Power Trowel Pans

August 17, 2010 by admin  
Filed under Tools of the Trade

Flatwork Technologies’ SuperFlat Plate2000 Power Trowel Pans win our Editor’s Choice Award for both quality and price. And now for a limited time you can purchase in bulk at dealer cost (while supplies last). Flatwork can be reached by calling 877-927-6432 or online at http://www.flatwork.com/pans.php 

concrete power trowel pans

Thaw Underground Pipes

August 17, 2010 by admin  
Filed under Avoiding Concrete Cracks

Utility Companies & Construction Crews Use Powerblanket™ to Thaw Frozen Ground & Underground Water Pipes in Cold Winter Weather. Even after spring has arrived, ground will thaw very slowely and can take months to completely thaw out.  To avoid the cost of expensive propane heaters and glycol based heated hoses… companies are turning to Powerblanket for affordable electric outdoor heating equipment. 

pipe thawing

Powerblanket is the manufacturer of the only patented heat spreading electric blanket that is both GREEN and comes in avaliable UL/CSA versions.  Also used for heating Road Patch, Curing Concrete, Heating Engines & Equipment, and Warming Barrels, Drums, & Cylinders…  Powerblanket will deliver the heat you need to get the job done FAST! 

winter_utility_thawingThaw frozen ground

 

 

Concrete Blanket Basics

August 16, 2010 by admin  
Filed under Concrete Blankets

Most concrete curing blankets do a good job of curing concrete, protecting slabs, and curing newly-laid brick or block walls… some however, fall flat on their face.  We review the top 10 curing blankets in our review sections. Curing blankets allow work to proceed on schedule and for concrete and mortar to cure rapidly and efficiently, maximizing finished strength and durability even in extemely cold conditions. Contractors and builders use concrete curing blankets to keep their jobs on schedule and under-cost; highway construction companies use curing blankets to meet state codes and keep their projects moving.

Because of their simple and economical design, concrete curing blankets are also used in a variety of other applications by small companies and individuals. They are useful in virtually any situation where cold weather causes schedule delays or damage.

Concrete curing blankets are easy to use and maintain and don’t create environmental hazards: no noxious fumes, no open flames, and no toxic emissions.

Shopping results for concrete blankets

Concrete blanket
Multi-Duty Concrete Blanket 23′ x 11′
$1,899.99 new – RegalTool.com
Extra-Hot Outdoor Thawing Blanket
$569.00 new – WYLACO Supply

 

A well constructed concrete curing blanket will eliminate the cold weather variable in a variety of horticultural, agricultural, landscaping, or construction settings: and with an electric curing multi-duty blanket you can quickly and easily thaw frozen ground, protect germinating seeds and bulbs, and minimize the effects of late-season snow or ice. Electric curing blankets can quickly unthaw frozen ground, making it easy to work. Curing blankets can also keep the ground from freezing, protecting from the effects of freezing weather, snow, or ice. Concrete curing blankets can also be used to protect newly-poured concrete, brick, or stone walkways and paths, ensuring optimal curing temperatures and a long-lasting, durable product.

Always be sure to thaw frozen ground before pouring concrete. Never pour concrete on frozen ground unless you’re looking for a nightmare of a headache.  Plan your work and work your plan.  You can effectively keep your crews working all winter long with a good curing blanket.  Electirc thaw/cure blankets will help kill 2 birds with one stone and allow you to eliminate frost before proceeding with flatwork projects.

Curing BlanketOur Editor’s Choice Award goes to GreenHeat Technology for their innovative new low energy consuming curing blankets.  GreenHeat Technology is used in a variety of applications for Industrial, Construction, Chemical, Manufacturing, Food/Beverage, Oil & Gas, and Automotive heating.

concreteYEAR ROUND THAWING & CURING

UL / CSA SAFETY RATING

PATENTED HEAT SPREADING TECHNOLOGY

ONLY PENNIES A DAY TO OPERATE

PROVIDES A WET CURE ENVIRONMENT

KEEP CREWS WORKING ALL WINTER LONG

HEATS, THAWS, INSULTES, & PROTECTS

THE #1 RATED THAWING & CURING BLANKET ON THE MARKET

WOC - WORLD OF CONCRETE BEST OF SHOW

power blanket

Concrete Cracks

August 16, 2010 by admin  
Filed under Avoiding Concrete Cracks

How to avoid cracks in concrete even in cold winter months.

Under ideal conditions, concrete should cure for 7 days at temperatures between 65-85°F, with humidity levels under 100%. Because of seasonal weather changes, ideal conditions rarely occur naturally.  Insulated and even electric concrete curing blankets can be employed to help maintain concrete temperature during the critical curing process to avoid concrete cracking.

Why Use Powerblanket™ Concrete Curing & Ground Thawing Blankets?

Pouring concrete slabs can be a challenge and cold temperatures can increase the risk that your concrete will not cure properly. Proper concrete curing is a key to a strong, long-lasting concrete slab.  Even the slightest mistake can lead to large cracks and low integrity.

Never pour concrete on frozen ground. Use powerblanket™ concrete curing blankets to thaw the ground and bring the temperature up to at least 65°F. Why? Not only can the ground freeze the concrete from the bottom up, cracking can occur when the ground thaws. Hollow spots under the concrete may also be created – and driving over the hollow spots will create tension which in turn creates cracks.

Likewise, never pour concrete over snow – you’ll simply add unnecessary water to the concrete.

If you’re pouring a foundation slab, temperature control is even more critical. A foundation wall is simply a vertical slab – but it’s exposed on three sides once the forms are pulled. Foundation forms should be protected with powerblanket™ concrete curing blankets for at least three days, depending on weather conditions.

If you remove forms too quickly, your foundation walls will have less protection, especially if you also remove the Powerblanket™ concrete curing blankets. Temperatures below 14°F completely stop the hydration (crystal growing) process.

If the walls are backfilled before proper curing has taken place, the concrete may not be strong enough to withstand the pressure. Once temperatures rise above that point, the chemical reaction resumes, but very slowly. It could take a long time for your foundation walls to gain enough strength to resist the pressure of backfill dirt.

Use Low Slump Concrete

Low slump concrete is hard to work with, but in cold weather it can mean the difference between success and failure. While labor costs can be higher, you’ll have less water bleed problems, and you can place the Powerblanket™ concrete curing blankets on the slab more quickly, reducing the effects of cold weather.

Our testing shows Powerblanket™ to be highly effective at thawing frozen ground and curing concrete during cold winter months.  Achieve higher PSI levels and keep crews working all winter long with the electric outdoor construction Powerblanket™.  They really work… allowing you to move to the next job instead of waiting for your concrete to cure.  You’ll be days & dollars ahead with Powerblanket™.

Avoid Concrete Cracks

Avoid Concrete Cracks