- Leads Account
Concrete 101
What is concrete?
Concrete is a composite material composed of fine and coarse aggregate bonded together with a fluid cement that hardens over time. Concrete is NOT cement, rather cement is just one ingredient in concrete!
FUN FACT: Concrete is the second-most-used substance in the world after water, and is the most widely used building material!
The Composition of Concrete
Concrete Pour & Finish
There are several methods of finishing concrete! The three finishes we see most often at J. Callahan Construction are Broom Finish, Slick Trowel Finish, and Stamp & Stain. Stamp & Stain designs can vary widely in texture and color!
The concrete process - summarized
Grade
Demo (if needed)
If there is any existing concrete or asphalt, then we’ll need to move it out of the way so that we can….
Determine grade elevation
Level and compact the dirt in the area where concrete will be poured
Check for proper water drainage
Why is this important?
Avoid water drainage issues with neighbors and/or HOA’s
Reduce settling over time
Prep
Layout the pour area
Stake out the form boards
Standard form boards: 2x4
Verify 4” thickness using String Test
Confirm proper slope for water drainage
Final confirmation performed using a lazer and/or level before the pour
Place PVC, Conduit, or Corrugated Pipe (if needed)
Re-affirm measurements and design are ready for pour
Pour
Concrete gets delivered, poured, spread, floated, and….
Finish
Once concrete has been poured to the desired thickness, it’s time to do the finishing work!
This process varies based on the chosen finish, but essentially entails drawing or stamping some kind of design into the uncured concrete!
Add control joints in concrete every 10-12ft per industry standard
THE JCC PROCESS
Reach out to J. Callahan Construction by…
Calling our Office at (864)209-1335
Contacting us via forms on our Website
The JCC Office Team Schedules an Estimate
If the Website Form is used, the JCC Team will call to schedule!
At the Estimate Appointment…
One of our Expert Sales Managers will…
Evaluate project needs and preferences
Gather photos and information to build a professional blueprint and price estimate
Design & Estimate Review
Customers have the opportunity to review Blueprint Designs & Price Estimates electronically.
If necessary, Customers may seek HOA approval using these documents.
Sign Paperwork
Once approved by the Customer and/or the HOA, digital signatures are collected.
Schedule Production Walkthrough
One of our Production Managers will work with the Customer to Schedule the Production Walkthrough, typically about a week before work is scheduled to begin.
Production Walkthrough Appointment
The Production Manager will..
Collect the Deposit
Complete Walkthrough Form
Assist the Customer in making Change Order Requests, if necessary.
Depending on the needs of the project, some areas may be marked off at this time.
Demo & Pour Dates
Break Ground & Get Working!