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Can You Pour Concrete in Hot Weather?

In Louisiana, it’s been exceptionally hot these past few days.

With a heat index of 109° F, concrete contractors in particular have had to take special precautions when pouring concrete outdoors.

There are many complications that come with pouring concrete in extreme heat, aside from health concerns.

Let’s take a look.

The risks of pouring concrete when it’s too hot outside

Fortunately (for the concrete only), in Louisiana, we don’t experience many low-humidity or windy days. These factors can complicate the pour and require special adjustments to be made.

The following issues can arise when pouring in extreme heat:

Decreased durability and strengthHigher risk of thermal crackingHigher risk of drying shrinkageCold joint formationsHigher risk of slumpingHigher risk of finishing problems

Is it possible to pour concrete in extreme heat?

When you hire the professionals at Port Aggregates, you can trust that our contractors know what they’re doing and are experienced in executing successful pours in a wide range of conditions.

In short, yes, it is possible to pour in extreme heat by taking the proper precautions:

Plan in advance. The mixed concrete will need to be poured more quickly than usual, so we always check our routes ahead of time to make sure there won’t be any delivery delays.Expand the size of the crew. The more hands on deck, the faster the job will be completed.Counteract the effects of the heat on the concrete during all stages of the pour. This may include blocking the sun with portable shade or tenting an area.

There’s a lot to consider when pouring concrete in extreme heat. To ensure that the job is done properly and all of the appropriate safety measures have been taken, contact Port Aggregates. There’s a reason we’ve been a trusted industry leader for over forty years! Request a quote today for help with your residential or commercial concrete project this summer.

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Finding the Right Concrete Company for Your Commercial Project

Any business owner can expect to run into at least one concrete project during the span of their commercial business operation. Hiring the right concrete company for this project will be the difference between a good-quality, long-standing product and a cracked slab.

When looking for a commercial concrete contractor, there are several traits you’ll need to seek out.

The right concrete contractor will be:

1. Reputable

A concrete company’s reputation is just as important as the quality of the concrete it supplies, especially if you plan on working with this company for the long haul.

Check out the company’s reviews across the web and ask around to see who your friends or family may recommend. LinkedIn is a good place to ask other business owners for recommendations.

Ask past customers how the company in question ranks on communication, customer service, completion times, cleanliness, reliability, and price. After you’ve done your research, continue looking for a company that is both skilled and reliable.    

2. Skilled

You’ll want to hire a concrete company that specializes in your specific needs. For example, if you need a decorative concrete job done, don’t hire just any concrete company–hire one that is skilled in decorative concrete.

See if you can find pictures of the company’s work to assess their skill, and call to make sure they have all the materials in-house. If they don’t, you’ll need to pay extra for them to outsource the materials.  

3. Reliable

Reliability is one of the most important traits to look for in a concrete company. There’s nothing worse than hiring a contractor that shows up late, doesn’t follow the timeline, and fails to communicate about important changes.

The reliability of a company can also be proven through references and recommendations. Any professional company will be able to show you a portfolio or showcase pictures of their work.

At Port Aggregates, our skilled contractors have over 40 years’ worth of experience ingrained into our pours. You can view our work on our site or Facebook page, and contact us for specific images. Whether you’re looking to complete a residential or commercial concrete project, we’ve got you covered. Contact us today to request a quote

The post Finding the Right Concrete Company for Your Commercial Project appeared first on Port Aggregates.

Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.bellanovatravel.net/?p=86

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How Rip Rap Helps With Erosion Prevention

Every 100 minutes, the Louisiana coast loses an entire football field’s worth of wetlands to erosion.

If you’ve ever been near the coast, chances are that you’ve seen rip rap in place to prevent this from happening.

Rip rap is a type of large rock that’s often made of crushed granite. Manmade or natural, these rocks are often about a foot in diameter and offer several benefits.

The many advantages of rip rap

Rock rip rap is used to protect streambanks, channels, slopes, shorelines, inlets, outlets, and many other erosion-prone areas. It stabilizes and fills slopes that are unstable due to seepage and helps slow the velocity of concentrated runoff. 

Not to mention, it’s also extremely easy to use and install, requiring virtually no maintenance. When placed over a filler material such as fabric, sand, or gravel, it can prevent soil from seeping through the stone and protect the underlying natural material.

Uniform vs. graded

Rip rap comes in two forms: uniform and graded. Uniform rip rap is delivered in pieces that are similar in size, whereas graded comes in a variety of different sizes. Graded rip rap is cheaper to install and better at withstanding stone movement, which is why it’s often preferred over uniform. 

Port Aggregates offers three types of rip rap: 10lb rip rap (6-10”), 30lb rip rap, and 55lb rip rap. Whether your goal is to prevent erosion or simply create a garden, we’ve got just what you need. Our high-quality crushed limestone is available in numerous sizes to suit your special needs. Contact us today to request a quote

The post How Rip Rap Helps With Erosion Prevention appeared first on Port Aggregates.

Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.bellanovatravel.net/?p=83