These days, many DIYers can now access multiple tutorials explaining how to complete various DIY projects, ranging from minor home improvements to building houses from scratch. However, DIYers can only handle a small home improvement project with their basic skills, specific structural repairs, such as Irving foundation repair, are best left in the hands of professional and experienced technicians. Regarding foundation repairs, not only are repair methods to be addressed but also the type of concrete contributes to the quality and durability of the repair job. This article explains the significance of concrete type for foundation repairs.
Why Does the Concrete Type Matter?
Concrete is typically made by mixing regular cement, aggregate, and water making it a strong, versatile, and durable building material. However, other chemicals, like admixtures can be added to the usual mix to change the proportions and characteristics of these components. This way, different types of concrete are produced by the manufacturers for different types of foundation repairs.
For instance, when a foundation issue is caused due to certain chemicals in the soil, the correct type of concrete selected for fixing the problem can ensure high-quality, durable repair.
Different Types of Concrete
Normal Strength Concrete
Normal strength or regular concrete is used for repairing foundations that don’t require high tensile, bending, compressive, and shear strength. This specific concrete type uses a mixture of cement, sand, and aggregates in the ratio of 1:2.5:3.
Reinforced Concrete
Reinforced concrete includes welded wire mesh or steel rebar that further elevates its overall strength enabling Irving foundation repair to withstand better loads and stresses in homes with medium and heavier construction.
Precast Concrete
Precast concrete elements, like blocks, beams, piers, columns, and cylinders are made by giving much attention to the proportions of aggregates, cement, and admixtures. Prepared and cast in factory-controlled environments for better quality, precast concrete elements are used in older homes to replace damaged components to repair and stabilize foundations.
Rapid-Gardening Concrete
Rapid-hardening concrete is designed to harden rapidly, and due to this characteristic, it is considered suitable for foundation repair projects requiring the structure to attain strength faster. Usually, this concrete type is used in winter and hurricane season by foundation repair professionals to offer improved durability to the home’s foundation.
Pumped Concrete
Pumped concrete is professionally used to bring foundation sections that have sunk unevenly back to their original elevation. Also known as slab jacking, this concrete type is preferred to repair slab-on-grade foundations where it’s impossible to maneuver under a home.
Conclusion
Irrespective of its type, concrete is at the heart of the Irving foundation repair projects completed by professional foundation contractors. Now that the material is a crucial element to ensure the integrity, durability, and longevity of all the foundation repairs, it’s essential to choose the right type of concrete for each job. For instance, the soil comprising sulfates is at risk of heaving. In this case, using sulfate-resistant concrete for repairing foundations can reduce the risk of sulfate attacks on the structure in the future.
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