Concrete work around your home and on your property is essential for improving the look and condition of your real estate and its use. When it is time to install new concrete, there are some essential preparation steps you need to handle for the concrete delivery. Here are some tips to help you prepare for your concrete delivery and installation.

Prepare the Area

A concrete project should be well-poured and leveled, and this starts with a solid and level foundation. You don't want the concrete to be poured over an area with bumps from rocks, debris, sticks, and poor soil. Even the soil needs to be a consistency where it will allow moisture to drain through below the concrete so you don't have moisture damage to the foundation. 

Select the site and mark it off so you can compact the area to a smooth foundation. You might even need to bring in some well-draining soil containing sand or gravel to improve the drainage to the site. Compress the soil fully so that any air pockets or voids are completely removed from the soil, otherwise you run the risk of the soil settling over time and allowing the concrete to settle and crack. It is best to dampen the soil where you plan to pour the concrete, especially if you are working in sunny hot weather conditions. Without a good balance of moisture on the foundation, the soil will pull moisture from your concrete mixture and prevent it from curing in the right manner. When concrete dries out too quickly it will become brittle, spall, and fail — requiring replacement.

Evaluate the Location

The location where you will be pouring concrete should be accessible to your crew and equipment, which includes the concrete truck. Many concrete companies will mix your concrete specifically to your order delivery, and bring it to your property via a concrete truck so the concrete does not set prematurely.

Look at the access gate to your property, whether it is a driveway or a back alley, so you know the concrete truck can get through the opening or below any power lines or low hanging trees. If the site is a tight access, you can still get your concrete delivery, but with some additional product transportation. You can arrange for wheelbarrow movement from the concrete truck to your pour site. Or, you can ask about a concrete pump that will reach over any obstacles to the pour site.

To learn more, contact a concrete delivery service in your area such as Bos Concrete.