Construction Process – Tora Concrete

TORA Construction Process

How We Build

TORA Construction Process

How We Build

Excavation

The excavation crew starts by studying the plan and the locates before starting. Excavation is done by mini excavator, skid steer and hand tools. During the excavation process there are times when materials are placed on the street, however, by end of day all debris is cleaned up.

Forming

The forming crew works meticulously and diligently to bring plans to life. The crew will frame the shape and size of the work based on the agreed design. At this stage, slopes and water run off is considered.

Grading

The grading process entails bringing in the granular base to the property either by machine or wheelbarrow. The crews will spread the base to ensure there is an adequate granular base as per the specs of the quote. The gravel provides drainage directly underneath the concrete slab. The last step of this process is compacting the gravel with a heavy plate tamper, providing a sturdy base for the concrete to be poured.

Rebar & Wire Mesh

The crews install the rebar and/or wire mesh directly on the compacted granular base. Pro Concrete uses; 9 gauge wire mesh on walkways; 10m Rebar on driveways and 15 Rebar in Steps. The Rebar ensures that the concrete stays together for years to come throughout all the freeze-thaw cycles.

Concrete Placement

The Concrete crew begins by ensuring all forms are clean of debris. The crew will begin by placing the concrete within the forms with wheelbarrows. The concrete then gets screed to the desired elevation while the finishers constantly check slopes and grades. The concrete finishers pass the necessary floats and trowels to ensure the concrete is finished to the desired surface finish. For exposed aggregate, the concrete is covered with plastic to allow the “exposing” process to occur the next day. For stamped concrete, the chosen colour and stamp are applied to the slab along with a dark antique powder. This powder gets buffed out at a later date.

Washing & Cutting

This can be the loudest and messiest part of the job. Structural control cuts must be scored into the concrete. The crew will first assess all the possible stress points (corners most likely to cause cracking) and create a grid from those points. As much as we would like to have all cuts be of equal shape and size, it simply is not possible with all irregularities in the shape of homes and the work itself. The cutting can create large amounts of dust and it is best advises to have your windows closed and if possible, advise your neighbours to do the same. The crews will then spend countless hours cleaning/washing not only your property but the adjacent properties that may have been affected by our work.

Curing

After the concrete has been washed and cleaned there is nothing that occurs for a few days-2weeks depending on the time of year. It is beneficial to the concrete that the homeowner keeps the concrete saturated with water for the first few days. This can be done with a hose or sprinkler.

Sealing

After a few days of curing, the sealing crew arrive to apply 2 coats of sealing accuracy. This finishing step can only be done in good weather and the concrete must be dry. The 2 coats are generally always applied in the same visit. This process brings out the colour of the concrete and makes it pop. It is vital to have this process done every 2 years to maintain a long-lasting beautiful appearance.

Our way of working to meet your needs

We believe in treating every job site as if it is our own property.