Do you have the complete set of tools needed for laying concrete? The history of concrete dates back to 6500 BC in Syria and Jordan when builders used the material for housing structures and floors, according to Giatec Scientific. Today’s Concreting Tools range from tampers to trowels to make your construction work faster and more efficient. Here are some of the essential tools to have with you:
Finishing Trowel
Construction workers use finishing trowels for different tasks, including concrete work. For example, besides smoothing out concrete, you can also use it to smooth out other materials, including plaster and mortar.
The function of this tool is to create straight lines for smoothing out a mixture’s surface. When using a trowel, it is essential to wear gloves and only apply pressure to the tool’s handles. Trowels are available in different sizes. Small units are used to finish small spaces, while large trowels can quickly smooth out larger areas of concrete. Many experts recommend having different sizes for different situations.
Float
The main functions of concrete floats include filling empty spaces on the surface and levelling ridges. You should use this tool right after tamping or screeding the concrete, depending on the particular situation.
Make sure to complete this process before extra moisture shows on the surface. The function of using these tools is to fill spaces after the screeding process and levelling ridges. The tool should also embed the coarse aggregate slightly. This will help make future finishing operations easier to complete.
Tamper
These tools are also known sometimes as “jitterbugs.” Their function is to push thick concrete aggregate contained in concrete under the surface. This helps to combine the substance. Various tampers are available on the market. This includes roller tampers that you can use outside the workspace with wet concrete.
Screed
This tool is used to level and smooth the top layer of concrete. It ensures the material is equal to the height of the guides surrounding it. Screeding is not only used for home improvement and construction sites but also for gardening.
However, one of the most common uses of this concrete tool is for landscaping such as backyard patios. The worker then uses a screed to make the area level after the concrete dries.
Edger
Concrete edgers create a rounded edge along the slab’s perimeter. This helps to prevent chipping damage after removing the forms. An edger looks like a small trowel with a curved side.
You should do edging after the concrete surface does not show any “bleedwater.” However, you should also use this step before removing forms. Make sure the concrete is firm yet workable.
It creates a cleaner edge when using concrete for:
- Patios
- Sidewalks
- Curbs
- Driveways
Groover
This is a type of finishing tool that can help to reduce cracking. It achieves this goal by making grooves and joints at exact spaces. What follows after using this tool is applying chemical compounds for sealing and hardening.
After using the groover, you should inspect the surface carefully to find any uneven or rough areas. A wire brush is used to also clean away chipped areas. When doing concrete work, a person uses a wide range of Concreting Tools like groovers, edgers, and tampers. It is important to use the perfect tools for the right job. A faster, easier, and better job will then be set in concrete!