RLW: The Mixer Minute

  Tool Time Thursday: Clean Lines with the Concrete Edger RLW: The Mixer Minute It’s the little details that can set a concrete job apart—and one of the most important finishing tools for sharp, clean edges is the concrete edger. A concrete edger can help shape the edges of a slab while it’s still wet, giving them a rounded, professional look. This slight curve not only enhances appearance but can also help prevent chipping and spalling down the line. A Bit of Background Concrete edging has been around since the early days of poured flatwork. Craftsmen originally used handmade tools to create rounded transitions, which helped extend the life of sidewalks and curbs. Over time, more refined steel and bronze edgers were developed, leading to the wide variety of shapes and sizes we use today. Types of Concrete Edgers Not all edges are created equal—here are a few common variations: Steel Edgers : Durable and precise, these are the go-to for most professionals. Bronze Edge...

  📄 More Than a Number: How to Read and Compare Contractor Estimates Not all estimates are created equal—and the lowest number isn’t always the best deal. If you’ve ever looked at a contractor’s quote and wondered, “What am I actually paying for?” —you’re not alone. Understanding how to read and compare estimates is key to hiring the right contractor and avoiding budget blowouts or surprise charges later. Here’s what to look for and how to spot a solid bid from a shaky one. 🔍 1. The Breakdown: Materials, Labor, and Subcontractors A professional estimate should do more than just show a single lump sum. It should clearly separate: Labor costs Materials (including brand or quality, if applicable) Subcontracted services (like electricians, plumbers, or masons) Equipment or rental charges Permit fees (if applicable) ⚠️ If an estimate just says “$9,500 for patio install,” ask for a more detailed version. 🔁 2. Apples to Apples: Comparing Multiple Quotes G...

  📏 Concrete 101: Joints in Concrete – Control vs. Expansion Concrete is strong—but it’s not immune to cracking. As it cures and shrinks or reacts to temperature changes, concrete naturally wants to move. That’s where joints come in. Strategically placed joints can help manage this movement, reducing the risk of random cracks and improving the longevity of a concrete slab. Whether you're pouring a driveway, sidewalk, or garage floor, understanding the purpose and types of concrete joints can help you plan smarter and finish stronger. 🔹 Why Are Joints Important? When concrete cures, it shrinks slightly . It also expands and contracts with temperature changes . Without designated places to relieve that pressure, the slab may crack unpredictably—sometimes in highly visible or structurally critical spots. Joints allow controlled movement of the concrete, reducing the likelihood of unsightly or damaging cracks. 🔧 Types of Joints in Concrete 1. Control Joints (Contraction...

  Tool Time Thursday: Smooth Moves with the Vibrating Screed RLW: The Mixer Minute When you’re working with a freshly poured slab, achieving a level and uniform surface is the name of the game. That’s where the vibrating screed can come into play. A vibrating screed helps strike off and consolidate concrete in one pass. As the screed glides across the surface, its motor sends controlled vibrations through the blade. This action can settle the concrete, reduce air pockets, and bring paste to the top—creating a flatter, more compact slab with less manual effort. A Brief History Traditional screeds—often just long boards or pipes—were labor-intensive and required multiple passes. Vibrating screeds started gaining traction in the late 20th century as a way to speed up the process and improve consistency, especially for larger pours like driveways, sidewalks, and warehouse floors. Types of Vibrating Screeds Today’s vibrating screeds come in a few key styles: Handheld Vibratin...

  🛠 Real Talk: How the Wrong Contractor Can Cost You More Than Money When most people think of choosing the wrong contractor, they think of lost money or delays. And while those are real risks, the true cost can go far deeper—impacting your time, trust, and even your safety. In this post, we’re diving into the real-world consequences of choosing poorly and what you can do to avoid becoming a cautionary tale. 📉 The Cost of Cutting Corners Let’s say a homeowner gets three bids for a s tamped concrete patio. Two bids come in around $10,000. One comes in at $6,500. Sounds like a deal, right? Fast forward six months: The patio is uneven. Cracks have formed from poor prep and thin concrete. The contractor won’t return calls. The homeowner now has to pay another crew to rip it out and redo it—at full price. What seemed like a bargain ended up costing double. 💬 Lesson: A low price can mean shortcuts in materials, technique, or accountability. ⏳ Time You’ll ...

  🌡️ Concrete 101: Weather and Concrete – What to Watch For Concrete might seem like a rugged material—and it is—but the weather on pour day can play a major role in how well it sets, cures, and performs over time. Whether you're facing blazing summer heat or a surprise cold snap, understanding how environmental conditions can influence a concrete pour is key to a successful project. 🌧️ Why Weather Matters Concrete doesn’t dry—it cures , through a chemical process called hydration. This process depends on maintaining proper moisture and temperature levels. Extreme weather can disrupt this balance and affect how concrete sets, bonds, and strengthens. Too hot ? Concrete can dry out too quickly, leading to cracks or weak surfaces. Too cold ? Hydration may slow to a crawl, or stop entirely if water in the mix freezes. Too windy ? Rapid surface evaporation can cause shrinkage cracks or dusting. ☀️ Hot Weather Concrete Tips High temperatures (above 85°F) combi...

  Tool Time Thursday: Why Every Concrete Crew Needs a Mag Float RLW: The Mixer Minute Before a broom ever touches the surface, there’s a crucial step that comes first—floating the concrete . And when it comes to floating, few tools are as essential as the magnesium float. A mag float can help smooth out freshly poured concrete, bringing paste to the surface and prepping it for a final finish. It can also help eliminate small imperfections and fill in low spots, giving you a more consistent and workable surface. A Quick History The float has been a key part of concrete finishing for generations, but magnesium versions gained popularity in the mid-20th century. Lighter than traditional wood, magnesium floats became a go-to tool for their strength, control, and ability to produce a tighter, cleaner surface. Types of Mag Floats Magnesium floats come in a few different styles and configurations: Hand Floats: Designed for precision work and small pours, these are great for edg...

  🚩 Contractor Red Flags: 7 Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore Hiring a contractor is a big decision, and while many professionals take pride in quality work and honest business, there are some who give the industry a bad name. Knowing what red flags to watch for can save you time, money, and major headaches down the road. Here are seven warning signs that a contractor may not be the right fit—no matter how good the price sounds. 1. No License or Insurance If a contractor can’t—or won’t—provide proof of a valid license and insurance , that’s a deal-breaker. These aren’t just formalities; they’re legal requirements in most states and help protect you if something goes wrong. ❌ Red Flag: “You don’t need to worry about that—I’ve been doing this for years.” 2. They Ask for a Large Upfront Payment It’s normal for contractors to request a deposit , but beware if they demand 50% or more upfront , especially in cash. That can be a sign they’re not financially stable—or worse...

  💧 Concrete 101: Curing Concrete – Why Timing Matters Concrete doesn’t just harden—it cures , and that’s a big difference. Many people assume that once concrete is poured and looks dry, it’s good to go. But in reality, the strength and durability of concrete depend heavily on the curing process, which can continue for days or even weeks after the pour. Understanding the basics of curing can help you avoid problems like surface cracking, dusting, or premature wear—issues that may not appear until long after the project looks finished. 🔬 What Is Hydration? When water is added to cement, a chemical reaction called hydration begins. This reaction causes the mix to harden, creating the structure and strength we expect from finished concrete. But hydration takes time—and it doesn’t happen well without the right temperature and moisture levels . If concrete dries out too quickly or is exposed to harsh conditions, the hydration process may be disrupted. This can lead to weak s...

  Tool Time Thursday: Brushing Up on Concrete Finishing Brooms RLW: The Mixer Minute When it comes to concrete , the job doesn’t end once the pour is complete. Creating the right surface finish is a crucial step in the process—and that's where concrete finishing brooms come in. These tools can help give concrete surfaces the right amount of texture for safety and function. Finishing brooms are typically dragged across freshly poured concrete to create a slip-resistant finish. The slight grooves they leave behind can improve traction and reduce the risk of slips, especially in areas exposed to rain, snow, or heavy foot traffic. A Little History The use of brooms for texturing concrete dates back to the early 20th century, when contractors began dragging straw or horsehair brooms across drying surfaces to improve grip. As demand grew for more consistent, safer finishes, manufacturers began producing purpose-built concrete finishing brooms in various materials and designs. Types...

  ✅ 5 Key Qualities Every Great Contractor Should Have Hiring a contractor isn’t just about getting the lowest bid—it’s about finding someone who brings skill, professionalism, and reliability to your project. Whether you're pouring concrete, framing a new addition, or tackling a major remodel, the contractor you choose will directly impact your timeline, budget, and peace of mind. So what separates the pros from the problems? Here are five key qualities every great contractor should have—and why they matter. 1. Proper Licensing and Insurance Before anything else, make sure your contractor is licensed , a nd insured . These aren’t just formalities—they protect you . Licensing ensures they’ve met the standards required by your state or local municipality. Insurance covers accidents or damage that might happen on the job. If a contractor can’t provide proof of both, that’s a serious red flag . 🔎 Tip: Ask for copies of their license and insurance certificates, and double-chec...

  🧱 Concrete 101: Understanding the Concrete Mix – What’s in the Bag? New to concrete? No problem. Whether you're pouring a slab for a shed or managing a new driveway install, it helps to know what’s actually in a concrete mix—and why it matters. At its core, concrete is a simple recipe: cement , aggregates , and water —but slight changes to that recipe can have a big impact on how your project performs. Let’s break down what goes into a standard mix and what each ingredient can do for your concrete. 🧪 The Basic Ingredients 1. Cement Cement is often confused with concrete, but it’s just one part of the mix. It's the binding agent —when combined with water, it reacts chemically (a process called hydration ) to create a paste that hardens and glues everything together. Most mixes use Portland cement , which is widely available and compatible with a variety of applications. 2. Aggregates ( Sand and Gravel ) Aggregates give concrete its volume and strength. These can ...

  When it comes to pouring concrete, precision and efficiency are everything. Enter the concrete chute—a simple yet game-changing tool that can guide the flow of concrete with speed and control. What Is a Concrete Chute? A concrete chute is the angled channel attached to the back of a ready-mix truck. It directs the flow of concrete from the drum to the point of placement. By adjusting the chute’s angle and length, crews can place concrete exactly where they need it—saving time, labor, and mess. A Brief History of the Chute Chutes have been part of the ready-mix process since the early 1900s. In the early days, concrete had to be moved by wheelbarrow or manual buckets, which could be labor-intensive and inefficient. As truck-mounted mixers became standard in the 1920s and 1930s, so too did the chute—a logical extension that could streamline delivery. Over time, chutes evolved from fixed metal troughs to adjustable, foldable systems with extension options. Some modern trucks e...