How We Build: Our Job Preparation
When you trust Europa Concrete & Interlocking Inc for concrete services in Hamilton and surrounding areas, you can rest assured that you will receive nothing but only the finest work done. Each stage of the construction process is undertaken and completed by our highly skilled and designated concrete crew. Below listed are the various steps involved in our construction process. Contact us for more information.
Excavation
The excavation process begins with our crew studying the plan and locates before starting. We use mini excavator, skid steer, and other hand tools for the excavation. During the process, materials can be dumped on the street; however, by the end of the day, we make sure to clean up all debris.
Forming
Next in the line is the forming process. Our forming crew frames the shape and size of the work based on the agreed design, thereby bringing the plans to life. At this stage of the project, matters such as slopes and water run-off are considered. The forming crew works diligently and puts in a lot of effort to ensure the quality of work you receive.
Grading
This process involves bringing in the granular base to your property either by machine or wheelbarrow. Our experienced crew will spread the base to make sure there is an adequate granular base as per the specs of the quote. The gravel provides drainage directly underneath the concrete slab. The last step of the grading process is compacting the gravel with a heavy plate tamper, providing a strong base for the concrete to be poured.
Rebar and Wire Mesh
Upon completion of the grading process, our crew will install the rebar and/or wire mesh directly on the compacted granular base. The Rebar makes sure that the concrete stays together for years to come throughout all the freeze-thaw cycles. We use:
- 9 gauge wire mesh on walkways
- 10m Rebar on driveways
- 15 Rebar in steps
Concrete Placement
The process of concrete placement begins by ensuring all forms are clean of debris. We’ll begin by placing the concrete within the forms with wheelbarrows. Our team then screeds the concrete to the desired elevation while the finishers constantly check slopes and grades. The finishers pass the necessary floats and trowels to ensure the concrete is finished to the desired surface finish.
- For exposed aggregate: we cover the concrete with plastic to allow the “exposing” process to occur the next day.
- For stamped concrete: the chosen colour and stamp are applied to the slab along with a dark antique powder. This powder gets buffed out at a later date.
Washing and Cutting
Washing and cutting can be the loudest and messiest processes of the job. It is important that structural control cuts are scored into the concrete. We’ll first assess all the possible stress points (corners most likely to cause cracking) and create a grid from those points. As much as our team would like to have all cuts of equal shape and size, it is not possible with all irregularities in the shape of homes and the work itself. Cutting can create large amounts of dust, and it is advised to have your windows closed and, if possible, advise your neighbours to do the same. Our team will then spend countless hours cleaning and washing not only your property but the adjacent properties that may have been affected by our work.
Curing
After the concrete has been washed and cleaned, no other process is carried out for a few days to two weeks, depending on the time of year. It is beneficial to the concrete that you keep the concrete saturated with water for the first few days. This can be done with a hose or sprinkler.
Sealing
After a few days of curing, our sealing crew will arrive to apply two coats of sealing accuracy. This finishing step must be done in good weather, and the concrete must be dry. These two coats are generally always applied in the same visit. Sealing brings out the colour of the concrete and makes it pop. It is important to have this process done every two years to maintain a long-lasting beautiful appearance.