Risky Business: DIY Concrete Pouring or Call a Professional?

Self Concrete Pouring: DIYes or DIDon't?

If you’re planning to put in a new concrete driveway, patio, or walkway, you may be tempted to tackle the job yourself. While DIY or Do-It-Yourself concrete pouring can be a rewarding experience and save you money in the short run, it also comes with many risks that can put your project and those around you in danger.

DIY concrete pouring requires specialized tools and materials. If you don’t have the right supplies or lack experience in handling them, you can cause serious damage to your property and even injury to yourself or those around you. Additionally, improperly mixed concrete can lead to cracking and crumbling over time.

Let's discuss the dangers of concrete pouring by yourself and when it's best to call in a professional instead. We'll also provide some tips for safely completing DIY projects involving concrete. By arming yourself with this knowledge before starting your project, you can ensure that your work goes smoothly and that you remain safe while doing it. So let's get started!

Before attempting pouring any concrete for your project, keep in mind the following which are the common mistakes that usually happen when pouring concrete by yourself:

1. Improper Preparation

One of the common mistakes when pouring your own concrete is not preparing it correctly. This can lead to problems with cracking and crumbling. To avoid this, you should make sure you have all the right tools and materials before starting your project so that you can do it safely.

This involves using a plate compactor to make sure the soil is tightly packed, getting a concrete mixer to ensure the right consistency of your mix, and having enough safety gear for everyone involved. If your concrete is sitting on top of loose soil, you may consider calling in a professional to do the job for you.

2. Incorrect Tools and Materials

Another mistake DIYers make is not having the correct tools and materials for their project. This can lead to major problems down the road and even potential injury. For example, if you don't use a plate compactor, your concrete could be sitting on top of an unstable surface which means it's more likely to crack over time. Additionally, if you don't use the right mix of concrete, it could be too loose or too thick and cause problems down the road.

Some tools you will need:

• Concrete mixer (electric mixers are most efficient).
• To flatten the wet surface you need a bull float or darby.
• Magnesium float to smooth bumps.
• Large wheelbarrow to transport your concrete.
• Heavy-duty concrete groover for installing control joints.
• Broom or concrete brush to create enough texture to avoid a slippery finish.

3. Weather Conditions

Doing concrete pouring yourself can be dangerous if you don't take into account the weather. If it’s too hot or humid, your concrete will dry too quickly and not have enough time to cure properly. This means that it won’t be as strong and is more likely to crack or crumble over time.

Additionally, if there’s too much rain or snow, your concrete may not set properly. If you don't plan to begin pouring your concrete until the weather is ideal, it's best to call in a professional instead.

4. The Wrong Amount of Water

When DIYers are pouring their own concrete, they often don’t add the right amount of water. This can cause the concrete to be too dry or too wet and have inadequate strength. Too much water can also lead to shrinkage cracks once it dries. To avoid this, you should measure out the correct amount of water and mix it with the dry ingredients before pouring.

5. Insufficient Safety Precautions

Doing concrete pouring on your own can be dangerous, so it’s important to take the proper safety precautions. Long sleeves, long pants and closed-toe shoes should be worn for your protection. Additionally, make sure you have access to water in case of an accident. If you don't feel comfortable doing it on your own, it's best to leave it to the professionals.

When To Call a Professional

If you're unsure of your own abilities or would like to have a professional guarantee the job is done right, it's always best to call in an expert. There’s no shame in knowing when and where to draw the line - after all, your safety and the quality of work are much more important than any price tag.

Pouring concrete may seem simple enough but there are so many intricacies that can go wrong if you don't know what you're doing. If it turns out to be a larger job than expected, or if the weather conditions aren’t ideal, it's always best to call in an experienced professional who can guarantee the quality of work and your safety throughout the process.

So don’t hesitate to give us a call today and we’ll assist you with the project you have in mind!