22 Aug

The Different Types Of Concrete And Their Use In Construction

Types of Concrete

Concrete is the composite mixture of cement, water, and fine or coarse aggregates. These aggregates can be composed of geological materials, such as sand and gravel, or sourced materials like grounded glass.

Types of Concrete

You may think that concrete is just concrete, but there are, in fact, many types of this popular building material. Concrete can be categorized based on its method of application, design mix, mode of construction, and the constituent materials used.

Each has its advantages and disadvantages, which is why it’s important to understand the differences before you start planning your next construction project. This article aims to familiarize you with the different types of concrete. Also, we’ll discuss some of the options you have to consider when picking from various types of concrete for your project.

Shotcrete

Shotcrete is a type of concrete made by blasting concrete material or mortar under high pressure through a hose and nozzle onto a surface. It is often used for construction projects that require a quick and efficient way to apply concrete, such as tunneling, mining, and bridge building.

Gunite

Gunite is a type of concrete that is made up of sand, cement, and water. It is very similar to shotcrete, the notable difference being their application mode.

Gunite is a dry mix of concrete that only mixes with water as it is being pneumatically applied through a hose and nozzle to the surface that needs to be concreted. This type of concrete is most commonly used for swimming pools, as it can be easily molded to the desired shape.

Fiber-Reinforced Concrete

Fiber-reinforced concrete, or FRC, is a type of concrete that uses fibers to improve its mechanical properties. The fibers help to make the concrete stronger, more durable, and less likely to crack.

FRC is often used in construction projects requiring high strength and durability, such as highways, bridges, and airport runways. It is also used in marine construction projects, as it is resistant to corrosion and swelling caused by salt water.

Lightweight Concrete

Lightweight concrete is a type of concrete that’s designed to be lighter than traditional concrete. It’s made with materials like foamed glass or expanded clay that make it less dense, meaning it’s easier to move and install.

While it’s not as strong as traditional concrete, lightweight concrete is a great option for projects that need a lightweight material, such as flooring or roofing. It’s also a good choice for areas that are prone to earthquakes, as it’s less likely to cause damage in the event of an earthquake.

Foamed or Air-Trained Concrete

When choosing the right type of concrete for your project, it’s important to know about all the options available. Foamed concrete is one such option, and it’s ideal for various applications.

Foamed concrete is created by adding an expanding agent to regular concrete. This causes the concrete to bubble and form millions of small air bubbles. These air bubbles make the concrete lightweight and increase its insulation value. Foamed concrete is also more resistant to cracking than traditional concrete, making it a great choice for projects like foundations and walls.

Roller-Compacted Concrete

Roller-compacted concrete is a type of concrete that’s made by compacting aggregate material using a roller. This type of concrete is often used for projects that require a high level of strength and durability, such as bridges, parking lots, and highways. Roller-compacted concrete is also known for its resistance to wear and tear and ability to withstand extreme weather conditions.

Polymer Concrete

Polymer concrete is made up of a polymer matrix and fillers. The matrix is usually a resin, such as epoxy, polyester, or vinyl ester, and the fillers are inert materials, such as sand or crushed glass. The mix is then placed in a mold and allowed to cure.

Polymer concrete is used for a variety of applications, including:

  • Flooring
  • Overlayment
  • Repairing patches
  • Paving stones
  • Decorative elements

Limecrete

Limecrete is made from a blend of limestone, water, and sand and has a much higher thermal mass than other types of concrete. This means that it can store and release heat slowly, making it an excellent choice for floors, vaults, and walls in buildings that need to be thermally insulated.

Asphalt Concrete

Asphalt concrete is a type of concrete that’s made with asphalt, a type of petroleum product. It’s most commonly used for paving roads, as the asphalt helps to make it more durable and resistant to wear and tear. However, asphalt concrete is also used for airport runways, parking lots, and other asphalt surfaces.

Rapid-Set Concrete

Rapid-set concrete is a type of concrete that dries very quickly. This makes it a great choice for projects that require a fast turnaround, such as concrete countertops, flooring, or patio slabs.

One of the main benefits of using rapid-set concrete is having a finished product in as little as 24 hours. However, it’s important to note that because it dries so quickly, it can be more difficult to work with than other types of concrete. If you’re not familiar with the material, it’s best to hire a professional to help you with your project.

Pervious Concrete

There’s a new type of concrete on the market that is perfect for those with green thumbs. Pervious concrete is a special kind of pavement that allows water to seep through to the soil below, helping to keep the ground moist and reducing the amount of runoff.

This innovative concrete is perfect for use in yards and gardens, as it helps to prevent erosion and keep plants healthy. It’s also great for driveways and sidewalks, as it allows for better drainage than traditional concrete.

Conclusion

There are many types of concrete, and each has its own set of benefits and drawbacks. It is important to understand the differences so you can choose the appropriate type of concrete for your project. If you’re in need of a concrete provider, Jireh Construction Services is a trusted provider servicing Seattle and the Washington State area.

26 Jul

Asphalt Maintenance and Repair: 5 Dos and Don’ts

asphalt maintenance

Repaving is only one aspect of asphalt upkeep and repair. Repaving should typically be your last option. You may do a variety of things—or avoid doing them—to increase the lifespan of your asphalt pavement. But the most important upkeep component is being proactive; you must keep your good pavement in good condition. This entails taking care of your pavement before any significant wear and tear occur.

5 Dos and Don’ts

Five DOs and DON’Ts for maintaining and repairing asphalt maintenance are listed below.

AVOID letting your asphalt oxidize

Oxidation happens when your asphalt is left unprotected and exposed to oxygen and UV radiation. The asphalt, formed of sand and particles, breaks down because the binder (or glue) holding it together degrades. Asphalt that has been oxidized also becomes more fragile and prone to cracking. You can tell when your asphalt is oxidized because it will be gray instead of the new asphalt’s dark black tint.

AVOID allowing sprinklers to spray water onto your driveway

Ensure that any sprinklers near your parking lot don’t spray water directly onto the asphalt. Water is one of the key reasons why pavement deteriorates. If water seeps into your pavement, it will soften the base course, resulting in depressions that will eventually become potholes (which will then allow even more water into your pavement).

AVOID placing large loads on your asphalt

Garbage trucks and other large vehicles place a tremendous amount of strain on your pavement. The stress of the large truck will only exacerbate any existing cracks or damage to the base course in your asphalt surface. If you must have large trucks on your asphalt maintenance, you might choose to add a concrete pad where they frequently travel.

DON’T disregard pavement upkeep

Minor problems with asphalt maintenance quickly grow into bigger ones. Asphalt will oxidize if it is not protected, which will cause cracks. Cracks allow water to enter your base course, and potholes and depressions in the pavement result in your basic course’s integrity being threatened. However, you may stop your asphalt from deteriorating to that degree if you take prompt action to fix cracks and other problems. Seal coating, crack filling, oil stain cleaning, pothole repair, and striping and marking are typical pavement care jobs.

Don’t select the offer with the lowest price

You can be obsessed with the lowest price when searching for a contractor to complete the task, whether it be seal coating, crack filling, pothole repair, etc. But it’s important to make sure you’re comparing apples to apples and not apples to oranges. Due to the possibility of varying task scopes, two bids may have distinct pricing ranges. To find out why to read our “DO.”

On to the “Do’s” now:

DO sweep the tarmac on your driveway at least once a year

Sweeping your asphalt will remove loose pebbles from the surface, enhancing the aesthetics. Additionally, it enables you to check your asphalt for cracks and depressions that can point to early pavement deterioration. The earlier you can take preventative measures like crack filling and seal coating, the sooner you can identify degradation indicators.

DO apply a sealant to your asphalt every three to five years

The surface of your asphalt is shielded from oxidation and water penetration by a sealcoat, which functions as a barrier. Like sunscreen, really. A sealcoat protects your asphalt surface in the same way that sunscreen protects your skin. A sealcoat must be reapplied, though, much like sunscreen! In most circumstances, you should be fine if you sealcoat your asphalt every three to five years. If your parking lot has heavy or continuous traffic, you might need to do it sooner.

DO fix cracks as soon as you can

Water can seep through cracks in your pavement, eroding your foundation course. If your base course fails, your pavement will develop more cracks, which can cause alligatoring and potholes. As a result, it’s crucial to stop water from entering spaces, and quickly patching fractures is essential.

Even if you’ve used a patching substance, DO plan to fix any potholes that you see

The majority of materials used to fix potholes are readily degraded. In these circumstances, you may have to return in a month or two to repair/repatch the same pothole. Even though our Instant Road Repair pothole filler gives you longer relief (about a year), you still need to fix the pothole in the end. A pothole develops when the base course is harmed; keep in mind. The base course is not repaired; the hole is filled to stop further water infiltration. When we say “repair” the pothole, we mean remove the damaged area, pour new asphalt, and then re-compact.

DO make the job scope clear when requesting quotes

You can receive two dramatically different quotes from two separate contractors if you inquire about pricing without providing a scope of the work. Contractor B may offer a price for crack filling, pothole repair, and seal coating. In contrast, Contractor A may only provide a price for seal coating. Of course, Contractor A will charge less, but Contractor B might offer a more thorough pavement upkeep plan.

You must take into account what needs to be done. You might need to repave some portions of your asphalt because they are severely damaged. While a third location might need cracks to be patched before seal coating, another region might only require a sealcoat. Due to numerous factors, assessing your asphalt pavement and developing a work scope before inviting bids is crucial.

We aid you in defining the work’s scope

For asphalt maintenance and repair projects, our professionals will work with you to understand the extent of the project, prepare the specifications for you, request bids, and assist your property management staff in evaluating the specs and bids if need be. Call us, and we’ll visit your site, and help you with next steps on your project, with our years of technical expertise in assisting clients like you.

Whether you are ready for a small or large project, you can always trust Jireh Construction to deliver the best results at the most affordable price. Call us today to learn more!

CALL 425-678-3632 FOR A FREE QUOTE

12 Jul

What you need to know about Concrete Pavers 

Concrete pavers

Concrete pavers are some of the most common building materials used to pave your patios, driveways, and walkways. Others might have referred to them as cement pavers, but this description is misleading because they’re made of more than cement. Concrete pavers include cement, aggregate, sand, and other additives.

 

Usually, these pavers are made by mixing these elements. The wet mix then gets poured into molds of a wide range of shapes and sizes. Afterward, the mix is vibrated and compressed before it is left to cure. When a professional company like Jireh Construction installs these pavers on your property, they’ll boost the aesthetics. Moreover, they can withstand at least 8,000 lbs. per square inch of pressure.

 

Whenever you want us to make concrete pavers installations, we source them from reputable manufacturers. We must ensure they meet high-quality standards. That way, you’ll have a durable and uniform walkway or driveway. Sometimes, we’ll even install concrete pavers that have a lifetime warranty.

 

Why Do You Need Concrete Pavers?

 

Jireh Construction experts often advise homeowners to install concrete pavers on their properties. Here are some of the main reasons we recommend this installation.

 

  • We install them in a variety of shapes and patterns
  • They are sturdier than poured concrete
  • We can replace individual pavers. Therefore, when one gets damaged, we don’t have to redo the entire driveway
  • They have no curing time and also have better traction when wet

You can easily see why these pavers are more suitable than poured concrete. 

Concrete Pavers Design

 

Homeowners are mostly curious about the design of concrete pavers before installation. Many people try to compare them to stone pavers because they are popular. You must know that concrete pavers match the prestige of clay brick pavers. However, they’re more durable

 

Moreover, these pavers feature a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes. We also recommend them to most people because they suit a majority of home designs. Additionally, they have a uniform appearance. We usually arrange them in an order that suits your outdoors.

 

Installation Process

 

You need to call experts if you want concrete pavers in your home. We have the skills and experience to handle these installations, regardless of the area. Normally, we follow a specific process to guarantee a durable and uniform appearance.

 

We begin by excavating any grass and soil on your driveway or walkway. We’ll also remove any existing paving on the construction site. Next, we lay a gravel base and ensure to compact it thoroughly. We then put another layer of sand above it.

 

The basic ratio is 1-inch sand over 4 to 6 inches of gravel. However, if your driveway will have heavy vehicles passing by, the ratio is 1-inch of sand over 10 to 12 inches of gravel. Most importantly, we must ensure the base has a slight slope to allow water runoff.

 

After preparing the base, we’ll install the edging along the sides of the walkway or driveway. The edging helps contain the pavers and hold them together. Installing the pavers is pretty straightforward. We just set them in place and ensure they’re fitted tightly together.

 

If some don’t fit tightly in the corners and edges, we use a masonry saw to fix that. We have to ensure that the pavers have some pattern. You don’t want the pavers on your driveway following a straight line. That would affect your property’s aesthetics negatively.

 

Besides, an interlocking pattern ensures that pavers hold together tightly. That notwithstanding, it makes the surface sturdier. Some of the common styles we use are herringbone and staggered brick walls.

 

We now compact the whole surface when we ensure all the pavers are in place. We accomplish this through a motorized plate compactor. The process ensures that all the pavers get set into the sand layer.

 

Need concrete pavers installation? Call Jireh Construction today for expert services!

 

05 Jun

What is Sealcoating?

sealcoating

 

Does your property have an asphalt pavement or driveway? If it does, you probably made a significant investment to have it installed. As a result, you’d like it to stay in tip-top conditions throughout the years. Fortunately, you can accomplish this through seal coating.

But what exactly is sealcoating? A sealcoat is a layer or membrane of sprayed-on asphalt. It is then followed by a thin layer of aggregate material, which could comprise sand, stone, or gravel. When seal coating is done, it ensures your asphalt pavement is durable, weather-resistant, and durable.

However, if you’d like to apply a sealcoat, you need to consult professionals. Luckily, our company, Jireh Construction, is well-versed in carrying out these applications. We ensure to handle every task effectively, leaving your pavements or driveways attractive and durable.

That said, here’s all you need to know about sealcoating.

 

How Do We Apply a Seal Coat?

Sealcoating is an engaging procedure. And we understand that there exist different types of seal coating material. However, every method Jireh Construction uses follows a process of cleaning and patching your asphalt pavement and driveways.

Afterward, we will coat the entire surface of your asphalt using a liquid sealer. The sealer creates an impenetrable layer/barrier after drying up. That way, your pavement is protected from the adverse effects of wind, water, and UV rays. Such elements could easily degrade the asphalt, resulting in cracking or crumbling.

Typically, our experts follow the following steps:

  • All dirt and debris should be removed from the asphalt surface before pavement sealing. Minor repairs, such as potholes and cracks, should also be filled, and vehicle fluids, such as oil, should be removed properly.
  • We usually apply a minimum of two coats.
  • Before application, we ensure the temperatures are at a minimum of 50 degrees and rising for at least 24 hours. If the forecast states the temperature will be below 50 degrees, we cannot apply the coat.
  • We cannot apply if rain is forecasted to fall within 24 hours
  • After application, we’ll let the seal coat cure for approximately 24 hours. After that, you can drive on it.

Benefits of Sealcoating

 

If you have asphalt on your property, here are some of the reasons you should consider seal coating.

 

  • Prevents the asphalt from hardening and crumbling, extending the life of the driveway and parking lot.
  • Sealing the driveway prevents salts, chemicals, and moisture from penetrating the surface.
  • It leaves an attractive, uniform coat on the pavement, especially if cracks and holes are properly filled before applying seal coating.
  • Seal coating is a low-cost method of repairing or resurfacing existing pavement, thereby extending the life of the pavement and driveway.
  • Seal coating helps to speed up the melting of snow and ice on the pavement. Water penetration, rain, frost, and snow damage are all reduced as a result of this.
  • It only entails two processes – spraying and squeegee

Types of Seal Coating

 

We mainly use two products for sealcoating – asphalt emulsion coatings and coal tar sealers. Coal tar sealers are cheaper compared to the former, but they require significant product management. We always recommend you call experts for this application.

 

Why’s that? We have the necessary skills and equipment for the job. We recommend this type of sealcoat for clients worried about chemical and fuel spills.

 

On the other hand, asphalt emulsion sealers are much easier to apply. Besides, they emit lesser volatile organic compounds compared to coal tar sealers. We mostly apply asphalt emulsion sealers to homes because they’re less resistant to chemical spills.

 

You must also know that each type of sealer has specific manufacturer instructions. Therefore, you should leave the application process to qualified experts mainly because we know the intended use for every product.

 

Other types of asphalt emulsion sealers include fast-dry and acrylic sealers. Acrylic sealers are synthetic compounds, and they tend to be costly. Fortunately, they’re a little more environmentally-friendly and expose technicians to fewer health risks.

 

On the other hand, fast-dry sealers are recommended for high-traffic areas. That’s because you can walk on the surface an hour after we apply the seal coating. However, they’re not so durable.

 

With that said, do you want seal coating on your asphalt pavement? Pick up your phone and call us today!

 

04 May

The Best Ways to Maintain Your Concrete Surfaces

concrete surfaces

Your Concrete Surfaces

Concrete is one of the most popular materials people choose in landscaping. One of the main reasons is its versatility because you can use it as pavers or just pour it on the surface. Concrete is also durable, and you can customize the color and texture finish depending on your aesthetic goals.

 

However, concrete surfaces get beat up over time, mainly because of exposure to weather elements like any other material. Some of the tips you can use to maintain the new and uniform look of your concrete include:

 

Cleaning

 

This is one of the basic yet essential maintenance practices for your concrete surfaces. Concrete is porous, which makes liquids sip through it, which could easily stain it. Therefore, you should clean your concrete surface immediately after pouring anything on it.

 

Cleaning also helps remove weeds and grass that could be growing along the edge and joints. These make the surface look bad and could also cause cracks because of the root system expansion.

 

For regular cleaning, you only need to use soap and water. For tougher stains, you can use vinegar, baking soda, and bleach, but don’t use harsh chemicals as that could damage the surface. You could also use a pressure washer, but avoid using it along any cracks.

 

Sealing

 

This is the most effective way to keep water from slipping into the concrete, which eventually causes cracks. If you are using concrete pavers, ensure you fill the joints often. This prevents water from sipping into the concrete through the joints.

 

It also prevents dirt from accumulating in them or weeds growing in them, making the pavers lose.

If you are not using pavers, ensure you seal the concrete surface at least once in two years. This helps repel moisture and stains, offers surface resistance against abrasion and UV rays, and makes it dustproof.

 

How often you reseal your concrete surface depends on the type of sealer you use, weather conditions, and traffic on the concrete surface. If you use an acrylic-resin sealer, you need to redo it after around two years. However, if you use a penetrating sealer, you can go for ten years without redoing it.

 

Repair cracks as soon as possible

 

One of the downsides of using concrete in landscaping is its vulnerability to cracks. Even the smallest cracks could cause a lot of damage to the surface because it allows moisture and debris to penetrate the surface.

 

Therefore, it is essential you repair cracks as soon as you see them. You can repair small cracks yourself, but it is best to call the professionals for more significant cracks. To prevent cracks, avoid dropping heavy and sharp objects on the surface.

 

You should also wipe off any fertilizer that falls on the surface as you fertilize the vegetation. That is because the chemicals in the fertilizer affect the concrete, causing cracks and other degeneration forms.

 

Apply a new surface

 

Even with a sealer, your concrete surface might suffer and look old because of the traffic and weather elements. Recoating the surface after around three to five years will keep it looking new and fresh and increase its durability. You can also renew the concrete surface by adding new paint or finish to the new coat.

To ensure that the new coat properly adheres to the old one, it’s important to sweep, pressure wash, or etch the old surface.

 

Use the right deicing products

 

Experts recommend that you don’t use deicing chemicals on your concrete surfaces, especially before they are one year old. Since deicing chemicals work by changing the temperatures, they expose your concrete surface to a freeze and thaw cycle, which could cause cracking.

 

The saline solution, which the chemicals form from the ice and snow, penetrates through the porous concrete surface. They expand and contract as they freeze, inducing more damage.

 

You should also check the chemical composition of the deckers you use. This is because those containing ammonium sulfates and ammonium nitrates chemically attack the concrete. Calcium chloride or sodium chloride don’t affect the concrete too much chemically, but be careful not to use them on the vegetation around.

 

The safest way to deice tour concrete is using sand or scraping and shoveling. However, you should avoid using metal shovels and instead use plastic ones. You should also raise your snow blower’s blades to prevent scratching the surface.

 

Call the professionals

 

Whether you want to repair cracks, reseal, or recoat your concrete surface, the best way to get quality services is by calling the professionals. At Jireh Asphalt and Concrete, we are here to help with all your concrete needs.

 

We guarantee you the best results with our highly trained and experienced employees, state-of-the-art equipment, and high-quality materials.

 

Before starting the job, we will show you a gallery of our past work or inspiration photos and videos to help you choose what you want. Our professionals will work with you in every step of the job, ensuring that you get what you ask for.

 

We also inspect the nature and size of the job before we start, then give you an accurate and well-detailed quote. Call us today for more information or get your free quote.

 

20 Apr

Best Uses for Asphalt and Concrete?

Best Uses for Asphalt and Concrete?

Best Uses for Asphalt and Concrete?

Asphalt and concrete are both great paving materials. Between the two, they offer paving solutions for almost every imaginable situation. However, each material has areas where it excels along with weaknesses, so you should assess each paving project independently to determine which one is best.

In this post, we’ll discuss the best uses for asphalt and concrete as paving materials and factors to consider. Read More →

10 Apr

Tips On Parking Lot Maintenance

Tips On Parking Lot Maintenance

Tips On Parking Lot Maintenance

Running a brick-and-mortar business requires more than just maintaining the building…you have to keep the parking lot in good shape as well. A parking lot in disrepair can repel customers faster than the smell of a rotten egg. No one wants to deal with possibly damaging their vehicle or tripping and falling over damaged and broken asphalt.

In this post, we’ll go over our top tips for maintaining your business’ parking lot so that it gives your potential customers the best impression possible before they even walk in the door. Read More →

20 Mar

What is Asphalt Stabilization?

Asphalt StabilizationYou can’t just dump fresh asphalt on the ground and expect it to level itself out into a durable and smooth surface. There’s a lot of preparation that goes into laying an asphalt surface before even one drop is poured. One of the most important steps is asphalt stabilization.

Asphalt stabilization is the process of preparing the ground to be topped with an asphalt surface. Asphalt stabilization falls into two main categories – physical and chemical. Read More →

10 Mar

Preventative Maintenance on Asphalt

Preventative MaintenancePreventative Maintenance on Asphalt

Now that you’ve laid down your new asphalt driveway, parking lot, or roadway, you want to keep it looking it’s very best. Preventative maintenance is the only way to ensure that your asphalt surface will stay smooth and safe for decades to come.

There are three levels of preventative maintenance that we recommend for all asphalt surfaces – patching, seal coating, and resurfacing.  Read More →