Dangers of DIY Concrete Pouring

by secure_admin | Nov 11, 2021 | Concrete Services

If you are planning on putting in a new patio, driveway, or other surfaces, and planning on pouring in concrete on your own, halt! Read this article before you do so. 

We get it. You want to cut the cost, avoid calling a professional?Sioux Falls concrete contractor?that can help you a great deal, and attempt to do the work on your own with some DIY videos you just found on YouTube. Unfortunately, doing a concrete project as big as putting in a new driveway or patio is not something that all people can do if you try to consider the practical issues as well as the safety concerns when doing the concrete pouring on your own.? 

Here are the dangers of DIY concrete pouring: 

Improper Preparation 

There are steps that need to be done to ensure that your concrete will be long-lasting, and that involves crucial steps for preparation. When you excavate the area, clearing some debris and plants, it is not an adequate preparation for pouring in your concrete. Take note that pouring in concrete on a loose soil will eventually make the concrete weak and unfounded. It will eventually start to crack and crumble in no time. To avoid this, ensure that you have a firm base by using a plate compactor that compacts the soil and that leaves it tightly packed.? 

Improper Tools 

We cannot deny that professionals have the edge not just in terms of experience and expertise, but also in terms of having the right tools and equipment. While you may think that this does not affect the project, you are wrong. Wrong tools may result in an uneven surface and poor-quality project results. Take note that it can also cause hazards as plastic and wooden tools can snap without prior notice. It is crucial to choose tools and equipment that are durable; however, they can also be superbly expensive.? 

Inadequate Safety Precautions 

Construction workers abide by the safety protocols provided by the?Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).?If you are working with heavy equipment or hazardous tools, you need to take precautions, and this may not be easy if you do not have the expertise to use the tools as well as knowledge on how to prevent accidents while doing the project. It is important that you protect your eyes, skin, respiratory system, and ears when doing the concrete project.? 

At the very least, you should have all the following safety gears: 

• Long sleeves and pants 
• Eye protection or safety glasses 
• Face mask 
• Gloves 

• Workboots 
• Earplugs 
• Water and soap for washing any part of the body that has been exposed to the material 

Inaccurate Water Volume 

The most commonly done mistake by unprofessional happen when they now mix cement, water, and aggregates. If you are not familiar with the different ratios you need to follow, then it poses a concern on the quality of concrete you will be finishing. Wet concrete should be malleable and smooth and not chunky and runny. Take note that too much water potentially weakens the concrete as it dries.?