A Concrete contractor’s job includes setting up and removing forms, ties, and other debris from the work site. It requires skill and expertise to pour and consistently finish concrete. Properly placed conditions will prevent wasted concrete. Other aspects of the job include fine-grading the slab and installing a vapor barrier.
Concrete contractors also prepare the ground by excavating, removing debris, and compacting the surface. Proper ground preparation ensures that concrete will support the load for years. If the soil is not prepared correctly, the finished product may be damaged or will not hold up. Concrete contractors should pay special attention to the edges of the base as they can affect the curing process.
A concrete contractor begins their career as a laborer on a concrete crew. Depending on their experience and skill level, they can progress to a supervisory position. A concrete finisher may also move into an engineering or planning role. Some may even find themselves working for the government or local authorities.
In addition to technical knowledge, a concrete contractor must have the right equipment. This includes heavy-duty mixers and professional tools. This equipment can be purchased or rented. Some concrete contractors also attend industry events such as the World of Concrete trade show, which offers networking and educational opportunities.
Concrete can take various forms, from flat slabs to architecturally complex outlines. A concrete contractor’s job requires knowledge of formwork, which holds the concrete mixture in place while it hardens. Prefabricated concrete forms can be made of plastic, metal, or wood.
A concrete contractor can be a commercial or residential contractor. They can pour patios and walkways for residential customers or work on public works, schools, and offices. Choosing the type of work you want to do before starting a concrete contractor job is essential. The tools needed for a residential project will differ from those for a commercial job.
Managing a concrete project involves different phases, and every step is critical to the final result. A concrete contractor must be able to track the progress of each stage and use project management software. This will enable the contractor to send pictures and access data to ensure a smooth construction process.
Among the many responsibilities a concrete contractor has is setting up forms, reinforcing material, spreading concrete, and molding edges and expansion joints. These individuals will also pour floor surfaces and walls. Additionally, they will be responsible for putting sealants on concrete surfaces. If you are a concrete contractor, you will need excellent employees dedicated to your business’s success.
Concrete workers must complete an apprenticeship program. An apprenticeship can last anywhere from three to four years. Once a worker has completed the program, they can take an Interprovincial Exam for certification. This qualification will qualify them to become Red Seal concrete finishers.