Top Tips on Preparing Your Site for a Domestic Concrete Delivery

A delivery of fresh, ready-mix concrete for a new garden path, driveway or foundation can go without a hitch, provided you follow a few simple steps. Madmix, who supply domestic concrete to customers in Cambridge and the surrounding area, provide some top tips to make sure your project proceeds as planned.

Prepare the Site

First and foremost, make sure everything is as flat and level as possible. This includes any sub-bases that have already been laid. You also need to make sure that the site is clear of any obstructions and that there is no debris that could get in the way.

As a courtesy, tell your neighbours. Not only will this prevent any possible issues with access, they may be able to help by moving their own vehicles.

At Madmix, we have a fleet of 6 and 8 cubic metre barrel truck mixer lorries operating out of our Cambridgeshire headquarters. These have a reach of up to 2.4m at right angles to the site, although this is almost halved if the vehicle can only draw alongside the job. It is also worth noting that we need a 3.2m gap for our vehicles to go through a gateway or entrance.

And Your Own Resources

Bear in mind that the concrete will only be workable for a certain amount of time, so make sure you have the manpower to do the job within that period (particularly if it’s a bigger project).

For this reason, be sure to have all the tools you will need to smooth out the concrete, such as wheelbarrows for transportation, rakes and shovels to roughly level the concrete, a flat piece of timber for a more precise finish, and a spirit level to check it’s flat afterwards. And, have tarpaulins and sheeting to hand as well, for reasons to be explained below.

Coping with The Perils of Rain…

If the weather forecast is for rain, make sure the site, and any frame or formwork, is covered effectively with plastic sheets. (These are a good idea even if it isn’t raining). This is because sheets will stop moisture from escaping too quickly and will ensure that the concrete is properly cured and can reach its maximum strength.

It is also important to ensure that the ground is level because you don’t want any water-filled cavities as the concrete will absorb the extra moisture and also become compromised. Your admixture already contains a certain amount of water – adding more will mean it is at increased risk of cracking later on.

If it rains while you are working with your concrete, don’t panic. Cover the site up, if you haven’t already, then brush off any excess water with a garden hose or something similar.

…and Extremes of Temperature

Try to avoid laying concrete down if it’s below freezing, otherwise the concrete could be at risk of spalling because the water may expand and contract. Blankets may be necessary if the temperature is low.

And, even if it’s above freezing (0^C), but below 5^C, then the admixture may take longer to develop its strength after it’s been laid down. Warm temperatures can create problems, too, because anything on or above 30^C may reduce its strength later on.

Domestic Concrete in Cambridge from Madmix

If you are worried about preparations and temperatures, give us a call on 01954 212212, and we will be happy to advise you. We may be able to reschedule your delivery to a more convenient time when the weather forecast is better.

We supply accredited concrete, so it’s guaranteed to be of high quality and should be less vulnerable to the vagaries of the British climate. It also meets the European standard EN 206 and its complementary UK measure, BS 8500. This means that its temperature is guaranteed to stay above 5^C, meaning it should remain workable for longer. And you don’t need to worry about having too much concrete as we will take away any excess from your site at no extra cost.

If you’d like to know more about any of our concretes and associated services, follow this link and fill in the online contact form.