Concrete

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-54px|auto||auto||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.0″ text_text_color=”#4c4c4c” text_font_size=”17px” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_margin=”28px|||||” custom_padding=”||15px|||” hover_enabled=”0″ locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]

Panic! If you want excitement, drama, high emotion, adventure in your life, pour concrete.

There is nothing like the adrenalin rush that happens when – after you have set the forms, compacted the sand base, laid out all the tools, estimated the total number of cubic yards of concrete to order, checked Accuweather’s radar ten times and kept checking your watch as delivery time approaches – you hear the diesel roar of the cement truck.

“Here it comes!” someone yells.

Why panic?

There are a bunch of reasons, but the main one is that concrete gets hard and the quality of your preparation and skill will be on view for the next 50 years. And unlike a thin paint job or a scratched door, fixing un-level, or poorly edged concrete is virtually impossible. You’ve got to rip it out and re-pour it.  Not fun.

Project Neighbors Volunteers Pour Concrete

But there are other reasons. The ready-mix company delivering the concrete gives you a certain amount of time to get the concrete out of the truck. After that allotted time, you pay a premium.

And if you have estimated too little concrete and must order a dab more, you pay a premium ($250) for a small load delivery.

And if the concrete sets up too quickly because of sun or wind, you will work like you have never worked before to finish it: hard, sweat producing, muscle aching, back breaking work. You won’t be able to write your name after finishing quickly hardening concrete because your fingers will be so stiff.

I suspect it is a bit like when a woman says, “Its time to go to the hospital…this little one is coming.” Panic!

The best way to reduce the panic is to have an experienced crew and plenty of help. Project Neighbors has been very fortunate to have the fellow pictured below.

Project Neighbors – Framing Carpenter Dean

Dean as been our framing contractor for years. He and his crew get paid to build strong buildings, but he wants to give to the cause also, so he has agreed to oversee (a much too inaccurate verb…he has rubber boots on and is in the middle of the action from start to final finish) all our concrete work as his contribution.

Thank you, Dean. 

-Paul Schreiner

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” min_height=”114px” custom_margin=”-54px|auto||auto||” custom_padding=”89px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]