Concrete Work

For smaller projects or those you want to get done on your own, All American Do it Center has concrete mixes and products for both repairs or new projects.

Quikrete offers many concrete related products, including fast-setting and traditional mixes, masonary/mortar mix, as well as crack repair and recoatings.

If you are not sure what you need for the project you’re working, here’s a great calculating tool for measuring concrete that you’ll need on your project, at the Quikrete Website.  Quikrete also has a handy mobile app that allows you to calculate quantity, view how-to videos, do a product search with technical data and more.  It’s available for both Apple and Android devices.

REPAIRS

When it comes to repairing concrete, such as the example in this sidewalk repair photo, you’ll want to be sure to remove any broken pieces away from the main section of concrete that will remain in place.  As ground freezes and thaws, the ground moves and shifts throughout the year.  That is why there is a need for the expansion joints.  For the last century, concrete installers have been using asphalt impregnated fiberboard (AIFB) as an expansion joint filler (appears to look like a soft tar soaked pad between sections of concrete).  Other products are now available in addition to the AIFB.  But regardless of what expansion joint you choose to use, be sure to put them in place.  For industry standards and specifications for concrete work, check out the Wisconsin Concrete Pavement Association website.

Sub-Surface Projects

Many projects include digging below the surface.  Any time you will be digging a hole, please call Diggers’ Hotline at 811 or visit The Diggers’ Hotline Website.

When you are installing a post – say for a fence, basketball hoop, mailbox, or deck, be sure to check with the local regulations on how deep the hole should be.  The depth will be different for the type of use, and may need to set below the frost line.