Are you a Finchley resident thinking about using ready mix concrete for a home project? As a novice, the process can seem confusing. Ready mix concrete is pre-mixed at a plant and delivered to your site, saving you time and effort. It’s convenient and suitable for various construction projects.
What is Ready Mix Concrete?
Ready mix concrete is a building material made of sand, gravel, cement, and water. These ingredients are carefully measured out and then mixed at a concrete plant. The concrete mix is then poured into trucks and delivered to work sites. This makes things easier, faster and more consistent than mixing concrete on-site.
When the truck arrives, workers pour the ready-mixed concrete into forms to create driveways, foundations, floors, or other structures. The concrete then hardens into a strong, durable material. Compared to mixing your own, ready mix is affordable, efficient, and less messy.
Is Ready Mix Concrete Right for My Project?
Ready mix concrete works well for all kinds of home projects in Finchley. It’s commonly used for:
- Foundations: Ready mix creates a solid base for houses, garages, sheds, and more. The concrete prevents sinking or shifting over time.
- Driveways and Patios: Concrete stands up well to heavy use and all weather conditions. It won’t warp, dent, or buckle like other driveway materials.
- Walkways and Steps: Concrete makes flat, even surfaces that won’t become uneven or cracked. The texture provides good traction for safe foot traffic.
- Repairs and Resurfacing: For existing concrete that is cracked, broken, or stained, fresh concrete can be poured over the top to create a smooth surface.
Types of Ready Mix Concrete in Finchley
- Standard Concrete: This basic concrete mix is used for simple applications like driveways, patios, and foundation slabs. It uses typical gravel aggregate and standard Portland cement.
- High-Strength Concrete For heavy-duty projects like parking garages, factories, and bridges, high-strength concrete has a dense composition with lower water content. Special cement and aggregates allow it to withstand heavy loads.
- Lightweight Concrete: Using lightweight aggregates like perlite and air pockets, lightweight concrete reduces overall weight. This is useful for buildings on weak soils or upper-story floors. However, strength is decreased.
- Flowable Fill: Also called controlled low-strength material (CLSM), flowable fill has low strength but pours easily into tight spaces. It is self-leveling and hardens into a solid mass. It provides backfill support and protection for underground pipes and conduits.
- Air-Entrained Concrete: Tiny air bubbles are intentionally created in the concrete mix. This increases resistance to damage from freezing and thawing cycles. Most exterior concrete should be air-entrained.
- Fiber Reinforced Concrete: Fibers like glass, steel, synthetic, or natural materials are blended into the concrete mix. This prevents cracking and gives added tensile strength.
How Ready Mix Concrete Gets To You?
When you order ready mix concrete, a special truck brings it to your house. Here is what will happen:
- Concrete Truck: The concrete is carried in a big truck with a spinning drum to keep it mixed up. This way the sand, water, and stones stay blended.
- Fast Arrival: The truck may get to your house only 90 minutes after you call to order the concrete. You need your forms and work crew ready so you can use the concrete right away.
- Pouring: The truck driver will back up where you need the concrete poured. Workers use a metal chute to guide the wet concrete out of the truck and into your forms. The whole truckload comes out all at once in a steady stream, not bit by bit.
- Time Limit: Wet concrete starts to get hard pretty fast. Most concrete mixes can only be poured for 90 minutes after they arrive before they thicken up too much. So your crew needs to be ready to receive that concrete as soon as possible once the truck shows up.
What Does Ready Mix Concrete Cost?
In the Finchley area, the average cost per cubic yard of ready mix concrete ranges from £120-£150, with higher strength mixes costing more. Prices depend on:
- Type of concrete: Basic or specialty mix.
- Quantity ordered: Cost per yard decreases with larger orders.
- Delivery fees: Added charges for pump trucks or far distances.
To budget accurately, get a quote tailored to your specific project requirements. Be sure to ask if delivery charges apply and explain any access or distance issues.
Tips for Getting Quotes From Finchley Concrete Companies
When requesting quotes for ready mix concrete in Finchley, provide all project details including:
- What you are building (slab, foundation, walls, etc.).
- Size: Exact length, width, and thickness measurements.
- Location: Address and description of the property.
- Access: Tight space constraints or obstacles.
- Timing: When you plan to start and finish pouring.
Conclusion
Ready mix concrete offers Finchley residents a convenient and efficient solution for various construction projects. Different types of concrete are there for different needs and budgets. At Pro Mix Concrete UK, we take pride in being the leading provider of ready mix concrete in Finchley. Our concrete pump hire in Finchley ensures top-notch quality and reliability for all your construction needs.
FAQS
What should I consider when requesting a quote from a concrete company?
When requesting a quote, provide detailed information about your project, including what you’re building, exact measurements, location, access constraints, and timing. This helps the company recommend the most suitable concrete mix and delivery method for your needs.
Can ready mix concrete be customised for specific project requirements?
Yes, ready-mix concrete can be customised to meet specific project requirements, including strength, durability, and special additives like colour or admixtures. Discuss your needs with the supplier to ensure you get the right mix for your project.
How do I know if ready mix concrete is right for my project?
Ready mix concrete is suitable for various home projects in Finchley, including foundations, driveways, patios, walkways, steps, repairs, and resurfacing. It offers convenience and reliability for both small and large construction tasks.
Related article: theinfluencerzDiscover the ins and outs of ready mix concrete in Finchley. This comprehensive guide covers everything residents need to know. Get started now!
