Search Results for: control joint

Close up of three concrete slabs with visible surface holes

Concrete Curing Blankets: Choosing Thickness, Timing, and How to Avoid Surface Damage

Introduction Concrete curing blankets are coverings that hold heat and moisture near the slab so the concrete gains strength and resists surface cracking. They come in different thicknesses and materials, so check the product label or manufacturer instructions to match blanket thickness to your climate and pour size. For DIYers, think of them as a […]

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Worker spraying cement plaster on brick wall indoors

Bonding Old to New Concrete at Vertical Faces: Keys, Dowels, and Epoxy vs Cement Slurry

Introduction Bonding old to new concrete at a vertical face means creating a mechanical and/or adhesive connection so the new pour acts like part of the same structure. That usually comes down to creating keys or dowels for mechanical interlock and choosing an appropriate bonding agent—epoxy or cement slurry—based on strength needs and manufacturer instructions.

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Fresh concrete pour in wooden formwork on vertical surface

Concrete Honeycomb Repair on Vertical Surfaces: Dry-Pack vs Form-and-Pour Decision Guide

Introduction Dry-pack and form-and-pour are two ways to repair honeycomb on vertical concrete surfaces. This guide helps you choose based on the damage, access, and field conditions you’ll face on site. Think of it as a practical decision, not a textbook rulebook. Dry-pack repairs are quick and grab the wall with minimal equipment, but they

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Brick wall with exposed rebar frame against blue sky

Repairing Settlement Cracks Along a Garage Stem Wall: Drainage Checks and Patch Strategy

Introduction Repairing settlement cracks along a garage stem wall means checking why water is pooling, fixing drainage, and then sealing and patching the cracks so the wall stops moving and water stops getting in. Start by looking for low spots, clogged drains, downspouts that dump by the foundation, and any gaps at the slab-wall joint,

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Red concrete formwork braces with yellow safety railing

Concrete Step Risers: Setting Consistent Heights and Avoiding Trip Hazards

Introduction Concrete step risers are the vertical faces of stairs and they need to be consistent from top to bottom to keep steps safe and comfortable. On a DIY job that means measuring, forming, and checking each riser before you cast, and if a specific height matters for code or accessibility, check local rules or

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Close up of concrete formwork with rebar and anchor rods

Edge Distance Rules for Concrete Anchors: Practical Layout to Avoid Blowouts

Introduction Edge distance rules for concrete anchors mean keeping anchors far enough from slab edges, joints, and other anchors so the concrete can carry the load without cracking or breaking out. In practice that means planning layout with the anchor type, concrete strength, edge quality, and load direction in mind. Check the anchor manufacturer instructions

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Close-up of various vinyl flooring plank samples in different wood tones

Calcium Chloride and RH Testing Explained: When DIY Tests Aren’t Enough for Flooring

Introduction Calcium chloride tests measure surface moisture and relative humidity (RH) tests measure internal moisture — use the one that fits your floor type and the manufacturer’s instructions. For DIYers, a calcium chloride kit can show if the surface is shedding moisture but it won’t tell you slab RH or moisture vapor drive, so check

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Close-up of concrete injection repair tool on cracked concrete

Epoxy Crack Injection Basics: When It’s Structural and When Flexible Sealants Are Better

Introduction Epoxy crack injection is a method that bonds and restores load-bearing concrete when a crack is clean, stable, and dry, while flexible sealants are better for cracks that move or need to keep out water without carrying structural loads. Think of epoxy like a hard glue for structural repair and polyurethane or silicone as

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