7 Mistakes People Make When Leveling Concrete Floors

Working in a dusty and dirty environment day in and day out can be extremely tiring. This means being a construction worker is not for everyone. It’s hard, manual labor that requires a lot of skill and precision. But if you’re up for the challenge, there are many rewards to be had. One of those rewards is the satisfaction of creating something beautiful and durable that will last for years to come.

When you’re a construction worker, you get to see the fruits of your labor every day. And one of the most satisfying construction projects to work on is a concrete floor. Concrete floors are strong, durable, and easy to maintain. They’re also very versatile and can be used in a variety of settings, from office buildings to homes.

However, leveling a concrete floor is not as easy as it looks. There are a lot of things that can go wrong, and if you’re not careful, you could end up with a very poor-quality floor. Even the most experienced workers can make mistakes when leveling concrete floors. 

Here are seven of the most common mistakes construction workers make:

1. Not compacting the subgrade

When you’re preparing for concrete leveling in Salt Lake City or wherever you are located, the first step is to compact the subgrade. The subgrade is the layer of soil or gravel that’s underneath the concrete. It needs to be compacted so that it’s strong enough to support the weight of the concrete.

If you don’t compact the subgrade properly, it can settle over time, causing the concrete to crack or settle.

2. Not using the right concrete mix

Another common mistake workers make is not using the right concrete mix. There are different types of concrete mixes. Some are designed for indoor use, while others are better suited for outdoor use.

When you’re choosing a concrete mix, make sure you ask the supplier what type of mix is best for your project. Otherwise, you could end up with a concrete floor that’s too soft or too brittle.

3. Not using enough reinforcement

Reinforcing concrete is important because it helps to prevent cracking. Cracks can occur when the concrete shrinks or when heavy loads are placed on the floor.

To reinforce concrete, you need to use steel reinforcement bars, also known as rebar. The size and spacing of the rebar will depend on the type of concrete mix you’re using.

4. Not using enough concrete

Another common mistake is not using enough concrete. This can happen when workers are trying to save money by using less concrete than what’s required.

Using too little concrete can lead to several problems, including cracking, settling, and instability. So, make sure you use the right amount of concrete for your project.

5. Not curing the concrete properly

Curing is an important process that helps to ensure the concrete sets properly. Without proper curing, the concrete can be too soft and weak.

There are a few different ways to cure concrete, such as wet curing and steam curing. Make sure you ask the supplier how to cure the concrete properly.

6. Not using a level base

When you’re leveling concrete, it’s important to make sure you have a level base. If the base is not level, the concrete will not be level either.

To create a level base, you can use a laser level or a transit level. Make sure you take the time to level the base before you start pouring the concrete.

7. Not using a screed

A screed is a tool that’s used to level concrete. It’s essentially a long, straight board that’s dragged across the surface of the wet concrete.

The screed helps to level out the concrete and ensure there are no low or high spots. Make sure you use a screed when you’re leveling concrete.

Leveling a concrete floor is not an easy task. There are a lot of things that can go wrong. But if you avoid these seven common mistakes, you’ll be on your way to creating a beautiful and durable concrete floor.

Do you have questions or suggestions about leveling concrete floors? We’d love to hear from you in the comments section below.