Frequently Asked Questions

The time it takes before you can start building on concrete depends on several factors, including the type of construction, the weather conditions, and the specific mix of the concrete used. Here are some general guidelines:

1. **Initial Set Time**:
– Concrete typically takes about 24 to 48 hours to set enough for you to walk on it without leaving marks. This is the initial set time.

2. **Curing Period**:
– Concrete needs to cure properly to achieve its full strength. The curing process usually takes about 28 days, but the concrete will reach about 70% of its strength within the first 7 days.

3. **Building on Concrete**:
– **Light Construction**: For lighter constructions, such as framing a house or other non-load-bearing activities, you might be able to start building after about 7 days.
– **Heavy Construction**: For heavier constructions, including laying large structural elements, you should wait the full 28 days to ensure the concrete has cured properly and reached its maximum strength.

4. **Weather Conditions**:
– Weather plays a significant role in the curing process. In hot and dry conditions, concrete may set faster, but it can also lose moisture too quickly, which can affect its strength. In cold conditions, the setting and curing process slows down significantly.
– To mitigate these effects, use curing blankets in cold weather and keep the concrete moist in hot weather.

5. **Concrete Mix**:
– Different concrete mixes have different curing times. Rapid-setting concrete can reach substantial strength in a matter of hours, whereas standard concrete mixes require the typical curing period mentioned above.

In summary, while you can walk on concrete within 24 to 48 hours, you should wait at least 7 days before starting light construction and ideally 28 days for any heavy construction to ensure the concrete has cured to its full strength.

Sure, here are some simple ways to make concrete cure faster:

1. **Use Accelerators**: Add chemicals like calcium chloride to the mix to speed up setting.

2. **Warm Water**: Mix the concrete with warm water to help it set faster.

3. **High-Early-Strength Cement**: Use special cement that gains strength quickly.

4. **Reduce Water**: Use less water in the mix, but ensure it’s still workable.

5. **Control Temperature**: Keep the concrete warm in cold weather using heaters or blankets. In hot weather, keep it moist to prevent quick drying.

6. **Steam Curing**: Apply steam to the concrete surface to speed up curing.

7. **Rapid-Hardening Cement**: Use cement designed to harden quickly.

### Tips:
– **Mix Well**: Make sure the concrete is mixed thoroughly.
– **Pour Quickly**: Pour and finish the concrete promptly.
– **Protect**: Shield the concrete from extreme temperatures and weather right after pouring.

### Cautions:
– **Strength**: Faster curing might reduce long-term strength.
– **Cracking**: Quick drying can cause cracks, so keep the concrete moist in hot weather.

Our concrete mixers are approximately 9 meters in length and 2.55 meters in width plus mirrors. If you need concrete pumping services, our truck-mounted concrete pumps are available to assist you. It is advisable to have at least 25 meters of space to park the truck and set up the pump.

There are two industrial wheelbarrows on the side of the wagon that are free to use. These are 850mm wide but typically fit through gates and door frames as long as there are no obstructions behind them. They hold 100 litres

No we do not offer an exclusive wheel barrow service but upon request if we can we will.

Proper preparation ensures a smooth delivery process. Clear the site of any debris, obstacles, or parked vehicles. Ensure that your project staff are appropriately dressed and equipped with safety gear.

Even if your site has limited access, modern concrete delivery methods can overcome obstacles. Ground pumps and boom pumps allow concrete to be delivered through tight spaces, around corners, and even over walls.

We offer on site cube testing that is sent off to an external third party to be crushed from 7 days to 56 days.

Typically, we have a 2m3 minimum charge but can deliver any quantity. However, feel free to contact us to discuss your specific requirements.

Got A Different Question?

Call for expert advice or book online to guarantee your delivery slot with a £100 deposit. Use our online calculator for a no charge, no obligation quote.

Order Concrete Today!

Call or book online to guarantee your delivery slot with a £100 deposit. Use our online calculator for a no charge, no obligation quote.

Easy 4 Step Process To Order Online

Book your concrete delivery online by using our fast, secure online order form. Pay only £100 deposit at the time of booking. Settle the balance upon delivery.

Step 1

First, we’ll check if we deliver to your area.

Step 2

Select the concrete that suits your needs.

Step 3

Tell us where and when you want it delivered.

Step 4

Use our secure, online payment page to finalise your booking.

Not Sure How Much You Need?

Use our handy Concrete Calculator to workout how much to order.

Concrete Calculator

Select the measurement units and enter the figures into the relevant boxes, the calculator will do the rest!