5 Reasons Why Concrete is Your Best Patio Choice

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Concrete has emerged as a popular material all over the globe. It is manufactured from the mixture of cement, water, and aggregate. In construction work, concrete has become one of the most important and useful materials. There are several types of concrete. As per your work nature, you can use the type of concrete that you need. If you are thinking of installing a new patio or getting your old patio repaired, you should opt for concrete. Concrete Brisbane has mentioned some of the major reasons why concrete should be your best patio choice, keep reading to find out!

Given below are the top 6 reasons for using concrete:

1. Less Maintenance:

Using concrete will mean that you require far less maintenance to keep your concrete patio radiant and shining throughout the day. You only need to clean the patio once in 15 – 30 days to keep the concrete free from debris. Just sweeping with a broom on a regular basis is what you need to do to keep it dirt-free. Hosing down or using a gerni (which is more intense) every now and then will ensure your patio is clean 24/7.

2. Long-lasting:

Concrete lasts for a very long period and as time passes, the concrete patio becomes robust. Concrete patio’s offer resistance from erosion and can withstand high traffic. It also eliminates the requirement of reconstruction for a long period thus saving your money and time. Concrete prices Brisbane are not very high and will remain in your budget.

3. Heat-Resistant:

It offers great resistance from fire as it does not burn. This quality has turned it into the perfect construction material for your patio. If it comes in contact with fire or hot flames, the structure will remain free from any harm. It has emerged perfectly for BBQ or garden parties.

4. Affordable:

Concrete is extremely economical if you are planning to redesign your patio. The installation cost, labour processes, and maintenance costs are quite low. Therefore, with a concrete patio you can easily save a huge amount of your money and use it for other important purposes.

5. Colours!

At Reocrete, we stock a wide range of coloured concrete to suit your patio perfectly!

Conclusion:

Concrete has emerged as environment-friendly, cost-effective, and durable, not to mention you do not have to spend a fortune on its maintenance. With time, the durability of concrete witnesses a sharp rise. If you are planning to install new patio flooring, opt for concrete as your family will receive safety and security. You can buy concrete from leading concrete suppliers Brisbane at economical prices! So, get in touch today with Reocrete – your one stop concrete shop!

How to Speed Up Concrete Drying Time: Pre-Pour & Post-Pour Tips

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In applications like flooring, one needs to wait for a long time to let the concrete dry properly. During this time if anything is rushed, it may result in flooring issues. The flooring may crack later. In order to avoid this, the ideal drying time set is around one month.

Here are some pre-pour and post-pour tips that will help to achieve maximum efficiency and strength of concrete. Also, it will boost the drying process.

Pre-Pour Tips
Follow these pre-pour tips to fasten up the concrete drying time:

1. Reduce Water Quantity:
It’s an obvious solution here. If you add a lot of water to the mixture, it will take more time to dry up. It’s advisable to add a little water to speed up the drying process of concrete. However low water-cement ratio can make the mixture too thick.

Still, if you are skeptical about the right water-cement ratio, you can consult concrete suppliers Brisbane for that matter.

2. Add Self-Desiccation Agents:
Chemicals like calcium chloride hydrate the mixture quickly and attain enough moisture. It reduces the drying time of concrete to a great extent. So instead of adding more cement, you can add chemicals like these before pouring to accelerate hydration. A good alternative to this is to use ready-made premix concrete Brisbane.

3. Add Warm Water:
Water added when it’s hot fastens the reactions in the mixture and therefore the drying time also. Adding hot water accelerates the concrete mixture to attain hydration quickly. However, do not add blazing hot water as it can have its own repercussions.

4. Choose the Right Weather:
If it’s not urgent, avoid laying down floors in cooler months. In winters, the concrete drying time becomes much more than in the summers. Always go for hot sunny weather as it will quickly dry out the mixture without compromising on strength and efficiency.

Post-Pour Tips
Follow these post-pour tips to fasten up the concrete drying time:

1. Trowelling Technique:
High intensity trowelling should be avoided after the mix of concrete has been prepared. Hard trowelling loses the ability to let moisture dry. The vents or capillaries somewhat sealed off prevents the moisture to vaporize. It remains inside and thus slows down the drying time.

2. Dehumidification:
This process is often used to dry out the concrete slab much quicker. The method is quite simple; you just need to reduce the dew point of the air surrounding the concrete Brisbane slab. This helps in evaporating out the moisture through the surface of the concrete. This process is most commonly used in the building industry.

3. Use a Dryer or a Heater:
If the weather is acting against the drying time of concrete, use heaters. But never overheat the concrete mixture as it may end up creating more problems; just heat in the right intensity. You can also use heating mats for this purpose.

Wrapping Up:
These were some of the pre-pouring and post-pouring tips to improve the drying time of concrete. Since the natural drying time is not always good enough, these tips become necessary to set it quickly and attain the desired strength. Apart from this, readymade concrete delivery Brisbane is also available which has the right amount of chemicals added to it!

The Problems and The Solutions when Using Exposed Aggregate Concrete for Renovating your Home’s Exterior

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Are you planning to use exposed concrete in your home’s exterior or perhaps your office exterior? If yes, then you have chosen the right material for this. Exposed aggregate concrete is an extended version of concrete in which you get two benefits – one is the durability and the second is the beauty.

You don’t need to think twice because you are on the right track. The use of exposed aggregate concrete is increasing nowadays as it’s a great way to highlight beauty and toughness at the same time, a rare combination. For this, you can get the help of Reocrete, which is one of the best concrete suppliers Brisbane.

Though using exposed aggregate concrete is ideal for the exterior of a home, there are certain difficulties that may occur while using it.

You May Find It Difficult To Clean:

Yes, people think it is hard to maintain exposed concrete but that’s not true. It’s very easy especially because it doesn’t necessarily require much maintenance. This material only needs a very low level of maintenance. Reocrete, as concrete delivery Brisbane, offers the finest quality concrete so that you need not worry about cleaning it frequently. They also offer concrete Brisbane cleaning services.

Getting the Right Exposure:

You need to get the right depth and appearance because if you are revealing stones in a large quantity then it may break. The surface should be smooth and unbreakable. We would advise you to hire a professional for this. Reocrete has got experienced professionals for this.

Removal of Stones:

Sometimes, when heavy vehicles pass over the surface of exposed concrete, it can dislodge stones from their place which then leaves holes. You may need to repair holes or find the exact stone as it was before the damage. Finding the exact texture of stones is a tedious task in using exposed concrete in exteriors.

Application of Exposed Concrete:

Another possible difficulty you may face while installing exposed Concrete is in its application. You should have the knowledge of how much you need to expose the area. The traditional method of exposing the concrete is by using a brush to extract the top layer of mortar. However, there are many other methods of application available nowadays to guide you well. You just need to explore them.

Conclusion:

So, these were some of the problems you may face with Exposed Concrete. But there are solutions too. Also, do check out concrete prices Brisbane for better understanding and knowledge. The price range of exposed concrete is generally on the lower side, so you do not need to think twice. It’s highly cost-effective.

Is it possible to Recycle Concrete?

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Recycling materials are highly desirable for the sake of the environment. Whether it is of household use, an industrial product or construction materials and equipment, recycling is eco-friendly.

As we all know, products like paper, wood, and some metals can be easily recycled, but what about concrete? You mustn’t have thought about it from this angle, but concrete can actually be recycled.

In this article, for mini concrete Brisbane we will unravel this question of “is concrete recyclable?” We will delve into its ways and benefits and all things related.

The Process: Recycling Concrete

Before we move further into the discussion of benefits and uses of recycling concrete, let’s see the process. Because if you don’t know how to recycle it, how will you avail its benefits?

So, to be able to recycle concrete, you require a heavy-duty machine or equipment to do this for you. You will precisely require a crushing machine that comes with impactors as well as giant jaws for breaking down.

In this machine, the concrete is finely crushed and beaten upon, to impact it. The next step involves screens. This helps in separating useful materials from amongst the dirt and wasteful particles in the mixture.

There are a total of 2 screens, where the first one separates and segregates, the other removes the coarse aggregation of wasteful particles.

If the concrete needs further cleansing and separation, then there is an additional step. Here equipment like separators, magnet etc can further rid the mixture of these materials.

Benefits of Recycling Concrete

If you have some burning questions about the process, then let’s discuss the benefits of recycling concrete.

1. Environment:

The most beneficial reason of them is that it looks after the greater good. It helps in decreasing the waste created from construction projects and activities. It aids in keeping the usage of landfills in check, hence increasing their lifespan.

You can even use your recycled concrete for your new projects in place of fresh aggregates. Thus, ensures lesser and lesser wastage on the environment.

2. Cost reduction:

Just imagine, buying a fresh batch of concrete mix. The cost of transportation, the cost of procuring a fresh batch, the cost of creation will all add up and increase the cost.

Now, think about having your recycled batch being used in its place. You don’t need to pay for its transportation, its procurement etc. Do you see how cost effective it will all be?

On top of all that, you can elude filling landfill taxes and you won’t require them for disposing your concrete wastage.
So, as you see the concrete prices Brisbane will reduce so much.

Uses of Your Recycled Concrete

There are numerous benefits of recycling your old concrete and hence utilizing it to save your resources. Read a few of these benefits down below:

  • Recycled concrete may be used for constructing walkways as well as pathways for pedestrians. This works perfectly because of the commendable blend of reliability and porosity that ensures enough seepage through the gaps in the underground soil.
  • It can also be used for conversion into great quality aggregates that can be incorporated into mixes.

Wrapping-Up:

From all of this, you can assess how beneficial recycling concrete may be for your projects as well as the environment. It comes with an array of benefits like reduction in costs, minimising wastage and spoilage while keeping the quality top-notch.

We offer amazing premix concrete Brisbane as well as timely concrete delivery Brisbane. Check out our services and contact us today for further inquiry.

Concrete Delivery for Your Major Home Improvement Project

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Are you thinking of carrying out a small renovation on your house? Or perhaps you are planning a major home improvement project. For such scenarios, the concrete might not be something you would want to handle. Getting it mixed at the correct proportions on time might be too much of a hassle for your team and you. Especially if you’re a DIY kind of person, concrete can be tricky. A much better option for you is to opt for concrete delivery Brisbane from a reputable and trustworthy concrete delivery company.

What Is Ready Mixed Concrete?

Concrete providers understand the volume and mix proportions of concrete. Providers also collect the date and time of delivery of the concrete. Accordingly, ready-mixed concrete is prepared in the truck mixer which is used for delivery. The estimated time to cover the distance is taken into account while calculating the consistency of the mix. In turn, this is determined by the quantity of water added. The mixer truck of the company providing premix concrete Brisbane has a mixer which rotates slowly throughout the journey. The rotation continues while waiting to pour the concrete so that the concrete doesn’t begin to set. Since concrete has a usable life of about 90 minutes, the concrete delivery Brisbane company advises the user to place and completely finish the concrete within an hour of being discharged from the mixer truck.

Precautions While Using concrete Delivery Brisbane

  • Work with the concrete delivery company to check if the access provided to the site is acceptable. If not, then clear access must be provided.
  • You only have a time period of one hour, therefore, adequate manpower and tools must be on hand when the concrete is delivered.
  • The reinforcement lattice for the element to be concreted must be ready on time by ensuring that every steel bar Brisbane is in place.

 

5 things to be aware of when breathing new life into a heritage house

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Buying and renovating a ‘fixer upper’ is nothing new in Australia. It’s basically the premise for most home renovation shows on television. Before they take the plunge, renovators, aka you, must take a moment and consider these points before powering up the tools.

  • Check the structural integrity

Before anyone picks up a hammer, get the builder and an architect to walk through the property to check the foundations. Will you need a new concrete slab? Are the wooden frames free from termites? You must know if there’s going to be any problems going forward. Knowing the risks means you can prevent them.

  • Set up an emergency fund

Delays happen, unforeseen circumstances pop up. Have 10 – 20% extra money added to your budget just in case. It’s better to be over prepared than taken by surprise.

Have some emergency cash to prevent this

  • There’s rules…

In Australia, homes with heritage listings have a host of rules that builders and renovators must abide by. This ensures the character of the property and the area around it is preserved.

  • …and permits

There’s a list of conditions on the Brisbane City Council website about demolishing and renovating. You need approval for your project if the home or planned development is in a certain area. It’s best to get on these early, preferably right after settling. Building approval and planning approval aren’t the same thing so educate yourself early.

  • Be flexible

Renovating an old home, and even just in general, is stressful and you’re going to feel under the pump. You’ll feel like time is against you. In reality, you must learn to take the setbacks in your stride. Be flexible with dates by one or two days.

Essential deliveries, like concrete and pipes, and setting up the frames, are your main concerns. Everything else will need to come second to those ‘foundation’ activities.

These aren’t the only things you need to be aware of when renovating an old home, or developing in a heritage area. Australia has a rich history reflected in its architecture, hence the rules. Internal developments, like a concrete slab, are acceptable in most cases. But it’s better to read the rules, and to be safe than sorry.

 

Need more help? Read these…

  1. Planning a renovation? 5 ways to prevent budget blowout
  2. Budgeting your renovation, from the scope to concrete prices

Tools of the trade for concrete suppliers in Brisbane

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Concrete suppliers in Brisbane are valuable to renovation and commercial projects everywhere. You can’t do any building work without it. Concrete suppliers have their own tools as well that are necessary to their work.

 

Well, the essential tool is the concrete mix itself. This is a blend of cement, aggregate and sand There’s a lot of different types around; no such thing as ‘one mix fits all’. Concrete suppliers in Brisbane like Reocrete are stocked with various mixes for their work. Readymix concrete, combined with steel mesh, makes a tough slab that is resistant to the elements and cracking. The tensile strength of the slab depends on the type of mix combined with the rebar. 3500 psi blends are suitable for driveways and interior solutions. Anything higher is more suited to warehouse and shop floors.

 

You know those large cement mixing trucks, the one you see on the road? On work sites? Outside your neighbor’s house? The truck/rotating drum combo has saved time, money and headaches since its invention and is the friend of trades everywhere. Concrete suppliers in Brisbane use the trucks to get ready-to-pour concrete from A to B. The cement, aggregate and water is loaded into the rotating drum. The machine does the rest, until it gets poured.

 

Of course, a concreter needs to accessorise to get the job done properly. Once the mix is poured, it needs smoothing out before it sets. The tools a concreter needs includes floats, trowels and even the good old wheelbarrow. Straightedges are one of the most important tools to spread and level the concrete. It needs to get taken care of before the water rises to the surface. The practice of leveling and spreading in known as ‘screeding’ or ‘striking off’.

 

Concrete suppliers in Brisbane like Reocrete have the materials, the trucks and the tools for any project they’re called for. Whether you’re in Gympie of Moreton Bay, Clarrie and the team will meet you in the middle.

Aggregate or coloured concrete? Choosing a finish

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Exposed aggregate concrete is one of the options you can choose for your renovation needs. Concrete isn’t a “one type fits all” material. Some customers ask for a smooth grey type. Others go slightly outside the box. Here’s a list of finishes that might help you decide what’s best for you.

Exposed aggregate

Concrete is a mix of cement and aggregate. These are larger stones that make up the bulk of the mix. Older concrete pathways and plenty of driveways have this type of finish. The look is accomplished by blasting away part of the surface cement so that the larger stones are revealed underneath.

Coloured

Sometimes grey is, well, grey. Concrete is a part of the home, whether it’s a pathway leading to the front door or a slab that makes up the kitchen floor. You have the option to colour the concrete the same way you’d choose the colour for the walls.

Popular colour schemes include warm tones like reds and oranges on the outside. In comparison, interior coloured concrete is softer. Tones include greys, whites and even light blues. Ask your contractor what colours are available.

Stamped

This type of finish mimics the effect of pavers. The concrete is poured and a pattern stamp is placed on the surface before it fully dries. Common patterns make the concrete look like tiles and there’s even some that give a “wood” appearance.

Polished

This is ideal for interior concrete. Exposed aggregate is a surface that customers choose to polish most often. Nobody wants to cut their feet on small, sharp stones.

Warehouse interiors that were renovated to make living space have existing concrete floors already, but these are rarely polished. Contractors are brought in to clean up the floors, polish them and add a coat of sealant. Concrete is a porous material and stains easily, so this step is necessary to prevent cosmetic messes.  

Concrete Design Ideas

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Concrete has an unglamorous image as something councils use to make footpaths and this isn’t fair. Its design applications for the home are endless, both outside and in. Concrete isn’t just a boring material you only use for making driveways. We’ve listed its other design uses below.

Patios

These are found in any home, whether it’s made of pavers or a concrete slab. Patios are an essential part of the Australian lifestyle. Where else would you put the barbecue and the outdoor dining set?

The method for laying out a patio is the same as if you were installing a new driveway. You can choose the type of finish you want the concrete to have, colour and surface area.

Garden Beds

Inbuilt garden beds are great for adding a little life wherever they are. Contractors build them against a wall or as a stand-alone structure. They’re strong and versatile. You don’t even have to use the garden beds for plants. They make a great storage solution. If you build a garden bed but don’t plant anything, there’s another option. You can use it to store equipment overflowing from the shed or any kid’s toys lying around. Add some thick wooden or steel slats, some cushions and you have an extra seat!

Walls

Concrete walls are an out-of-the-box design idea for modern homes that get featured in the pages of home and real estate magazines. Tadao Ando, the Japanese architect, designed structures entirely made of concrete. He designed his buildings to use the natural light wherever they are, and purposefully left the walls bare to emphasise the beauty in simplicity.

Some homeowners, though, might not see things in Tadao’s perspective. Blank walls are blank canvases. They might hang several pieces of art on the walls or even commission a mural as something unique.

Concrete and rebar together make a near-indestructible combination. They are a great return on investment and provide something sturdy for the home. While concrete home designs are nothing new, people designing a home might not give them much consideration. They favour more “traditional” home builds. The above ideas show, however, that concrete and rebar have so much more potential than just making new footpaths.