Richmond Concrete Pros - Richmond, Virginia
When only the finest concrete work will do
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We build concrete foundations, patios, driveways, basements, and retaining walls
Richmond Concrete Pros - The best concrete contractor in the Richmond area. Our Richmond Virginia based operation covers all facets of concrete work from foundations to patios and driveways. We also do stamping, polishing, retaining walls, outdoor kitchens and fireplaces, and repair work. Call us at 804-552-0590 for a free quote. We can get your quote quicker if you provide your address.
Additionally, we appreciate the value of good communication. Our goal is to return every call within 24 hours and often much less. We are confident you will be very satisfied with our service.
Additionally, we appreciate the value of good communication. Our goal is to return every call within 24 hours and often much less. We are confident you will be very satisfied with our service.
Richmond Concrete Pros - The best concrete contractor in Richmond Va
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Richmond Concrete Pros - Concrete basics
From Simple to Complex: The Varied Applications of Concrete.
Concrete is one of the most common building materials and can be used in a variety of different ways, including structurally and decoratively. Concrete is a versatile material that can be molded for diverse applications. From driveways to patios and decorative elements of all types, concrete is certainly a material that deserves respect for its range of uses. Richmond Concrete Pros has decades of experience with different applications and can provide you with the best choices for your job. What Is Concrete and Why Is It Used? To make concrete, crushed aggregate of varying sizes is used. Aggregate may include sand, crushed stones, gravel, recycled concrete, and slag. These materials are broken down into a semi-fine mixture, and then they are mixed with a cement paste that is meant to bind them together to form a stone-like substance. There are multiple types of cement paste materials that can be used, including lime paste or calcium aluminum cement. This mixture is combined with water to form a slurry that can easily be poured into all types of molds. Concrete is a popular building material because of its durability, low maintenance, and ability to be exposed to all types of weather elements without easily breaking down. It is used in the construction of buildings because it can retain heat and helps to cut down on energy costs. Most homes in areas prone to high winds, like Florida, are built of concrete or block because these materials are much stronger than wood framing. Types of Modern Concrete: There are three main types of concrete that can be used in construction. Knowing the different types is important for both residential and commercial needs. Richmond Concrete professionals have lots of experience with all of the following options and can assist you by providing you with choices you might not know about. Regular concrete: When it comes to DIY projects and those that do not involve a lot of concrete, cement mixes are typically used. These mixes may include everything that is needed but the water, or the individual mixing the cement may need to add in sand. Regular concrete can withstand pressures of up to 5800 psi, but any pressures above this amount could cause damage. |
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High-strength concrete: This type of concrete is able to withstand much greater pressure which makes it ideal for many types of construction. When high-strength concrete is produced, it is made with less water to aggregate ratio, creating a much stronger product. Because there is less water, this type of concrete can be more difficult to work with, so plasticizers are often used to allow the concrete to be poured around the rebar. High-strength concrete is often formed into blocks for a foundation. This type is quite expensive.
Stamped concrete: Stamped concrete is a type of architectural concrete. The finish is made completely smooth or can be stamped with designs. This type of concrete is often used in flooring, walkways, and parking lots. Depending on the application, the concrete can be permeated with pigments or even pressed into textured molds to make the concrete resemble natural stone. This process is best done in warmer weather. At Richmond Concrete our professionals are very experienced with this technique. Polished Concrete: We have specialists on staff that are skilled at polishing concrete. This turns a plain concrete installation into a stunningly beautiful finished product. For more detail on this, please see our Polished Concrete page. What Is Involved in Resurfacing Concrete? As the name implies, concrete resurfacing involves several steps that are meant to repair and revitalize aged and damaged concrete floors, driveways, patios, and walkways. The following steps are used to fix all types of concrete problems and bring the surface back to life. 1. Power washers are used to wash the surface of the concrete and remove any dirt and grime that might be present. Removing the deeply embedded dirt allows the damage to be exposed so it can be repaired. 2. Any cracks are first primed and then covered with reinforced fabric. A polymer concrete mixture is then applied over the base area to ensure it will no longer crack or become damaged. The cover keeps most of the moisture in the concrete, which is important to prevent it from re-cracking. 3. Any holes that are present in the concrete require a special epoxy mortar application that is able to bond with the old concrete material and ensure the hole is completely repaired. 4. If desired, coloring can then be applied to bring the old concrete back to life and make it look beautiful again. A seal coat is the last layer that is put in place, and it seals the concrete and ensures it will remain protected against weather exposure. 5. The curing process takes up to 72 hours, and during this time, the driveway, walkway, flooring, or patio cannot be used. This process really only works if the foundation for the cracked concrete is stable and done correctly. The reality is that if this was the case, the concrete likely would not have cracked in the first place. What Is the Difference Between Structural and Architectural Concrete? There are two main types of concrete applications and they include structural and architectural. Structural concrete provides strength to a building and is put in place as a load-bearing structure. Architectural concrete adds a touch of design, while also helping to add to the structure. The two are typically used in conjunction to ensure the end result is strong and aesthetically pleasing. Architectural concrete is actually the most important means of construction and design in modern architecture. No other material can be processed and used in so many ways, and for this reason is used in almost all construction tasks. Due to its flexibility, architectural concrete can be formed into just about any shape, and is strong and durable. To produce architectural concrete the casting process is controlled in a couple of ways. A tight form system produces nice edges, form liners are used for texture, new formwork material is used for a nice clean face, and a couple preliminary pours are done to insure the color and finish are right. A Few Recent Advances in Concrete As with most other things in our society, developments are constantly being made regarding concrete. This may come as a surprise since it seems there is really not much you can do to improve it, but in fact significant improvements are being made. Some of the more recent developments include new types such as high strength, self-compacting and lightly-compacted, and fiber-reinforced concretes, all of which open up additional areas of application. We will take a quick look at each of these. High strength is a term used to describe concrete that has special properties outside of those in normal concrete. This type of concrete can resist loads well above that of normal concrete. Thankfully, typical concrete projects do not require this type, as composition, time involved, and costs can be significantly higher. Self compacting concrete is quicker and less expensive to put down, and the surface finish and durability can be better than traditional concrete. However production is more complicated and expensive, and a great deal of know-how is involved in the proper placement of this product. Fiber-reinforced concrete, as the name implies, uses fibers made of a variety of different materials (glass, steel, natural, and synthetic to name a few) which lend strength, durability, and reduced permeability to the concrete. This concept has been around for centuries, and research continues today. For many decades, asbestos was used but this was replaced with steel, glass, and polypropylene when it was found to cause cancer. Large steel or synthetic fibers can actually replace rebar or steel completely in certain conditions. For example, the underground construction industry uses fibers almost exclusively in tunnel segments. The amount of fiber added is expressed as a percentage of the total volume of concrete plus fiber, called the Volume Fraction. The typical Volume Fraction is somewhere between 0.1 to 3 % depending on the environment it will be in. Recently there have been studies using the backing from discarded carpet to replace more expensive fibers in concrete reinforcement. These fibers are similar in strength, readily available, and would otherwise be discarded. Other similar efforts are underway using recycled materials. We have become such a throw-away society that is refreshing to see that there are efforts afoot to use material that would otherwise wind up in a landfill to make things better for us all. |
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Another advance made recently is the ability for concrete to produce light. This technique was invented in Mexico. It works by removing the crystallization from the concrete and replacing it with a special gel. This causes the concrete to absorb the light from the day and emit it at night as green or blue light. The brightness can even be adjusted during production. It can light up bike paths, bridges, or roadways. The light can last up to 10 hours. This technology is in its infancy and is quite expensive.
Additionally there is now a technique that can make the concrete translucent. This is done by placing optical fiber strands within the concrete. The concrete will allow light to pass through such that you could see the outline of something on the other side of the wall without compromising the strength of the concrete. This is used for decorative partition walls to add some character to them. As with the light technology, this is a very new discovery and it will be some time, if ever, before this is seen frequently.
There is a lot more that can be said about concrete, but this is enough to give you a general idea about all the options and types available. Most people believe concrete is all the same since most of these advances cannot be seen, but they are there and make profound differences in the delivered product.
Curing Concrete in Cold Weather
Richmond Concrete Pros does not stop work due to the cold. The object for curing concrete is to keep it as warm as possible until all the water is out of it. If the air temperature is expected to go below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, then we employ our cold weather techniques to make the concrete cure properly. In cold weather the surface dries out even faster than in warm, causing the concrete to destabilize if not properly dealt with. The water that leeches out of the concrete is called "bleed water". The concrete particles settle, squeezing water out of the pores and to the surface.
It is crucial this process happens at a natural pace to insure the concrete is strong. Additives, like a non-chloride accelerator, may reduce the need for protection of the concrete, however we do not take chances and therefore employ the use of concrete blankets to insure the end product is strong and stable. The blankets are only necessary for a couple days if the concrete temperature is over 50 degrees. We use an infrared temperature gun to make this determination. The concrete temperature can be controlled by the number of blankets used. We use a formula based on thickness, cement content, and the lowest temperature expected to make this determination. Extra care must be taken to insure the edges do not freeze as well.
There is an art to removing the blankets as well. If you take them all off in really cold weather, the temperature differential between the outside and the middle of the concrete will become too great, which can cause cracking. Blanket removal is also based on a formula. If this is all done properly, the finished product will be as strong and stable as if it was done in warm weather.
Do It Yourself Approaches Can Lead to Mistakes
Because concrete is such a strong material, home and business owners sometimes try to take a DIY approach to installation. Although concrete is an easy medium to handle, albeit very heavy, it must be installed carefully and with an expert approach best done by an experienced contractor. Following are a couple examples of some of the common mistakes home and business owners make when they try to install concrete without professional assistance.
One of the biggest mistakes people make when installing concrete is underestimating the amount of concrete they need. While decorative elements can be superficial, those that will bear loads need to be much thicker. For instance, residential driveways should be no less than six inches thick.
Many individuals find themselves ordering too little concrete. This can be disastrous in the middle of a project because concrete waits for no one. It is always better to order more than is needed than to not have enough. A 60 pound bag of concrete does not go as far as it looks. Just pouring the concrete for 6x6 supports for a deck or porch could take 12 to 16 bags depending on the number of supports. Plus they are heavy, awkward to deal with, and extremely messy.
A lack of knowledge can cause a person to think that all types of concrete are the same. Knowing the different types and where and how they should be installed is crucial, and takes expert knowledge for the best results. As you can see from the descriptions of different types of concrete above, there are a lot of choices each with its own implications. Not fully understanding all of these can lead to making selections that are not necessarily the best for your project.
Without the proper tools, concrete novices can find themselves in over their heads with a project. The right tools are critical for ensuring the concrete will be installed precisely and with a finished, professional look.
A lack of proper support in a concrete project can lead to major damages as the ground shifts and temperatures change. If the right support is not in place, the individual will end up wasting their time installing the concrete because it will not last.
The professionals at Richmond Concrete Pros in Richmond, Va. can answer your questions and provide you with ideas and options you may not have been aware of.
Masonry Work
Additionally we have professional brick and stone masons on staff that specialize in projects like restoration of old homes, chimney repair, repointing of brick and stone, and repair of patios, sidewalks, and porches just to name a few. We have access to a huge repository of brick and stone allowing us to find matches on almost any color and shape.
There are a lot of skills required to be a mason, including erecting scaffolding, comfort with working at heights, hoisting and rigging, and superior math skills, not to mention skills at chiseling stone or limestone to properly form it, not unlike a sculptor. As you might imagine, it takes years of practice to become a good mason.
For much more information and pictures of our work, click here or navigate to our Masonry page.
Concrete Service Near Me
If you are looking for a reputable and experienced Concrete specialist who communicates well and takes great pride in their work, look no further than Richmond Concrete Pros. Our experienced and knowledgeable staff can provide you with ideas and options to create the perfect end product. We have decades of experience working with all types of concrete jobs, from basic floors and foundations to fancy and colorful stamped floors and patios.
NOTE: We are now serving the Petersburg - Colonial Heights areas in addition to all of greater Richmond. We have also done work in Charlottesville, Fredericksburg, and the Williamsburg area.
The Bottom Line:
Concrete is a material that can be used in a vast number of ways, allowing for all types of structural, architectural, and decorative projects. Concrete is used in industrial, commercial, and residential settings.
When it comes to concrete projects, it is wise for individuals to rely on professional contractors to ensure the work is carried out to exacting specifications. Taking a DIY approach simply poses too many risks for a failed outcome. Unless you have all the requisite equipment and know-how to complete jobs like these, the odds of disappointment at the outcome will be high. Additionally, you may find yourself in a position where you need to get a company to come in to fix the mistakes, which often costs more than it would have to get the company to do the work in the first place. We take great pride in the work we do and are certain you will see the value in the service we provide.
We do foundations, driveways, patios, retaining walls, outdoor kitchens and fireplaces, polished concrete, drainage systems, and demolition, as well as specialized masonry work. We also take on smaller jobs that most concrete companies disregard. If they require the heavy equipment, we will pass on them but most of the time they they can be done using portable mixers that we can get in and out quickly. We do a lot of these jobs. We will be honest with you on whether it is practical for us to do the job or not and can even occasionally give you a price over the phone, depending on the type of job. We want to avoid surprise bills or expenses.
Richmond Concrete will provide you with professional advice for any job. Call Richmond Concrete today at (804) 552-0590.
NOTE: We are the preferred concrete company for Tuff Shed installations in Central Virginia.
Services: Foundations, Foundation Repairs, Driveways, Patios, Basements, Retaining Walls, Polished Concrete, Outdoor Kitchens, Masonry, Drainage, and Demolition.
Service Area
We service the following counties:
Chesterfield
Richmond
Henrico
Hanover
And the following areas:
Richmond City
Midlothian
Short Pump
Southside
West End
Ashland
Petersburg
Colonial Heights
Charlottesville
Fredericksburg
Hopewell
A lack of knowledge can cause a person to think that all types of concrete are the same. Knowing the different types and where and how they should be installed is crucial, and takes expert knowledge for the best results. As you can see from the descriptions of different types of concrete above, there are a lot of choices each with its own implications. Not fully understanding all of these can lead to making selections that are not necessarily the best for your project.
Without the proper tools, concrete novices can find themselves in over their heads with a project. The right tools are critical for ensuring the concrete will be installed precisely and with a finished, professional look.
A lack of proper support in a concrete project can lead to major damages as the ground shifts and temperatures change. If the right support is not in place, the individual will end up wasting their time installing the concrete because it will not last.
The professionals at Richmond Concrete Pros in Richmond, Va. can answer your questions and provide you with ideas and options you may not have been aware of.
Masonry Work
Additionally we have professional brick and stone masons on staff that specialize in projects like restoration of old homes, chimney repair, repointing of brick and stone, and repair of patios, sidewalks, and porches just to name a few. We have access to a huge repository of brick and stone allowing us to find matches on almost any color and shape.
There are a lot of skills required to be a mason, including erecting scaffolding, comfort with working at heights, hoisting and rigging, and superior math skills, not to mention skills at chiseling stone or limestone to properly form it, not unlike a sculptor. As you might imagine, it takes years of practice to become a good mason.
For much more information and pictures of our work, click here or navigate to our Masonry page.
Concrete Service Near Me
If you are looking for a reputable and experienced Concrete specialist who communicates well and takes great pride in their work, look no further than Richmond Concrete Pros. Our experienced and knowledgeable staff can provide you with ideas and options to create the perfect end product. We have decades of experience working with all types of concrete jobs, from basic floors and foundations to fancy and colorful stamped floors and patios.
NOTE: We are now serving the Petersburg - Colonial Heights areas in addition to all of greater Richmond. We have also done work in Charlottesville, Fredericksburg, and the Williamsburg area.
The Bottom Line:
Concrete is a material that can be used in a vast number of ways, allowing for all types of structural, architectural, and decorative projects. Concrete is used in industrial, commercial, and residential settings.
When it comes to concrete projects, it is wise for individuals to rely on professional contractors to ensure the work is carried out to exacting specifications. Taking a DIY approach simply poses too many risks for a failed outcome. Unless you have all the requisite equipment and know-how to complete jobs like these, the odds of disappointment at the outcome will be high. Additionally, you may find yourself in a position where you need to get a company to come in to fix the mistakes, which often costs more than it would have to get the company to do the work in the first place. We take great pride in the work we do and are certain you will see the value in the service we provide.
We do foundations, driveways, patios, retaining walls, outdoor kitchens and fireplaces, polished concrete, drainage systems, and demolition, as well as specialized masonry work. We also take on smaller jobs that most concrete companies disregard. If they require the heavy equipment, we will pass on them but most of the time they they can be done using portable mixers that we can get in and out quickly. We do a lot of these jobs. We will be honest with you on whether it is practical for us to do the job or not and can even occasionally give you a price over the phone, depending on the type of job. We want to avoid surprise bills or expenses.
Richmond Concrete will provide you with professional advice for any job. Call Richmond Concrete today at (804) 552-0590.
NOTE: We are the preferred concrete company for Tuff Shed installations in Central Virginia.
Services: Foundations, Foundation Repairs, Driveways, Patios, Basements, Retaining Walls, Polished Concrete, Outdoor Kitchens, Masonry, Drainage, and Demolition.
Service Area
We service the following counties:
Chesterfield
Richmond
Henrico
Hanover
And the following areas:
Richmond City
Midlothian
Short Pump
Southside
West End
Ashland
Petersburg
Colonial Heights
Charlottesville
Fredericksburg
Hopewell
We would like to mention a company we have collaborated with in the past to share some different concrete repair ideas. They do Mudjacking in Madison, Wi. A very knowledgeable bunch. If you're ever in Wisconsin and need some mudjacking done, these are your guys!
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