Concrete

Concrete is where I keep my step-by-step guides for planning, pouring, and finishing concrete projects.

Topics include base prep, forms, reinforcement, thickness, mixing and placing, finishing, curing, sealing, and long-term durability. I also cover troubleshooting—what to do when concrete cracks, scales, dusts, or cures unevenly.

If you’re new to concrete, start with the planning and prep articles. They prevent most of the expensive mistakes.

Closeup of large crack in white stucco wall surface

Tracking Crack Movement With Cheap Gauges: What to Record and How to Interpret It

Introduction Tracking crack movement with cheap gauges means using simple, low-cost devices to measure how cracks in concrete or masonry open, close, or shift over time. Place the gauges at consistent points on or near the crack and record readings at regular intervals, then photograph the crack and note the date and weather each time. […]

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Closeup of a wide crack in a concrete slab surface

Concrete Crack ‘Wetting Test’: Using Water to Reveal Active Movement and Leak Paths

Introduction A wetting test is a simple way to reveal active movement and leak paths in concrete. Apply water to the surface and watch how it spreads to identify cracks, joints, or porous areas. This helps you see where water can travel and where repairs may be needed. Keep the test small and controlled, and

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Concrete window sill beneath an open window

Removing Silicone Smears From Concrete: Why Sealers Fish-Eye and How to Fix It

Introduction Silicone smears on concrete are leftover sealant residues that can ruin a finish. They create spots where new coatings won’t adhere properly. That adhesion gap is what we mean by fish-eye and it shows up as specks or craters. Plan a careful cleanup: choose a remover that matches the sealant and the concrete, and

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