Concrete is one of the most versatile materials in modern construction. It’s sturdy, aesthetically appealing and ultra-functional. Austin concrete flatwork, in particular, is more important than most realize. Concrete flatwork is everywhere, created by pouring, leveling and finishing concrete to create strong surfaces.
In this blog, you’ll learn more about concrete flatwork in Austin and gain some insight into the construction process.
What Types of Austin Concrete Flatwork Can Professionals Construct?
One of the best things about flatwork concrete is its sheer flexibility! There are many possible applications. Some of the most common include driveways and walkways. You may have some examples of it already at your residential property.
Flatwork concrete is also great for commercial and industrial applications. For example, industrial facilities often have flat concrete floors, offering a durable and stable surface for work. You’ll see it in commercial properties on sidewalks, parking lots, curbs, accessibility ramps and more.
These applications are all functional, taking advantage of concrete’s durability while benefiting from flatwork’s smoothness.
How do Flatwork Contractors Prepare for a Construction Project?
When you hire a concrete flatwork company to complete a project, you can witness the process from start to finish. It all begins with adequate prep work. Austin concrete needs a strong and even foundation. Otherwise, the finished product could crack and degrade faster than normal.
Austin flatwork contractors will excavate the area and grade the land according to plans. The process sets the stage for proper slopes and elevations.
What Does the Construction Process for Concrete Flatwork in Austin Entail?
After site prep, Austin flatwork contractors can build a form. Remember: Concrete flatwork in Austin involves pouring wet concrete to create stable horizontal surfaces. To ensure the concrete holds its shape, you need forms!
Experts will build the forms to create the right shape. Then, if the project calls for it, they may add reinforcements. Reinforcements might include steel rebar or concrete wire mesh. Either way, they help to strengthen the finished product.
From there, your concrete flatwork company will prepare the concrete mix. Then, they’ll bring it to the site on a truck and pour it into place.
Screeding is a big part of what makes Austin concrete functional and reliable. Screeding is what contractors do to level the concrete. Teams will also use tools like trowels, edgers and more to get the uniform finish you’re after.
How Long Does Austin Flatwork Need to Cure?
Before your flatwork concrete is ready for use, it must cure. During the curing phase, water will combine with the cement to create the strong crystalline structure it needs to support considerable weight.
It’s not as easy as simply drying. Curing is about maintaining moisture levels. Therefore, your concrete flatwork company may spray the surface with water, cover it with moistened burlap sheets or use special curing compounds. The goal is to allow the concrete mixture to cure while reducing cracking, shrinkage and other issues that might put the finished surface’s structural integrity at risk.
What Finish Options Do Concrete Contractors Offer?
Another great thing about concrete flatwork in Austin is that you can get many unique finishes. The most common finish is a broom finish. To achieve it, your concrete flatwork company will brush a broom over the still-wet surface to create a textured, slip-resistant result.
You can also have flatwork with exposed aggregate, revealing a beautiful finish full of pebbles and rocks. Concrete flatwork contractors can also do a stamped finish with a distinct pattern, a polished finish for an ultra-slick look, or apply stains to change the color.
No matter how extensive your Austin concrete needs might seem, RDC Paving is here to make your vision a reality. We’re premier providers of concrete flatwork, proudly serving residential, commercial and industrial properties throughout ATX and the surrounding communities. Since 2014, we’ve completed countless projects and served many happy clients.
You can turn to RDC Paving for concrete driveways, ADA-compliant ramps, sidewalks, parking lots, curbs and more. We also do repairs, parking lot striping and asphalt paving work.
Our goal is to provide every customer with comprehensive service they can trust. Big or small, we provide you with exceptional service to understand all your needs. Let us show you what we can do with concrete flatwork! Call us today to get a free job quote for your Austin concrete flatwork project. You can reach us by phone at (512) 920-9155, via email at ryan@rdcpaving.com or with our online contact form.
