what is concrete flatwork, houston concreteAt the height of the Roman Empire, concrete was the building material of choice. Many of the structures built by the Romans are still standing, including the Colosseum, several aqueducts, and the Pantheon. Although the Romans were masters of concrete construction, only a relatively small percentage of their creations would qualify as concrete flatwork.

What Is Concrete Flatwork?

What Qualifies as Concrete Flatwork?

Many concrete contractors define flatwork as anything that has a flat surface. This includes patios, foundations, parking lots, driveways, streets and highways, and sidewalks. However, concrete companies usually consider ramps, curbs, and gutters as flatwork.

How Is Concrete Flatwork Installed?

Although the exact process may vary, most concrete construction companies start by grading the site to ensure a level base for constructing the flatwork. However, extensive grading is not always necessary. For example, when replacing a short piece of concrete curbing, a little hand-tamping is usually all that is required. However, on a large site, heavy equipment will be needed to level the ground and establish the slope. If utility lines need to be installed, a Houston concrete company will normally handle this step next. On some jobs, it may be necessary to construct a subbase from rock or another aggregate. Next, concrete installers construct frames from wood to serve as molds; rebar may be placed inside these molds if it is needed. The contractor pours the concrete into the molds, and then typically uses trowels or screeds to apply the finishing touches to the surface.

What Impacts the Cost of Flatwork?

The cost of flatwork depends on three primary factors. The size of the job is the first factor. Obviously, it will take more concrete to build a parking lot than to build a residential driveway. However, smaller jobs may cost more per square foot than larger jobs if the supplier offers a volume discount. The second factor is the type of concrete used. Concrete is available in several different grades. For example, builder-grade concrete has a shorter life and a lower cost than premium-grade concrete. The third factor to consider is the finishing option. Finishing options include patterns, specialty sealants, and colors. A Houston concrete company can build a sidewalk that mimics the appearance and color of brick pavers, for example. Still, it will cost more than a sidewalk that is gray, slightly textured for traction, and otherwise plain.

Is It Possible to Install Concrete in Poor Weather Conditions?

There are ways to work around some borderline weather conditions, including protecting the fresh concrete from excessive heat during its initial curing. However, it is best to have at least 72 hours without excessive heat, rain, or freezing temperatures. Depending on the depth of the concrete, the weather, and the type of concrete, it may take as long as two weeks before the concrete is sufficiently cured to open the area to traffic, but seven days is typically enough in the Houston area.

Does Marathon Solutions Group Offer Concrete Installation?

Concrete installation is just one of the many services Marathon Solutions offers. We also repair concrete, install and repair asphalt pavements, and we offer thermoplastic markings, asphalt overlays, parking lot signs, asphalt milling, bollard installations, parking lot striping, and marking removal. We have an exemplary reputation for superior craftsmanship and exceptional customer service. For a free quote, send an email to HQ@Marathon-Solutions.com, submit the online form, or call 800-879-1147.