The vapor barrier beneath the slab of concrete may not seem important. But the vapor barrier is responsible in supporting the concrete and ensuring that the concrete lasts a long time. The Perminator Underslab Vapor Barrier is one of the very best vapor barriers in the industry; it’s both extremely effective and economical, and it’s…
It’s possible for a concrete amateur to forget or to be unaware of the importance of a quality concrete sealer. A sealer helps the concrete resist the weather; a quality sealer prevents the concrete from taking on too much water during periods of long exposure; and, it even helps the concrete resist damage. And if…
Concrete shows its age as well as any imperfections. Concrete displays its weaknesses as cracks, fissures, and fractures. What are the differences between cracks, fissures, and fractures? When there is a crack in the concrete does it mean something different than a fissure? There are differences, and the differences are usually in the severity of…
Proper drainage is paramount to the long-term success of a concrete structure. When it comes to longevity and structural integrity, few elements break down a structure quicker than poor drainage. When Shotcrete Montana builds a structure such as a retaining wall, a moisture protection system will be put in place to ensure that the moisture…
Concrete is an incredibly durable and hardy building material; it’s long lifespan makes it a terrific choice as a building material for numerous projects. But like all things, concrete/shotcrete does eventually break down and need to be replaced. And the removal of a concrete slab, retaining wall, or ditch can be difficult work. For larger…
Concrete can be tricky to mix, especially for someone new to the process. But the initial stages are vitally important to the end result; the best concrete jobs begin with a well-balanced mix of concrete. Concrete that is mixed well will be easier to work with and remain durably intact throughout its lifespan. And there…
As a building material, concrete is relatively simple. And at its simplest and most basic composition, concrete is made from water, aggregate, and cement all mixed together in precise proportion. Water and aggregate likely have been used as a building material since the dawn of mankind; it’s a simple and economical and durable building material.…
In building construction water vapor should always be controlled. When a concrete floor is poured a vapor and gas barrier should be placed beneath. Here’s why… There are a few reasons why a concrete vapor barrier is absolutely a necessity when you pour a concrete floor. The first reason is economical; the vapor barrier installed…
Did you know that the fall season is one of the best times of year to pour concrete? It’s true. And the reason it’s true is that oftentimes the fall months offer the most neutral temperatures of the season. Concrete can be poured in any season, but mild and consistent temperatures work best. Concrete should…
The best concrete jobs begin in the initial stages of form building and concrete mixing. Mixing concrete isn’t overly difficult, but there are certain tricks to making the consistency of the concrete just-so. Well-mixed concrete will be easier to work with and will hold up durably. Where Do I mix the concrete? You can use…