Wm Dauch Concrete Co Inc provides construction material services. The Company offers concrete ready mix, stone hauling, and block hauling as well as stocking building supplies including brick, concrete block, masonry cement, concrete finishing tools, and PVC pipe for commercial, residential, and agricultural customers. Wm Dauch Concrete operates plants in Norwalk, Willard, Bucyrus, and Elyria, Ohio.
Ready Mix Concrete
Whether you are a contractor working on a large construction project, or a homebuilder, there is a good chance that you will use concrete at some point in your project. Concrete is a strong, durable material that can be used in a variety of applications, both indoors and outdoors. Depending on your needs, you may need different types of concrete. Here are some of the main types:
Ready mix concrete is a form of pre-mixed concrete that is delivered to your project site by truck. This type of concrete is ideal for large projects that require a fast turnaround, such as roadways, bridges, and commercial buildings. It is also a great choice for residential projects that require a strong, long-lasting driveway or patio. Ready mix concrete is available in a wide range of strengths and sizes to meet your specific project requirements.
Concrete is made up of a combination of aggregates (crushed stone, gravel, and sand), cement, water, and chemical additives. The proportions of these ingredients determine the strength, workability, and durability of the final product. Ready mix concrete is pre-mixed at a batching plant in controlled conditions, ensuring that the proper ratios of each component are mixed together. This consistency is vital in construction, as it ensures that the finished product will have the correct strength and workability to serve its intended purpose.
The most common uses of concrete include foundations, footings, slabs, and walls. It can also be used in landscaping projects, such as walkways and patios. Concrete is also an excellent material for retaining walls, as it provides support while preventing soil erosion and managing stormwater runoff.
With a little bit of knowledge, you can easily choose the right type of concrete for your project. The key is to understand the differences between ready mix concrete and site-mixed concrete. Ready-mix concrete is pre-mixed at centralized plants and then transported to construction sites in volumetric mixer trucks. This streamlined process eliminates the need for labor-intensive mixing and saves you money.
In contrast, site-mixed concrete is prepared on-site by mixing the concrete components directly at the construction site. This traditional method offers more flexibility and control over the mix, but it can be time-consuming and requires skilled labor.
Concrete Pumping
Concrete pumps are a key tool for construction projects, especially those in remote or hard-to-reach locations. They help to streamline the process by transporting concrete from a ready-mix truck to its final destination on the construction site quickly and efficiently. However, successful concrete pumping requires a great deal of planning and preparation. It is important to have the right equipment and proper training to ensure that your project is a success.
During the 1950s, two brothers passionate about concrete pumping began fabricating their own concrete pipelines and pumps. Their efforts resulted in a company called Con Forms, which continues to provide solutions for the construction industry today. Among its early products were Hevi Duty couplings, which make it easy to connect and disconnect concrete pipelines safely. These innovative solutions were an essential component in helping the concrete pumping industry gain traction.
Today, manufacturers offer multiple pump varieties with advanced functionalities to support small and large-scale jobs. For example, some pumps can be used to support insulated concrete forms (ICFs), which are hollow blocks or panels that are filled with concrete and then stacked to create walls for homes and other buildings.
Other pump varieties allow contractors to place concrete directly from the portable mixer. This method of concrete placement is ideal for large or high-rise building projects, since it allows contractors to work on the ground floor without having to leave the safety of a mobile mixer. Other pump varieties include truck-mounted concrete pumps and separate placing boom models.
Regardless of the type of concrete pump used, there are several safety concerns to keep in mind. These include proper vehicle and boom positioning, truck stabilization, and jobsite accessibility. In addition, it is important to know what kind of cribbing is required for the jobsite and how to properly place it. For example, if using ICFs, DICA’s new ProStack SlotLock cribbing block can be stacked and locked together to allow contractors to safely gain needed cribbing in tight spaces.
Concrete Sealing
Concrete that is not sealed is prone to spalling, pitting, and other surface deterioration. Sealing helps prevent this deterioration and extends the life of the concrete. Concrete surfaces can be sealed in a variety of ways, including spraying on a concrete surface or pouring on the sealant in liquid form. A professional can advise you on the best options for your specific concrete surface.
There are four types of concrete sealants available: epoxies, polyurethanes, silane, and siloxane. Each has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Epoxies are water-repellant and abrasion-resistant, and they dry with a glossy finish. They are ideal for high-traffic areas. Polyurethanes offer a similar level of protection but provide a matte finish and do not allow stains to adhere to the concrete. Silane and siloxane are penetrating, waterproof sealers that can be used for very porous concrete.
Before applying a concrete sealant, it is important to ensure that the surface is clean and free of any contaminants. If a concrete surface is not properly cleaned, the sealant may not bond well to the surface. Mechanical abrasion techniques, such as blast cleaning, can be used to roughen the surface of the concrete before applying a sealer. However, blasting should be done carefully to avoid damage or gouging.
After the sealant has been applied, it will take a few days for it to cure and harden. The curing process occurs by a chemical reaction with the silica in the concrete, which causes it to fill and densify the concrete. This prevents water from passing through the concrete and allows it to wick away moisture that would otherwise cause spalling or deterioration.
If you are considering having your concrete professionally sealed, it is important to find a provider that is licensed and insured. Look for a provider with a portfolio of past projects and read reviews from previous customers. Also, ask about any affiliations the provider has with trade organizations or professional associations. This can indicate a commitment to the industry and a dedication to quality work. You should also request a quote and compare prices to get the best value for your money.
Concrete Repair
Concrete repair is an essential part of maintaining the durability of any building or structure. It can be used to address problems like cracks, spalling, or pitting, and it can also be used to resurface old or damaged concrete. When performed properly, concrete repairs can last a long time and can improve the appearance of the property. However, there are some things to keep in mind when repairing concrete, including safety precautions, proper surface preparation, and adequate curing time.
When deciding whether to repair or replace concrete, it is important to understand the severity of the damage. Hairline cracks, discoloration, and small potholes may only require a simple repair and can be filled in with sealants or flexible calk. Larger cracks or cracks that extend over a large area may indicate underlying structural issues and should be addressed immediately.
Eco-efficient repair methods and materials are becoming increasingly popular as the industry strives to minimize environmental impacts and costs. The use of these methods and materials can help reduce the reliance on natural resources, as well as lower GHG emissions. They can also contribute to the design of durable repaired structures, which are able to withstand service conditions, and have adequate strength to support their design loads.
It is crucial to wear the proper safety equipment when repairing concrete. This includes personal protective equipment such as rubber gloves, eye protection, and dust masks. This will protect against alkaline burns from wet concrete, as well as cuts or scrapes from sharp tools. Wearing the right safety gear can help you work more efficiently, and will also ensure that you are protected from injury while working on your project.
During the concrete repair process, it is important to keep in mind that it must be adequately moist-cured in order to achieve full and lasting results. If the concrete is not cured correctly, it can become loose and cracked over time. The moisture content of the concrete can be determined by using a moisture meter.
A reputable repair contractor will have the proper tools and high-quality materials needed to repair concrete effectively. They will also be able to provide advice on preventative maintenance to avoid future damage. It is recommended to choose a contractor with experience in the type of damage you need repaired, and to get estimates from several contractors before choosing one.