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  • Matching Power Trowels to Job Needs

    Deciding to invest in a power trowel or to continue using traditional methods of hand finishing is not always an easy choice to make. Although there isn't a mathematical formula contractors can use to arrive at a decision, factors such as job size, time, and desired quality should be considered...

     
  • Finishing Tools for Concrete Flatwork

    Skill in handling finishing tools only comes with training and practice. But the first step to successful finishing is choosing the right tool for the job. Here are the basic tools needed for most flatwork finishing operations, and the uses for each:

     
  • W-H-I-T-E-T-O-P-P-I-N-G Spells Relief in Iowa

    Whitetopping, placing a concrete overlay on deteriorated asphalt pavements, is Iowa's solution to higher maintenance costs. Since 1960, Iowa counties have whitetopped more than 300 miles of asphalt pavement, eliminating potholes, cracks, raveling and rutting surfaces, and loose gravel.

     
  • Shotcrete Homes Challenge Wood-Frame Construction

    The first shotcrete homes were built shortly after the shotcrete process was invented in 1910. In the 1960's a new shotcrete construction panel system was developed. Referred to as welded wire sandwich panels (WWSP), the system has a core of polyurethane or polystyrene insulation sandwiched between...

     
  • Marketing Basics for Contractors

    Because so much of construction work is bid oriented, many contractors see little benefit in marketing their services. Remember, wherever there is a restricted bid list, there have been several successful marketing efforts. The reason is that the contractors on the list convinced a decision maker...

     

PROBLEM CLINIC

  • Late-winter concrete

    The late winter and early spring concreting seasons are coming up. Are there any special precautions we should take?

     
  • Gym floor flatness

    We are bidding a job that has a slab-on-grade gymnasium floor with specified floor flatness of FF 100 / FL 50. Is this reasonable?