Get The Right Amount of Concrete Before You Pour

Posted by & filed under Concrete Buggy, Concrete Delivery, Concrete Designs, Concrete Driveways, Concrete Maintenance, Concrete Patio, Concrete Sidewalk, Concrete Walkway, Pouring Concrete, Uncategorized.

Get The Right Amount of Concrete Before You Pour!

Putting in new concrete is one job that can become very messy if done incorrectly. That’s why it is so important to have the right amount of concrete to complete the job. Here are a few tips to make sure you don’t end up with too much – or too little – to get your project done.

All About Dimensions

Say you are putting down new concrete for your driveway. When trying to figure out how much concrete you will need, take into account the width, length and thickness of the driveway you’re planning to pour. Once you have those, there is a concrete calculator on our home page that you can use to determine the number of cubic yards that will be needed for your project.

The Thicker, The Better

When measuring the thickness of your concrete, be sure to add a quarter-inch to the total number. This additional volume can help accommodate up for areas where the grade you’re pouring over is uneven. This is important because if you are paving a new patio or sidewalk, you don’t want it to be uneven or below the grade of your existing yard.

Allow a Margin for Error

In addition to embellishing the thickness, allow yourself some room for error with the amount of concrete you need. Depending on how many total yards of concrete you need, you should order anywhere from half a yard to one and a half yards more.

Keep It Simple

If the area you are looking to pour the cement into is an irregular shape then do this: break it down into smaller, simpler shapes. That way you can make more precise measurements of the easily defined portions, allowing you to more accurately determine how much concrete you will need.

Bergen Mobile Concrete provides concrete pouring and installation in New Jersey using the latest technology. With any concrete project you need to get done, you won’t need to worry about calculating your concrete pour anymore with a little help from us. For more information on our services, give us a call today at 201-797-7550!

Clearing Away Dirt and Stains from Your Patio

Posted by & filed under Concrete Maintenance.

It’s easy to forget about your concrete patio when it comes to cleaning your outdoor living space before the summer hits. However, you want your concrete patio to look its best for the season of outdoor enjoyment, so now’s the time to remove any leftover debris, clear away any mud or dirt and take care of any caked-on gunk or blemishes. Your patio is a social area, so it is important to make sure these areas are clean and clear of debris. But how should you go about cleaning your concrete patio? Here are two different ideas to consider.

Chemical Cleaner

Concrete CleaningUsing chemical cleaner is a common option for cleaning concrete areas, but there are a few different things to consider when it comes to selecting a solution for cleaning. If you have areas that do not have embedded dirt in them, use a pH-Neutral cleaner. If you have dirt or other more acidic stains, consider an acidic cleanser.

For grease staining – such as a section of your patio where your grill dripped grease – try using an alkaline cleaner. These types of cleaners essentially loosen the grease, and you should lift the stain off the concrete using rags or a wet-dry shop vacuum. Finally, Concrete Network notes that bacterial or enzymatic cleaners are very good at removing protein stains, like those caused by pet or animal wastes. If your pup has been using the back patio as a bathroom through the winter, this type of cleaner can lift any stains and restore the good look of your concrete.

Power Washer

A cleaner is great for targeting specific areas in need of a deep clean, but a power washer can quickly blast away dirt and mud from your whole patio or any other hard surfaces outside the home. For most residential applications, a cold-water washer makes the most sense, hot-water units can help clean more quickly and are much better at rinsing away oil or grease.

In terms of water power, most power washers contain a fan-like nozzle, although there is also a rotary nozzle that can be used to increase pressure. The rotary nozzle forces the water out of the hose faster than a standard fan nozzle, says Concrete Network, so if you’re working with a heavy-duty stain, using the rotary nozzle can help clear away dirt, debris and stains much faster and more effectively.

Bergen Mobile Concrete Delivery Services

This is the perfect time to get your patio ready for the warmer weather ahead, and that includes planning any new projects. Whether you’re building your first patio, adding on to extend your space or doing any other concrete pour, Bergen Mobile Concrete in New Jersey offers concrete delivery with mobile concrete mixer trucks available to come to your home that can mix exactly what you need. Check out the concrete calculator to determine exactly how much concrete you need or call us at 201-797-7550 today to learn more or to schedule a delivery.

Preparing the Patio: Getting Ready for a Concrete Patio Pour

Posted by & filed under Concrete Buggy, Concrete Delivery, Concrete Patio, Concrete Sidewalk, Concrete Walkway, Pouring Concrete, Uncategorized.

Are you thinking about adding a patio to your backyard this summer? Now is the perfect time to start preparing for it so that you can get your concrete poured as soon as it starts to get a little bit warmer outside. By taking the right steps to prepare now, you can make sure your patio construction goes smoothly so that you can start enjoying your patio as soon as the springtime rolls around.

Location of Your Concrete Patio

Concrete PatioThe first thing you’ll need to do when prepping for a patio is determine exactly where you want to put it. The size of your patio will ultimately determine how much concrete you will need, so you’re going to want to come up with some dimensions for it. You are also going to want to find out if there are any local codes that will prevent you from making your patio the size you want it. It’s always good to find that out before you get too deep into planning, since you might have to start from scratch if you wait until the end to learn about the codes and find out there are limitations to how large your patio can be.

Preparing Your Area

Once you have settled on exactly where to put your patio and how large you want it to be, you should rope off the area with stakes and string and remove all of the weeds, roots and topsoil from the patio area. Make sure you check to see if there are any underground utility lines or septic tanks located in the area, since that could affect how deep you can dig and where you may be able to pour.

After that is finished, you should lay down a base by compacting the earth and adding a layer of either gravel or crushed rock on top of it. You should also cut wood to make a frame that will go around the perimeter of where your patio will go. This frame will be used to contain the concrete once it is poured.

Professional Concrete Pour

At that point, you will be just about ready to complete your concrete patio pour – except having concrete, of course! Bergen Mobile Concrete can deliver the exact amount of concrete that you need to your home. We can handle night time and weekend deliveries, as well, and get you set up with the concrete you’ll need to finish off your patio project in time for the spring. Call us at 201-797-7550 today to schedule a delivery.

Save Money and Time with Our Mobile Concrete Mixer

Posted by & filed under Concrete Buggy, Concrete Delivery, Concrete Designs, Concrete Driveways, Pouring Concrete, Uncategorized.

There are few mistakes more annoying than paying for a product or service that you don’t need. Instead of regretting the money you wasted, Bergen Mobile Concrete wants to make sure you keep your hard-earned money. That’s why we offer our mobile concrete mixer service that allows you to pay for only what you end up using.

Save Money and Time with Our Mobile Concrete MixerEven if you’re just planning a small construction or remodeling project, you often don’t know the exact quantity of materials you need until the job is over. Accounting for waste, spills and other unknowns often means overordering, meaning you buy too much and end up wasting money. You could go conservatively, but that could also mean you buy too little and have to make multiple purchases along the way to obtain everything you need – often costing even more. Both these scenarios are annoying, and a big turn off for anyone who is working on a project.

Avoid these scenarios altogether, you can overplan without worry by using our mobile concrete service. Our truck can deliver up to 11 yards of concrete per delivery, and you simply need to let us know how much you think you’ll need. If you end up needing less than you originally specified, don’t worry – you’re only ever charged for every increment of one-quarter yard that you use after we mix the concrete.

Most project managers recommend overordering by 10 percent of what you think will be needed just in case you need extra. While this isn’t a bad idea, it means you’re wasting 10 percent more money if your original projections are correct. This may not seem like a lot of money after just one project, but it quickly adds up over time. Avoid this issue altogether by taking advantage of our mobile concrete mixer service.

Get in touch with a member of our team today to learn more about how we can help!

What Is Concrete Spalling and How Can You Prevent It This Winter?

Posted by & filed under Concrete Driveways.

What Is Concrete Spalling and How Can You Prevent It This Winter?Concrete driveways are known for being extremely durable and long-lasting, but they can still be damaged in extreme weather conditions. In the winter, when temperatures fall below freezing and snow accumulates on surfaces, concrete driveways can be more likely to experience environmental damage.

One fairly common type of damage that can occur during the winter is called spalling.

Also known as scaling, spalling occurs when the thin top layer of concrete chips or flakes away from the rest of the paved surface. When scaling becomes widespread, it can eventually expose the aggregate and leave the driveway vulnerable to further damage. In the past, you may have noticed this spalling phenomenon on worn concrete sidewalks that haven’t been repaved in a while.

The good news is, there are steps you can take to prevent spalling on your driveway this winter.

You can start by sealing your driveway to add an extra layer of protection in harsh weather. Sealing products are a great investment that can extend the lifespan of your driveway and prevent environmental damage such as spalling and cracking.

You should also try to limit your use of rock salt and other de-icing chemicals on the driveway. These products do a great job of melting ice on surfaces, but their harsh chemical compositions can accelerate wear on concrete driveways. Instead, use gentler alternatives such as sand, cat litter or alfalfa meal to increase traction on your driveway without causing damage.

All it takes to prevent spalling is a little preparation! Need a hand with your next concrete paving project? Give us a call today to get started!

Increasing Traction on Concrete Surfaces

Posted by & filed under Concrete Buggy, Concrete Delivery, Concrete Designs, Concrete Driveways, Concrete Maintenance, Concrete Walkway, Pouring Concrete, Uncategorized.

Increasing Traction on Concrete SurfacesThere are a number of benefits to having a concrete driveway, but just like many other types of surfaces, concrete can quickly become slippery in the winter. As snow and ice piles up in the coming months, your driveway can become a safety hazard.

However, there are a few preventative measures you can take to increase the traction on your driveway and any other concrete surfaces you may have around your property.

One of the most effective methods to increase traction is to apply a friction coating. To do this, you’re going to first need to choose a specific type of friction coating. There are several options available, each of which may be more or less suited to your specific driveway.

For example, there are friction coating products made with everything from aluminum oxide beads to polyethylene, so make sure you ask for help before making a final selection.

Once you’ve chosen a specific type of coating, it should be applied to your concrete driveway on a day with moderate temperature and no rain. Make sure your driveway is closed off so nobody steps or drives onto it while the coating is being applied.

Before getting started, your driveway should also be as clean as possible to ensure that the coating adheres well to the surface. If you aren’t working with a new driveway, you may need to use a degreasing cleaner to get rid of some deeper grime and roadway oils.

There are other methods of improving traction on concrete services, including broom finishing. This technique can be done immediately after concrete is poured, adding a series of small lines in the concrete that can add some additional traction. However, it’s not ideal for any concrete surfaces that have decorative markings, and it can only be done during the construction of a new driveway.

Regardless of which method you use, stay safe this winter and take the necessary steps now to prevent slippery driveways in the future.

At Bergen Mobile Concrete, we can help ensure that your driveway is prepared for all seasons. With comprehensive concrete delivery services – including night and weekend availability – we’re available when you need us.

For more information, call us today at 201-797-7550.

Temperature and Concrete: Know How Weather Affects Your Pour

Posted by & filed under Pouring Concrete.

Concrete is such a common material for foundations, slabs, sidewalks and other construction projects that it is easy to forget it needs to be poured under the right circumstances. The weather, and particularly the temperature, plays a significant role in allowing concrete to set properly. Here’s how the weather affects your pour.

Cold weather presents a number of challenges to pouring concrete. Freezing temperatures, heat loss between the time the concrete is mixed and when it is poured, and snow or ice can wreak havoc on your concrete installation.

Concrete Pouring in Cold WeatherFreezing temperatures are a significant problem when pouring concrete. The concrete must harden to a strength of at least 500 psi before freezing. Newly poured concrete that freezes before it has adequately hardened may be irreparably damaged as a result. In fact, concrete that freezes can lose as much as half of its intended strength.

Frozen ground is also a problem when pouring concrete. Even if the air temperatures are above freezing, ground that is frozen will likely cause trouble. Frozen ground can increase the time needed for the concrete to set. Further, the ground may also settle and reposition after a thaw, causing the concrete to shift and crack. Pouring concrete onto frozen ground requires first taking steps to thaw the ground.

Snow, ice or standing water are also common at construction sites during the cold weather. Pouring concrete on top of this moisture can lead to problems, as it may affect the rate at which the concrete sets or introduce too much moisture into the concrete mixture, impacting the cured concrete’s final strength.

Concrete that is mixed at a plant and then transported to a job site will lose heat during transport in cold weather. A general rule is that the concrete temperature will decrease by about one-fourth the difference between the mix temperature and air temperature for every hour of transport. During winter weather this could easily amount to 5 or more degrees per hour. Fortunately, at Bergen Mobile Concrete, we use a fleet of state-of-the-art, metered mobile concrete mixer trucks to deliver concrete throughout northern New Jersey. With our ability to mix on-site, you can get exactly the volume you need and without the risk of temperature loss.

We aim to provide dependable, reliable service on every delivery, regardless of how much concrete you need. To learn more, call us today at 201-797-7550 and request a quote for your next project.

Safety Tips for Working With Concrete

Posted by & filed under Concrete Buggy, Concrete Delivery, Concrete Designs, Concrete Driveways, Concrete Maintenance, Pouring Concrete, Uncategorized.

Safety Tips for Working With ConcreteAre you planning on pouring a new concrete driveway, patio or walkway outside your home or business? Concrete is an excellent option for all these applications and more. But before you start a DIY paving project, it’s important to take the proper safety precautions. Here are a few general guidelines that you should follow at all times.

Wear personal protective equipment.

When you work with wet concrete, you can sustain skin irritation and even burns if you aren’t careful. To reduce the risk of these issues, you should always wear personal protective equipment such as waterproof gloves, a dust mask, goggles and tall boots that cover your ankles.

Lift concrete carefully.

Whether you are removing slabs of old concrete or transporting wet concrete to your work site, be careful to lift properly so that you don’t injure yourself in the process. This means doing the bulk of the lifting with your knees, rather than your back. Our all-wheel-drive buggy can help you transport concrete safely as well.

Avoid exposure to concrete dust.

These paving projects can generate a lot of airborne concrete dust. When tearing up old concrete, you can keep dust to a minimum by wetting the surface before you start sawing or grinding. Be sure to wear your goggles and a dust mask or respirator as well to prevent dust from getting in your eyes, nose and mouth. Once you’re done working, take a shower to remove any residual dust left on your body. Launder your work clothes separately from other items to prevent cross contamination.

Need a hand with your next home improvement project? At Bergen Mobile Concrete, we’d be happy to help. Give us a call today at (201) 797-7550 to get started!

Creative Uses of Concrete

Posted by & filed under Concrete Buggy, Concrete Delivery, Concrete Designs, Concrete Maintenance, Pouring Concrete, Uncategorized.

Concrete is an amazingly useful construction material that can be fabricated into many facades and fixtures. Some of these creations even have practical applications, while others are stunning works of art that belies the usual industrial nature of this material. A quick browse around the Internet can help anyone find interesting ideas for concrete renovations that can add elegance and even color to any space.

Concrete DesigningCreative Concrete Items for Everyday Use

Bookcases, audio speakers and board games are just a few of the examples of innovative concrete designs. Israeli designer Shmuel Linski is responsible for a pair of 123-pound speakers formed entirely out of concrete. These speakers get their acoustic quality from a forced air driver that sends sound through a concrete pipe and out from a horn-shaped opening.

One French concrete company even got the unique idea to fashion business cards composed out of concrete. Murmure’s business cards come with an embossed logo on one side and typed contact information on the other side. The result may not be convenient for wallets, but certainly leaves an impression on anyone.

Concrete for Homeowners

Homeowners can also use concrete as a great canvas for chalks, paints and other applications that can create a vibrant burst of color in a space. Concrete floor tiles can provide superior protection as well as a bright rainbow splash to any room. Concrete can be a lot more than just a simple heavy surface for basements and walls. The application of this construction material can lead any homeowner or business down an exciting new path in aesthetic design.

Bergen Mobile Concrete is always staying aware of exciting new developments in the field of concrete. Follow our blog to find out more about concrete’s growing applications in our sustainable world.

Contact Bergen Mobile Concrete at 201-797-7550 today or visit us online for more information about our concrete pouring services!

Concrete and Corrosion: Why It’s So Resistant to Weather and Erosion

Posted by & filed under Concrete Buggy, Concrete Delivery, Concrete Driveways, Concrete History, Concrete Maintenance, Concrete Patio, Concrete Sidewalk, Concrete Walkway, Pouring Concrete, Uncategorized.

Even the casual onlooker knows how durable concrete is. After all, we have walked past concrete buildings that have lasted years and years – even millennia in the case of some structures from the Roman era. But why is concrete so durable and able to resist even centuries of weather and erosion, and is there anything we can do to help the process?

Resistance to Humidity

One factor that allows concrete to last in humid weather is its lack of organic components. Because there is nothing to rot or decompose, unlike wood and other materials, it is very difficult for moisture to penetrate concrete except through joints between sections. Concrete can also breathe, which means moisture can easily escape, as well, which helps prevent water from causing long-term damage to concrete structures.

Roman Concrete StructureResistance to Cold Water Threats

Cold weather is another one of the biggest threats to concrete as the ice and freezing temperatures wage war on concrete surfaces every time winter rolls around. Concrete in generally warm climates tends to last much better. This is one of the biggest reasons that many Greco-Roman and other ancient structures have lasted in moderate areas where temperatures don’t typically create these cold weather cycles. However, in colder climates, it’s important to use a concrete mixture that can accommodate the freeze and thaw cycles of the winter months.

Resistance to Sulfates and Salts

Concrete is also capable of long-lasting performance in areas where salt or sulfates are a concern. For example, sulfates and salts can react with matter in concrete, especially in locations that experience numerous cycles of wetness and dryness. However, as with ice, using admixtures and low water to cement ratios in the concrete can make it more able to resist this damage. In fact, concrete is often used for concrete in saltwater with great success due to the use of minimally permeable concrete poured with a low-water cement mix.

At Bergen Mobile Concrete, we offer rapid concrete delivery with our mobile concrete mixers that scale concrete mixing to meet your needs. When you use us, you can get the exact amount you need of any kind of concrete mix, whether it is low-water concrete or fast-setting mixes for use in busy areas. We offer delivery options on days, nights and weekends and can work with you to deliver your concrete on your schedule. Schedule a delivery today by calling 201-797-7550.