4 Concrete Finishing Tips

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Trowels are a must if you want to give your flooring a finish that is shiny and professional. Trowels are construction machines used for final finishing of concrete surfaces. The process provides a smooth and even finish to the concrete surface, and is performed on flat and vast slabs of concrete, from interior floors and balconies to rooftops and patio decks. When it comes to durability concrete strength and evenness trowels outperform manual trowels.

They are worksite mainstays, although trowels are not as widely-known as chainsaws or jackhammers. The machine is essential when building floors and buildings, as they help ensure a surface that is finished. Whether you're new to an experienced builder or building, it is worth it to equip yourself with the knowledge necessary to ensure glossy concrete coating and a perfect flat. Here are some tips and techniques to ensure a glossy surface that is great every time.

1. Choose the right trowel

Not all trowels are built the same, that's why it's important to choose one that matches your finishing needs. For corner poured concrete and projects, use a trowel that is manual instead. When working with a trowel, you need to be fast. Concrete hardens quickly, so it is important to finish the task before you're left with an unworkable and tough slab.

Use a trowel 24 to 26 in blades for projects with slabs of up to 1000 square feet. You can use a blade that is combined or separate the task to a float and finish blade, for smoothing the concrete.

For projects with surfaces larger than 1000 square feet, use a ride on concrete trowel. Ride on trowels do the job at a faster rate compared top push trowels. You'll have time to do the finishing before the concrete hardens. When finishing with a ride-on power trowel use the larger blades.

2. Choose safety

Personal safety should be everyone's priority, and trowel operations are not any different. A concrete trowel that is malfunctioning can pose a threat nearby and compromise the security of the worksite. Trowel operators must wear work gloves with vibration dampeners, personal safety equipment such as safety goggles, hearing protection or face guard and work boots.

Do not run a trowel powered by a petrol engine inside, or in enclosed spaces without ventilation that is good. A colourless, odourless and toxic gas is emitted by the engine. If you feel lightheaded or weak while operating a trowel that is concrete shut off the machine and leave the work floor for air.

3. Mind your timing

Concrete finishing is all about the time. Pouring or completing the concrete under the conditions can delay or cripple the project. Coordinate with your boss and ensure when pouring the concrete slab, that the weather is warm, windy and dry. Cold and wet conditions can affect the process.

Wait until the surface has solidified to the point that it can support the load of the concrete trowel and the operator. A concrete and the trowel will destroy the surface. Waiting too long before beginning the trowel and the concrete would have hardened too much. A good rule of thumb is to step on the surface and checking the underside of your shoes. If it's free of residue, then it is time to finish the concrete.

When moving the concrete trowel take your time. Movements can ruin the surface and make the process.

4. Know how to handle one

With a trowel oftentimes feels just like controlling a bull that is stubborn. So its initial movement can be controlled by you, hold the machine. Wait until you have gotten the sense of its movement. Most trowels move the same way: lifting the handles makes it move left, pushing it forces it right. The time between actions and movement is going to be delayed so don't force the machine or create motion commands.

 

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