Category: Concrete Masonry

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Concrete Concrete Masonry

Do I Really Need A Concrete Grinder

Do I Really Need A Concrete Grinder Concrete contractors Dallas TXDo I Really Need A Concrete Grinder : there are many different types of concrete grinders on the market. What you plan to do with a concrete grinder will have a lot to do with whether you need one and how you will use it.

A concrete grinder is used for a number of reasons such as removing things like paint spills, glue, imperfections in concrete work, smoothing uneven surfaces, removing formwork seams or protrusions. Each concrete grinder has built-in features and can be used for some or any of the above applications. One of the most important features to look for when deciding to purchase or use a concrete grinder is a dust collector or vacuum. The reason this is so important is because you will lessen the amount of dust you are breathing in and have less mess after the job is completed, making clean up a lot quicker. Most models should have a dust collector, even small hand held concrete grinders.

Some of the types of concrete grinders available are:

*Shrouded concrete grinder with vacuum. This particular grinder is used for cleaning of planning and removal of glues and paints from concrete work. It is also ideal for smoothing uneven surfaces. The three different sizes available are 5, 7 and 10 inch models. A dust vacuum is used to stop dust and help remove debris while you are working.

*Heavy-duty grinders. 7-inch heavy duty angle grinders for concrete applications are made especially for concrete work. They are mainly used for removing blemishes or cleaning the concrete surface. Make sure there is a dust collection device included with the model.

*5-inch concrete surface grinder. This model will refurbish and deburr concrete, remove irregularities, form-work seams and any protrusions. There is a built in dust chute with most models that will remove dust and debris. This type of concrete grinder only weighs 6 pounds, making it ideal for reducing worker fatigue.

*Hand held grinders. These are ideal for small jobs like areas close to walls and other hard to get places. They are also ideal for removing blemishes to concrete work. They are very light and easy to use. If you have a large area to cover, a hand held grinder may be a little impractical.

*Multi headed grinders. These models come with dust collectors and are designed for large areas. Their main purpose is to level and remove small imperfections to concrete work. The brushes used in multi headed grinders can be changed to suit the surface.

When choosing this equipment, explains Concrete Driveways Dallas TX , the first thing to consider is what you are planning to use it for and the size of the job you will be doing. If you are only using a large industrial grinder once it may be a cheaper alternative to rent a machine. If you only need a small hand held concrete grinder, it may be a good idea to buy one.

 

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Concrete Concrete Masonry

Concrete Masonry Stands Up to Hurricane Charley

Concrete Masonry Stands Up to Hurricane Charley Concrete contractors Portland OregonConcrete Masonry Stands Up to Hurricane Charley : Winds up to 145 miles per hour left thousands homeless after Hurricane Charley tore through Punta Gorda and surrounding cities in Southwest Florida.

This vicious storm claimed 17 lives and has estimated damages in the billions. In and around Punta Gorda, trailers lay toppled or blown apart. Shards of wood and metal lay scattered on lawns.

As tragic as this loss is, it could have been much worse if it were not for the residential building code changes that were instituted after Hurricane Andrew in 1992. Andrew, the most destructive U.S. hurricane on record, blasted its way across south Florida, causing 24 deaths and $26.5 billion in damage -mostly due to high winds.

The magnitude of damage caused by Hurricane Andrew

was unprecedented in the United States. Prior to it, there had been a 25-year lull in significant hurricane activity along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts, and building codes were not adequate to limit the loss of life and property experienced in Hurricane Andrew.

Today, codes have been strengthened and are being more rigorously enforced. Designers are required to provide a continuous load path to ensure structural integrity and provisions for wind-borne debris are much more stringent.

“Because of Hurricane Andrew and other storms in this area, the residential building codes have become much more specific in Florida,” said Dennis Graber, professional engineer and director of technical publications at the National Concrete Masonry Association. “By conforming to these codes, houses were better able to withstand the onslaught of Hurricane Charley.” The National Hurricane Center notes that building codes reflect the lessons experts have learned from past catastrophes and suggest that homeowners in hurricane areas contact local building code officials to find out which requirements are necessary for home improvement projects.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency encourages construction with strong, impact-resistant materials, such as concrete masonry, within homes and other structures located in hurricane-prone areas.

The post Concrete Masonry Stands Up to Hurricane Charley has been kindly provided by Stamped Concrete Portland Oregon

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Concrete Concrete Masonry

A Concrete Way To Raise Your Home’s Profile

A Concrete Way To Raise Your Home's Profile Concrete contractors SeattleA Concrete Way To Raise Your Home’s Profile : increasingly, homeowners looking for an inexpensive way to make their home more livable and increase curb appeal with an eye toward resale are embracing the nationwide trend of creating outdoor living spaces.

These areas usually feature spaces for entertaining friends and family while grilling, dining, eating and relaxing. That often means room for a patio, a grill, a sink or a fireplace. Some think of it as adding a family room without the roof.

For many, the building technique of choice when creating these spaces calls for using segmental concrete paving. This technique employs interlocking units-called concrete pavers-that are strong, durable and are growing in popularity worldwide. In Germany, for instance, there are 15 square feet of pavers installed per person annually. In the Netherlands, most of the streets and sidewalks are made of pavers.

Often used in walkways, patios, plazas and historic restoration projects, pavers are manufactured in a variety of shapes, textures and colors and can be easily removed and reinstalled.

One kind of home-improvement project where pavers are increasingly being used is a raised patio. These patios are known for their durability and can create a new sense of space in a yard, particularly when extended to meet an existing deck. Such spaces can be used as an outdoor entertainment area, complete with hot tub or barbeque pit.

There are a number of reasons why pavers have become popular in projects such as these:

– Their uniform size and quality allow them to fit tightly together for a strong, interlocking surface.

–  Paver joints allow for a small amount of movement without cracking. That means they won’t crack like asphalt or poured-in-place concrete.

– Their design makes them easy to install and repair

– They’re available in a wide variety of shapes, colors and textures.

– And they can be installed by either a professional or a skilled do-it-yourselfer.

One of the newest styles offers the high-end look of stone for a more modest price. Called “tumbled” or “antiqued” pavers, they can be used to add a stately look to a walkway, patio or driveway.

A Concrete Way To Raise Your Home’s Profile has been provided by Concrete driveways Seattle