📰 Introducing: RLW — The Mixer Minute

Your new go-to source for all things concrete.

At RLW Concrete LLC, we know concrete inside and out—but we also know that not everyone does. That’s why we’re launching The Mixer Minute, a fresh new blog designed to educate, inspire, and connect with our customers and community.

Whether you’re a homeowner planning your first patio, a DIYer with questions about finishing tools, or just someone who wants to learn more about the materials under your feet—we’ve got something for you.

👷‍♂️ Who We Are

About RLW Concrete LLC
RLW Concrete LLC is a family-owned business serving Central PA and the surrounding areas since 2010. Founded by Ryan and Robin Welder, our company is built on the values of family, integrity, and high-quality work. We’re proud to deliver exceptional service to every client, and we treat every job—big or small—with the same attention to detail and care.

🛠 What You’ll Find on The Mixer Minute:

We’re kicking off the blog with three recurring series to give readers a well-rounded mix of tips, tools, and expert insights:

🔨 Tool Time Thursday

Each week, we take a deep dive into the tools that shape the concrete industry—from hand floats to screeds and everything in between. Learn what they do, how they’re used, and why they matter.

🧭 The Contractor’s Compass: A Homeowner’s Hiring Guide

This series is all about helping you hire the right concrete contractor. From red flags to smart questions to ask, The Contractor’s Compass will guide you through the hiring process step by step.

📚 Concrete 101: The Basics, Broken Down

New to concrete? No problem. Concrete 101 walks you through the fundamentals—from curing and mix designs to weather considerations—so you can understand what’s going into your project and why it matters.

We’re excited to build this blog right alongside the work we do in the field—and we’re even more excited to share what we’ve learned with you.

Comments

Why It Matters Wednesday: Why Pozzolans Matter

Why Pozzolans Matter Concrete is more than just cement, water, and stone. One of the most important ingredients used to improve concrete performance is something called a pozzolan . Pozzolans play a critical role in making concrete stronger, more durable, and longer lasting. What is a Pozzolan? A pozzolan is a material added to concrete that reacts chemically with calcium hydroxide during the curing process. This reaction strengthens the internal structure of the concrete and improves its overall performance. Common pozzolans include: Fly ash Silica fume Slag cement Natural volcanic materials These materials enhance concrete beyond what cement alone can achieve. Why Pozzolans Matter Pozzolans significantly improve concrete quality in several ways: Increased Strength Pozzolans strengthen the internal bond within the concrete, resulting in a stronger final product. Improved Durability Concrete with pozzolans is more resistant to weather, moisture, and wear....

Concrete 101: A Brief History of Concrete

Concrete 101: A Brief History of Concrete RLW: The Mixer Minute Concrete is one of the most widely used building materials in the world today—but it’s not a modern invention. Its history stretches back thousands of years, proving just how reliable and versatile it is. Here’s a quick look at concrete through the ages. ✅ 1. The Ancient Origins The earliest forms of concrete date back to ancient civilizations. The Egyptians used a mixture of mud and straw for bricks and later developed a lime and gypsum mortar. But it was the Romans who perfected the use of concrete, mixing volcanic ash with lime and water to create structures that still stand today. ✅ 2. Roman Concrete Marvels The Romans built roads, aqueducts, and massive structures like the Colosseum and the Pantheon dome using concrete. Their formula allowed the material to resist cracking and even grow stronger over time when exposed to seawater. ✅ 3. Concrete Disappears—and Returns After the fall of the Roman Empire, ...

FAQs: Why Does Concrete Crack?

FAQs: Why Does Concrete Crack? One of the most common questions we hear at RLW Concrete LLC is: “Why does concrete crack?” The short answer? All concrete cracks. The important part is why it cracks and how it’s managed. Let’s break it down 👇 ❓ Is cracking normal in concrete? Yes. Concrete is extremely strong, but it is not flexible. As it cures, settles, and reacts to its environment, some cracking is completely normal and expected . ❓ What causes concrete to crack? 1. Shrinkage During Curing As concrete dries and hardens, water evaporates. This causes the concrete to shrink slightly , which can lead to surface cracking. This is the most common cause and usually cosmetic. 2. Temperature Changes Concrete expands when it’s hot and contracts when it’s cold. In Pennsylvania’s freeze–thaw climate, this constant movement puts stress on the slab, which can cause cracking over time. 3. Ground Movement or Settling If the soil beneath the concrete shifts, settles, or ...

RLW: The Mixer Minute

Search This Blog