Concrete slabs are an integral component of any house or building, and expanding them may seem like a complicated construction project, but expanding one is actually quite straightforward and can even be accomplished without consulting an architect.
First, plan out the new concrete slab extension area. Next, excavate and backfill with stones before assembling and installing rebar forms and forms for reinforcement.
Preparation
Concrete slabs Melbourne are integral parts of buildings and used for various applications including flooring, parking lots and driveways. When expanding an existing concrete slab it is crucial that careful consideration be given so that its extension fits seamlessly with its surroundings.
Before beginning an extension project, it’s essential that you research the load bearing capacity of your existing slab to ensure it can support additional weight. This will also enable you to determine the number and size of rebars to use for extension work.
Once you have determined the load-bearing capability and rebar requirement of your slab, construction can begin. Once that process begins, constructing concrete forms using lumber should follow along with setting up an appropriate drainage slope to facilitate water runoff.
Rebars are essential when working with concrete as it has the tendency to crack easily under tension and torsional forces, leading to cracking at its seams. You should place one every 10 feet throughout the extension area in order to alleviate these stresses without producing visible cracks. Control joints should also be installed – whether tooled into plasticized concrete before it sets or saw cut after.
Forms
No matter if you’re adding a concrete slab for a hot tub, shed, or home addition – concrete forms are relatively affordable and can easily be made out of lumber. Pro tip: make sure one side has an inclined slope to ensure proper drainage of water from underneath your forms.
This will prevent water from pooling in your garden or backyard and encourage its free flow through its various channels.
Your forms should also be secured using stakes to prevent shifting during the concrete pouring process. Once complete, remove stakes and cleats from frames so the concrete can cure in peace.
Concrete
Renovation of a concrete slab is a complex task requiring numerous materials. Additionally, construction will likely involve adding walls, beams, roofs and other structures – with concrete being one of its key components.
When pouring concrete, it must be strong enough to bear the weight of its new structure. One effective method for doing this is using wood braces as formwork – you can cut them yourself or purchase them from home improvement stores; just be sure to have an efficient saw that can create clean straight cuts!
Rebar installation in the slab extension area is also highly recommended, as rebar can give concrete extra strength under tension or torsional forces, thus decreasing the chance of large cracks developing in its structure.
Finishing
A concrete slab is an essential component of any building. It serves as a sturdy base that supports walls, beams, roofs, windows, utilities and any new structures built atop it; also essential when renovating old structures that abut onto it – hence making its extension part of most renovation projects.
After you have finished pouring concrete, it is wise to use a bull float to even out any ridges or fill any voids in order to reduce cracking in the finished product. A power trowel equipped with both finish and float blades may also come in handy to ensure a dense, uniform surface.
Once the concrete has had an opportunity to dry, use an edger to form neat and rounded edges on its surface. Once all the water has subsided, finishing process may begin; in this respect a quality finisher is indispensable.
