
providing these frequently asked questions to give you a quick reference
for making your project a success. If you don’t see your question
here, feel free to contact us.
1.What
does Handyman
Concrete®
supply that a full-size readymix supplier can’t?
2. What are the benefits of using
Handyman
Concrete®
rather than mixing the Concrete myself?
3. I’ve never worked with Concrete before.
Is that a problem?
4. How can I tell what kind of mix I’ll need
for my project?
5. How long will it take for the Concrete to
harden (cure)?
6. How thick should the application of Concrete
be?
7. What is Fibermesh and what are its benefits?
8. What is the minimum amount of Concrete I
can order?
9. Do I have to call off my delivery if it rains
or snows?
10. Do you deliver on weekends?
11. How far in advance should I schedule
a delivery?
12. Can I pay by credit card?
1.
Handyman Concrete® supply that
a full-size readymix supplier can’t?
Convenience. We can deliver small amounts —
as little as 1 yard — and our small trucks maneuver in tight
spaces. Plus, our staff will give you the time and attention that
larger suppliers can’t. We’ll answer your questions,
give you advice and deliver on your schedule. Tell us the time and
we’ll be there, any day of the week. See Services
for more details.
TOP >> FAQs
2. What are the benefits of using
Handyman Concrete® rather than mixing Concrete myself?
Ask anyone who’s ever hauled bags from the
store, mixed them by hand and poured each one separately, and you’ll
hear all the advantages of calling
Handyman Concrete® for any job requiring 1 yard of Concrete or more: you’ll
save time and frustration — and get more consistency in the
final product. Handyman uses high-quality materials, so the composition
and consistency of the mix itself will be superior too. See our
calculator to find out how much
Concrete you’ll need for your project.
TOP >> FAQs
3. What if I’ve never laid Concrete
before?
No problem — our dispatchers and operators
are used to helping everyone from first-time do-it-yourselfers to
professional construction crews who need advice on jobs involving
unusual site conditions.
TOP
>> FAQs
4. How can I tell what kind of mix my project
needs?
Just give us a call and tell us your plans. We’ll
tell you which mix will work best for your particular job.
TOP
>> FAQs
5. How long will it take for the Concrete
to harden (cure)?
It depends on the project. Below are listed approximate
cure times for some typical jobs. Curing times can be affected by
weather conditions (slower in cold weather, faster on hot days)
and other variables, so these times are just estimates. If you have
questions about your specific project, feel free to call
us for advice.
| Job |
Waiting
Time |
| Hot
tub pads |
Placing
the tub on the pad — 24 hours
Filling the tub with water — 1 week |
| Patios
and sidewalks |
Foot
traffic — 24 hours |
| Driveways |
Foot
traffic — 24 hours
Parking car on surface — 1 week |
TOP
>> FAQs
6. How thick should I apply the Concrete?
Each job is different. Call
us and ask what density will work best for your particular project.
TOP
>> FAQs
7. What is Fibermesh and what are its
benefits?
Fibermesh is an economical way for homeowners to
get state-of-the-art Concrete reinforcement for projects requiring
greater tensile strength. It’s a support system that reinforces
Concrete from within. Made of synthetic fibers, it reduces plastic
settlement and shrinkage cracks. It’s durable, low-maintenance
and provides reinforcement evenly throughout the layer of Concrete.
For more details about Fibermesh, visit Synthetic
Industries.
TOP
>> FAQs
8. What is the minimum amount of Concrete
I can order?
You can order as little as 1 yard of Concrete. A
full load is 5 yards. To find out how much you need for your project,
use our calculator.
TOP
>> FAQs
9.
Do I have to call off my delivery if it rains or snows?
We deliver in all kinds of weather. If you’re
concerned about the weather conditions for your particular job —
or any other aspect of the project — call us for a recommendation.
TOP
>> FAQs
10.
Do you deliver on weekends?
We deliver 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Just call
us by 6 p.m. weekdays or by noon on Saturdays and we’ll deliver
any time — whether it’s 3 a.m., 3 p.m. or midnight.
TOP
>> FAQs
11.
How far in advance should I schedule a delivery?
Although we can often accommodate same-day service,
1-2 days’ advance notice is preferable.
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>> FAQs
12.
Can I pay by credit card?
Sure...you can pay by cash or credit when you make
the appointment. You can also pay COD.
TOP
>> FAQs
3. Glossary
(TOP)
accelerator —
additive that speeds curing time
air-entrained — contains
tiny bubbles that help prevent cracking caused by freezing water
calcium chloride — chemical
that acts as an accelerating agent
Fibermesh — internal
support system made of synthetic fibers; substantially reduces plastic
settlement and shrinkage cracks. For more details, visit the Synthetic
Industries site.
retarder — slows curing
time to offset climactic conditions
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