Concrete Finishing Tools
If you think a concrete walkway involves spreading concrete in a trench and letting it dry, you won't be pleased with the end product. Concrete finishing tools help set, joint and cure the concrete so your project is level, strong and free of cracks. Does this Spark an idea?
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Leveling Tools
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To spread your concrete into corners and gaps, you can use a squeegee or a trowel. A bullfloat, which works like a long-handled straight edge, or a screed, which works as a flattening device, removes any bumps or ridges to ensure a flat surface.
Joint Tools
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Jointing refers to the sectioning of concrete into squares to prevent unwanted cracking. You can use a hand-held groover to joint concrete or manually joint it by inserting wood, metal or plastic material into the hardening concrete.
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Curing Tools
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Most types of concrete need a wet cure to prevent from drying out too fast and cracking. You can manually spray concrete with a hose or mister, or you can place wet hay, wet burlap or another material over the concrete and allow it to cure for one week.
Advantages
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Concrete finishing tools help you get the job done right. Without jointing or curing, your concrete project will crack in freezing, humid or hot weather.
Purpose
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As Cadman.com notes, concrete does not have a lot of tension, so it's prone to cracking from stress or weather. Concrete finishing techniques are designed to minimize this cracking as much as possible.
Substitution
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If you find yourself short a tool, you probably have something at home you can use. A long plywood plank can work as a screed, while any flat household object can be used to joint concrete.
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References
- Photo Credit hoses on concrete image by pearlguy from Fotolia.com
