You have signed the contract, the forms are set, and the concrete truck is scheduled. Pour day is exciting, but most homeowners have never seen the process up close. Here is exactly what to expect when our crew shows up to transform your property.
Before the Truck Arrives
Our crew arrives early to do final prep. We verify that the forms are level and secured, the rebar or wire mesh is properly positioned on chairs to keep it centered in the slab, and the sub-base is compacted and moistened. In the Florida heat, dry sub-base can pull water out of the concrete too quickly, weakening the final product. We spray the base down to prevent this.
The Pour Itself
When the ready-mix truck arrives, the clock starts. Concrete has a limited working window, especially in the summer heat, so our crew moves fast and with precision. The truck feeds concrete through a chute or pump hose directly into the forms. One team member directs the flow while others spread and vibrate the mix to eliminate air pockets. Air trapped inside concrete creates weak spots that will crack later.
Screeding and Finishing
Once the forms are filled, we drag a screed board across the top to level the surface. Then comes the real craft. Using bull floats, hand trowels, and edging tools, we work the surface to the specified finish. Whether you want a smooth trowel finish for a garage floor or a broom finish for a slip-resistant driveway, this is where the skill shows.
The Curing Phase
This is where our name comes from. After finishing, the concrete needs to stay wet for several days to reach full strength. We apply a curing compound that seals in moisture, and in extreme heat, we may cover the slab with wet burlap. Concrete that dries too fast in the Florida sun can lose up to 50 percent of its potential strength. Proper curing is the difference between a slab that lasts 5 years and one that lasts 30.
When Can You Use It?
You can typically walk on new concrete after 24 to 48 hours. Light vehicle traffic is safe after about 7 days. Full strength, known as the 28-day cure, takes about a month. We will give you a specific timeline based on the mix design and weather conditions at the time of your pour.