Concrete Tips & Resources
Updated: Sep 6
Planning a concrete project can bring up a lot of questions.
How much concrete do you need? Does the weather matter? What should you know before the truck arrives? What about curing, cracking or adding water at the jobsite?
Becker & Scrivens Concrete Products supplies ready-mix concrete from our Hillsdale, Michigan and Montpelier, Ohio locations. We've gathered these resources to help customers better understand some of the common topics that come up before, during and after a concrete project.
For technical specifications, installation procedures or project-specific requirements, always consult your contractor or the appropriate concrete-industry resource.
Before You Order Ready-Mix Concrete
Having the right information ready when you call can make ordering easier.
Before contacting Becker & Scrivens, it can be helpful to know:
The jobsite address
What you're pouring, such as a driveway, patio, floor, footing or other project
Approximately how much concrete you need
Your preferred pour date and time
How the concrete will be placed
Any mix requirements provided by your contractor or project specifications
Any unusual jobsite access or placement conditions
Don't know all of that yet? That's okay. Give Becker & Scrivens a call and we'll help determine what information is still needed before your order can be scheduled.
Contact Becker & Scrivens
Use the Concrete Calculator
Adding Water to Ready-Mix Concrete
Changes made to ready-mix concrete at the jobsite can affect the concrete supplied for your project.
If you have questions about making an adjustment to the concrete during delivery, speak with the Becker & Scrivens team before making changes.
For more detailed technical information about jobsite water additions, refer to the National Ready Mixed Concrete Association's Concrete in Practice: Jobsite Addition of Water resource.
NRMCA: Jobsite Addition of Water
Concrete Joints & Cracking
Cracking is a common concern with concrete, and joints are one of the considerations involved in how a concrete project is planned and constructed.
The appropriate type, location and spacing of joints depends on the individual project and should be determined by the contractor responsible for placing and finishing the concrete.
For additional technical information, refer to the National Ready Mixed Concrete Association's Concrete in Practice: Joints in Concrete Slabs on Grade resource.
NRMCA: Joints in Concrete Slabs on Grade
Plastic Shrinkage Cracking
Plastic shrinkage cracks can sometimes develop in newly placed concrete.
Because cracking can be influenced by project, placement and weather conditions, questions about preventing or evaluating cracks should be discussed with the contractor responsible for the concrete work.
For additional technical information about plastic shrinkage cracking and other concrete topics, visit the National Ready Mixed Concrete Association's Concrete in Practice resource library.
Visit NRMCA Concrete in Practice
Curing New Concrete
Curing is an important part of a concrete project, but the appropriate method and timeline can vary based on the concrete, project and conditions.
The contractor responsible for placing and finishing the concrete should determine the appropriate curing and protection requirements for your project.
For detailed technical information, refer to the National Ready Mixed Concrete Association's Concrete in Practice: Curing In-Place Concrete resource.
NRMCA: Curing In-Place Concrete
Hot & Cold Weather Concrete
Weather conditions can affect concrete projects and may require additional planning by both the concrete supplier and the contractor.
Hot Weather
If your project is scheduled during hot-weather conditions, discuss the expected conditions and any project-specific requirements with your contractor before the pour.
When ordering, provide Becker & Scrivens with any concrete mix requirements specified by your contractor, engineer or project plans.
Cold Weather
Cold-weather concrete projects may also require additional planning.
Your contractor should determine the appropriate site preparation, placement, protection and curing requirements based on the project and weather conditions.
If you're planning a cold-weather pour, discuss the project with your contractor and Becker & Scrivens before scheduling delivery.
Exterior Concrete & Michigan/Ohio Weather
Exterior concrete projects in Michigan and Ohio are exposed to changing seasonal and weather conditions.
Because project requirements can vary, talk with your contractor about the appropriate concrete specifications, installation, curing and maintenance for your project.
When ordering ready-mix concrete, let Becker & Scrivens know what you're building and provide any concrete requirements specified by your contractor, engineer or project plans.
Concrete Admixtures
Concrete admixtures may be included in a concrete mixture for different project requirements.
If your contractor, engineer or project specifications call for a particular admixture, let Becker & Scrivens know when placing your ready-mix concrete order.
For technical information about a specific admixture or product, refer to the appropriate manufacturer or concrete-industry resource.
Have Questions Before You Order?
You don't have to become a concrete expert before calling us.
Tell us what you're working on and what information your contractor has provided. The Becker & Scrivens team can help with questions related to ready-mix concrete ordering, availability and delivery.
Contact Becker & Scrivens
Additional Concrete Information
For more detailed technical information about concrete, visit the National Ready Mixed Concrete Association's Concrete in Practice resource library.
Visit NRMCA Concrete in Practice
Becker & Scrivens Concrete Products is a ready-mix concrete supplier. Information provided on this website is intended as a general resource and is not a substitute for project specifications, engineering requirements or instructions from the contractor responsible for placing and finishing the concrete.
Comments