Whether you’re looking to resurface your driveway or simply try your hand at making something new with a rustic feel to it, there are many reasons why you might channel your inner DIY enthusiast and cast your own concrete.
Of course, this is something that’s usually left to the professionals, although it’s very much achievable at home - as long as you follow the right tips, tricks and procedures. We’ll be discussing some of our top tips and tricks for working with concrete, so you can ensure smooth and successful results.
Wear the Necessary PPE
Something that many people may not realise unless they are used to working with wet cement is that it can burn. Due to the presence of lime in wet cement mix, it will have a pH that is much higher than that of your skin, causing a chemical reaction to happen when the two are in contact - thus burning you.
As such, it’s vital that you wear the necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) when working with wet cement in order to avoid a chemical burn. It’s best to wear long sleeves and trousers that are tight to the skin, so that all your skin is covered. Invest in a good pair of work gloves to protect your hands and work boots to protect your feet, as these are both strong, waterproof and resilient to cuts.
We also strongly recommend wearing a mask and eye protection.
Choose the Right Mixer
Another essential tip is to choose the right mixer for the job at hand. It’s important not to overwhelm the drum of your mixer, as your concrete won’t be mixed properly, so you want to make sure you’ve got a mixer with a large enough drum for your project. On the other hand, if you use a large mixer but will only be making a small amount of concrete, then this won’t be the most cost-effective solution for you.
Consider how much cement you’ll need to be making for your project before investing in your mixer, so that you can choose the right size for your needs. We offer various sizes as part of our cement mixer hire, offering you cost effective solutions to work with.
Work in the Correct Conditions
April and May are said to be the best months for concreting, as they offer the optimal temperatures for it. With that said, it is still possible to concrete in other months, as long as you consider certain situational factors that may impact your project. Ideally, you want to be working when it’s mild and dry outside, so make sure to check the forecast for rain!
As for temperature, the best range is to work between 4℃-15℃. Anything lower should be avoided, whereas above 15℃ is still possible, as long as it isn’t extremely hot.
Tool Hire from Rocket Rentals
If you’re looking for the right equipment to help you get the job done, then look to us here at Rocket Rentals. Whether you’re after cement mixer or roller hire, we’ve got you covered with our selection of available tools.
Get in touch with us today to discuss your requirements and enquire about hiring our tools.
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