05 Apr 2019
concrete-construction-buildings

When it comes to strength and sustenance, concrete is an ideal solution for construction projects. The benefits of this wonderful product are boundless!

 

If nothing else, this raw material is durable, accessible in large quantities, and increases the energy efficiency of the structure with its ability to absorb and retain heat. Simply put, it should be your ultimate choice for your residential, commercial or industrial construction projects.

 

Concrete finishing contractors in BC can take your project to the next level. Poorly applied concrete comes with a plethora of drawbacks – cracks, heat loss, and constant repairs – costing you a tidy sum in the long run. This is why it’s so important to approach trusted and certified concrete contractors who know what your project requires to a tee.

 

The Essentials of Concrete Finishing

Immediately following the pouring of the concrete into its designated form, finishing processes occur. This is a technique that aims at achieving an even surface to exemplify the beauty of your concrete structure.

 

How long after pouring concrete can you finish it? It’s advisable to give the concrete some time to sit before initiating the finishing process. This time period can range anywhere between 30 minutes to 3 hours – based on its exposure to thermal sources, how humid the surroundings are, and wind gust. After the water is bled out, you may then proceed to trowel the concrete surface.

 

This surface is leveled out by using a screed or trowel. What exactly are these implements? A screed is essentially a long wooden or metallic slice heaved back and forth along the concrete’s surface to extract the extra material and fill in the holes.

 

While strength is a major characteristic of concrete, there are various ways to modify its appearance and finish by using various added substances and techniques.

 

Types of Concrete Finishes

Coming to a crucial question; What are the different types of concrete finishes?

Here’s a quick outline of the different types of concrete finishes you can decide to go with based on their application and use:

 

Troweling

What is a smooth trowel finish? When the contractor has screeded the surface, another equally important implement known as a trowel must be applied. A trowel helps smoothen the concrete on a finer level – thus filling in the spaces and bumps that the screed missed. Troweling can be done either manually or mechanically.

 

Your typical trowel will comprise of a thin steel sheet connected to a handle to push and pull the concrete surface. For larger corporate and manufacturing settings, the contractor will use power trowels; tools that mimic large fans whose blade are positioned directly on the concrete.

 

Broomed Finish

If you want to build a driveway that is slip-proof, a broomed finish is ideal for your construction project. After the concrete has been placed, leveled and troweled, brooming will follow.

 

Once the contractor has achieved an uninterrupted exterior, a broom is taken over the concrete to lend it a ridged facade; these are essential to elevate the traction it provides. Concrete that is too smooth (and hasn’t been broomed) is hazardous and likely to cause slips, especially when wet.

 

Edging

If you need the end product to have bevels or round edges, edging will be performed by the contractor. Edging provides another important benefit in that it adds joints to the concrete’s surface to reduce the likelihood of it cracking. Edging tools require quite some practice to get right.

 

Types of Concrete Textures

Concrete finishing does not indicate the end of the job. If you desire a certain texture to be applied to the surface, you have the following options;

 

Exposed Aggregate Texture

Often seen on sidewalks, this type of texture is produced by washing away the topmost layer of the concrete. After which, other materials like sand are added to give the finished product a gravelly look.

 

Salt Texture

This is ideal for the deck of swimming pools. Essentially, rock salt is layered on the surface of the wet concrete, after which the contractor washes it away. The finished product? Well, you will have a very unique concrete surface with small grooves to improve its overall appeal and traction.

 

Stamped Texture

Concrete stamps are made from individual panels that are infused with a variety of attractive designs. These are applied to the concrete while it is setting. Apart from a range of artistic textures, designs may also be brick or stone based. When the form is taken away, the concrete’s surface could also have colours applied via the process of staining.

 

 

Looking For Attractive Concrete Finishes For Your Project?

We’d be happy to help!

Pedron Contracting offers certified and fully trained contractors to assess your site and suggest what concrete placing and finishing techniques will work best.

We provide great quotes for your Vancouver or BC project.

 

Get a free project estimate right here!

14 Mar 2019
concrete-forming-house

 

ICFs.

 

If you just read that and thought, “IC-what?”, then this article is for you!

 

Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs) are completely revolutionizing the way residential and commercial buildings are constructed in 2019!

 

We live in a multidisciplinary world where one product must perform multiple jobs at the same time – lest it is a strain on our resources. In this vein, it isn’t enough for concrete structures to be visually appealing, they must also provide greater safety, insulation, comfort, and energy efficiency.

 

ICFs are the eco-friendly solutions that our communities crave. In this article, we explore their benefits and analyze whether they are well worth the price. We also reveal how certified concrete forming contractors in Vancouver can help you execute your next project in a feasible and timely manner.

 

 

 

An Insight Into Insulated Concrete Forms

ICFs are a construction component designed from expanded polystyrene – a synthetic resin that is used to make rigid and lightweight forms. These forms aren’t left as is. No, they are stacked and reinforced with steel so as to become extremely durable molds.

 

Of what good are these molds? Excellent question! These are filled with concrete and, unlike regular forms, do not have to be peeled away but rather, form a permanent part of the assembly. When finished, ICF walls act as a solid monolithic container that offers a whole range of benefits.

 

How do insulated concrete forms work? In an ICF wall, each block is stacked upon the previous one and reinforced with steel rebar. This is comprised of concrete, brick, stucco or rock. On the inside of the house, plumbing and electricals go through the foam once the wall has been poured. Drywall is added to the structure after which a trim, flooring or any other finish is applied. While your house still looks the same, it now performs 80% better!

 

This is why ICFs have gained immense traction in recent times and are used in all manner of construction projects – residential, commercial, educational, medical, military, and high-rise buildings.

 

 

 

Benefits of Insulated Concrete Forms

As the name suggests, ICFs provide immense levels of insulation to the enclosure by serving as a thermal envelope. This is the best protection in all types of weathers. Below, we compiled a list of the biggest advantages that ICFs usher into the construction project.

 

Unparalleled Energy Efficiency

Rising energy costs are a concern for every homeowner and builder out there. The solution? Construct structures using energy-efficient forms that not only prune your monthly bills but also lessen your carbon footprint.

ICFs optimize your energy performance by reducing the air infiltration. Their structural strength and insulating properties have proven to reduce energy overheads by at least 57%.

 

Ideal For All Locations and Weathers

Their rigidity alone is a force to be reckoned with. ICFs are reinforced with steel, meaning that they are durable even in fire, hurricanes, tornadoes and all seismic situations. And because they prevent the entry of mold, your structure’s lifespan is indirectly extended.

 

Extremely Comfortable Living Spaces

When you opt for a regular concrete structure, the cold temperatures can easily penetrate through the walls and cause thermal bridging. This essentially makes the interiors uncomfortable as random hot and cold spots crop up in every room.

Insulated concrete forms do away with this issue completely. They have impressive thermal bridging properties so that they are able to block the entry of draft and eliminate cold spots.

 

Maximum Sound Resistance

Apart from simply keeping your living area free of outside allergens and temperature swings, ICFs act as effective sound barriers, and thus filter out any unwanted noises. They dampen vibrations as well, meaning even if you are situated in a noisy area riddled with industrial sounds, traffic, noisy neighbors and trains – you won’t be put out in the slightest.

 

Unbelievable Fire Protection

Most municipal building safety codes in 2019 now require enclosures to use fire-rated products so as to alleviate occupant fatalities in the incidence of fire. Steel reinforced ICFs offer fire-protective properties for up to 4 hours. These ushers in a great deal of safety for you and your family.

The expanded polystyrene is non-toxic and fire-retardant so that it can take great impacts and still maintain its structural integrity. Moreover, having a rigid core, ICFs can combat 400 kph winds so that you don’t have to bat an eyelid even in the most alarming weather conditions.

 

Extended Lifespan

The value that you get to enjoy with an ICF is unlike any other. Because these naturally last longer than regular forms, they require limited repair and maintenance. This means that you get a great ROI on your capital investment – your wallet is not going to complain any time soon!

 

 

 

ICFs and Their Price Tag

Now with the plethora of benefits that ICFs bring to your project, they must be very expensive, right? Wrong!

 

A question we get asked a lot is; How much are insulated concrete forms? The cost per square foot for an ICF is around $4.10. However, it’s important to weigh this cost against the long-term benefits!

 

The labour cost to install an ICF form is about $5.70. Basically, if you were to opt for regular plywood, you would be spending about $13.48 per square foot. But with ICFs, you are spending a total of $9.80 per square foot!

 

Bottom line: The marginal savings per square foot add up, meaning that you’ll be saving thousands upon thousands of dollars when you go for an ICF as opposed to plywood.

 

 

 

Certified Contractors in Vancouver Can Give You Amazing Results in Record Time!

Pedron Contracting believes that a good foundation is absolutely vital. Without it, the rest of the structure is nothing more than a house of cards that deprive you of your comfort and safety. It’s time to say goodbye to shoddy services.

 

We provide amazing quotes and highly trained contractors to get the job done right!

 

Get a Free Project Estimate Today!

18 Feb 2019
cement pumping truck 600x399

If you’re eager to make your concrete forming project cost-effective and long-lasting, Pedron Contracting uses high-quality and innovative forming supplies to get the job done!

Concrete forms are essentially a solid barrier that reinforces the concrete so that it maintains a certain shape and stays in place. Besides these basic applications, our state-of-the-art industry-grade equipment also provides decorative effects or insulation to your projects just as you desire!

At Pedron Contracting, our end-to-end concrete forming products include systems, accessories, precast products, bridge and road work applications and anchoring systems. We’re your one stop destination for outstanding concrete forming solutions – no matter how big or small!

Whether you require the right workmanship and expertise for anchoring, slab on grade, flat work, foundational pours, infrastructure, high rise construction, precast, tunnels, bridges and road work, you’ve come to the right place.

Our quotes are the most affordable in the industry and continue to remain transparent and consistent. When you partner with Pedron Contracting, you’re partnering with a promise – a promise to receive the most skilled operators right here in Vancouver!

11 Jan 2019
concrete-sidewalks-pedron

Concrete is one of the most versatile and durable building materials; making it ideal for structures, walkways, bridges, sidewalks and even several indoor fixtures such as lamps, flooring, and the likes.

 

Concrete Sidewalks Do So Much More Than Meets the Eye

Concrete sidewalks in Vancouver have to be structurally sound to withstand the high volumes of foot traffic that the city witnesses, and to maintain their integrity in the face of harsh elements like the weather and vehicular impact. The beauty of this material is that it can be cut and formed into the desired shape quite easily. Architects, builders and city planners recognize that a whole host of on-road constructions, such as straight or curved sidewalks, can be accommodated by concrete.

Besides its structural integrity, concrete can be designed in a variety of colours to enhance the appeal of the street. Bomanite concrete lets the builder mimic any other natural material and can even be built with attractive borders.

Below, we’ve compiled some quick pointers on how to go about investing in an attractive and durable concrete sidewalk for your next project.

 

Planning Your Concrete Sidewalk Project

The average useful lifespan of a concrete sidewalk is anywhere between 20 to 40 years. However, a lot of structures fail prematurely as a result of shoddy design and planning during the construction phase.

At the onset of your venture, you want to make sure that you have the essentials in check. Before you hire a certified concrete contractor to do the job, decide whether you require a curved or straight structure. Perhaps, you would even like a ramp. Apart from these, you will want to ensure that the colour palette of your sidewalk commensurates with other neighbouring fixtures such as traffic signals, lighting poles, residential and corporate buildings, parks, etc.

While a simple grey facade is the most sought after option, having a decorative sidewalk comes with many benefits. For instance, in public spaces, by using a certain colour or texture, you can offer pedestrians an interactive experience, tell a story, or simply incorporate an artistic and abstract flair into the neighbourhood.

 

Getting a Permit For Your Concrete Sidewalk Project

Chart out the area where you envision your concrete sidewalk to be. You will have to check with city officials and ascertain whether the spot you’ve chosen to lay the sidewalk is dig approved. There are several utilities that are buried no less than 4 inches below the ground that run across the entire city. The last thing you’d want to do is accidentally damage one of these.

If you’re planning to build a residential sidewalk on a private site, you may not have to solicit a permit. But it never hurts to contact your local construction authorities and ascertain whether or not you have jurisdiction to do so. If you build unauthorized structures, you will possibly face a penalty.

 

Pouring and Placing Your Concrete Sidewalk Project

When concrete pumping, placing and forming phases lack attention to detail, you will have a very shoddy end-product on your hands. City officials will conduct a number of inspections to test the performance of the sidewalk and gauge whether it’s safe for broader public use.

The sidewalk must exhibit four key features; safety, appearance, comfort and cost performance. To ensure success in all these four parameters, you need to hire a reputed and reliable concrete contractor that pushes for quality assurance at every step of the way.

Making sure the ingredients are mixed right as per projected strengths, ensuring placement accuracy while also tracking concrete strength at each step, ensuring dimension accuracy, flawless consolidation, adding reinforcement coverage and testing overall tolerance are just some of the crucial steps. Best practices have to be strictly adhered to at each stage.

Why hire a certified and licensed operator as opposed to opting for a DIY job or a regular contractor? The job doesn’t simply involve driving to the site, unloading the material and doing those same tasks over and over. It takes immense technical expertise to build a sturdy product.

Certified contractors possess knowledge about commercial driving, schematic readings, design essentials, safe pump operations, pump part functionalities, emergency troubleshooting, and safety norms – all of which are important factors in the procedure.

 

Trust Certified Operators in Vancouver to Construct Your Concrete Sidewalk

Nothing is more frustrating and expensive than having to redo a shoddy concrete placing and finishing job. Your sidewalk project will be riddled with cracks and deemed unfit for use in just a couple of years.

 

Get it right the first time! At Pedron Contracting, we offer consist pricing solutions and a superior product that you can bank on. Contact us for more information.

04 Dec 2018
concrete pumping contractor bc

Concrete is a mainstay in our lives. Most of the constructional components that we interact with on a daily basis are created from this versatile material. However, sturdy structures don’t just happen. Immense care and quality control goes into making concrete phenomenal – from the inside out.

Depositing concrete into its final position can be a very challenging job, especially if you’re looking for a durable, clean and attractive finish. Without a sturdy foundation, the integrity of the entire structure is compromised. In this article, we explain why concrete placing for your Vancouver project is a crucial step in the construction process and how it largely influences the manner in which that same concrete is subjected to further processing.

 

Concrete Placement Informs the Quality of Subsequent Operations to a Surprising Degree

Any competent and certified contractor will tell you that placing the concrete quicker than it can be spread, struck off, consolidated and bull floated is a bad idea. It renders all the effort of mixing, transporting and handling that concrete useless. Besides simply focusing on the nuances of the operation, the contractor takes into consideration several climatic and technical parameters.

Bear in mind that there are quite a number of operations that the concrete must undergo after it leaves the mixer and before it is injected into its finished form: transportation, depositing it into a mould or a formwork, vibrating, maturing, removing of the form and curing. These essential phases should comply with good engineering practices.

 

Delivering Concrete – How to do it Right

Concrete can segregate if not handled properly. Any abrupt manoeuvres or shocks could cause it to do so. This is why it’s highly critical to make sure that transport times align with the beginning of the pouring process. Additionally, the concrete should be stored properly in colder months so as to avoid frost settling into it.

 

Striking the Right Balance When Depositing the Concrete

A popular misconception is that concrete placement simply entails pouring the concrete into its intended position. In reality, it also takes into consideration certain factors leading up to that task.

The formwork or mould must be designed in such a manner so that it isn’t lacking in strength. If the mould itself were to become deformed under the pressure of the cascading concrete or if it wasn’t watertight enough to prevent the laintance from leaking through, placing operations would be all for naught.

To avoid such occurrences, the formwork or mould should be treated with a bond breaker and thoroughly cleaned before the operator uses it. Additionally, the operator also correctly positions the reinforcement and makes sure that it holds its place.

Even the height from which the concrete falls has to be measured. It should be handled so as to avoid the segregation of the material. To this end, it’s just as important to make sure that the rate at which the concrete is poured is consistent.

 

Concrete Vibration – A Small Operation That Has Big Consequences

This is one of those tasks that are so embedded within the larger framework, their importance is unfortunately concealed. Concrete vibration uses top-of-the-line machinery to send vibrations through wet concrete.

The vibrations will cause the concrete mixture to liquefy. This reduces the internal friction of the aggregate, water and cement. A concrete vibration job done right will allow you to move the concrete around easily after it has been placed. The operator is then able to deposit the concrete into every last nook and cranny of the mould and avoid empty pockets or voids.

Furthermore, the liquefaction and vibrations enable the air bubbles to escape. If the concrete has too many air bubbles, the mixture is a lot less dense and will be less sturdier and/or full of blemishes.

A wonderful byproduct of the vibration operation is that it allows moisture to come to the surface, which makes it easier for the operator to float and finish the final slab.

 

Concrete and Cold Weather – What You Should Know!

Fresh concrete must be stored at relatively lower temperatures. If exposed to hot weather, it will dry out. One way to protect it is through adequate curing. Ideally, the contractor is looking for concrete that has a low heat of hydration.

In temperatures below 5 degrees C, the setting of concrete is severely stunted and if the temperature drops even further, there is a risk of it freezing altogether. Some common tactics to avoid this are heating the concrete, the mixing water or the aggregate. Moreover, the contractor may also insulate the formwork or the mould. In the end, they will be looking for concrete that swiftly hardens after it is placed.

Facts About Concrete Placing Infographic

Trust Your Concrete Projects to the Leading Contractors in Vancouver!

Pedron Contracting has over 2 decades of experience and a team of certified operators to add quality, no matter the scope of your project. Put us to the test! Call us at 604-936-8484 for a quote.

14 Nov 2018
concrete pumping

When you walk down the sidewalk, have you ever taken a moment to admire the various concrete structures around, and wonder what went into making them as structurally robust as they are (including the sidewalk itself)? Laying concrete is a more nuanced process than most people realize.

Concrete placing and finishing services in Vancouver have to be handled by certified operators who know the process like the back of their hand. They are aware of all the best practices required to deposit the concrete as close to the final position as possible. When doing a concrete job right, the manner in which the concrete is mixed, transported and handled should be precisely coordinated with placing and finishing procedures. If the concrete is laid quicker than the operator can spread, strike off, consolidate and bull float it, the finished product will be lacking in visual appeal and internal strength.

 

Concrete is a Popular Foundation Material Owing to its Versatility

In the world of construction, the most popular foundational material is concrete. It can be used for a number of purposes such as slab construction, structural concrete, architectural components, and stairwell construction. For instance, in the case of slab construction, the concrete must be aligned with the perimeter along a single end and each batch should be then deposited next to the previously laid concrete. If the concrete is dumped haphazardly in separate chunks and the operator then attempts to level them all at once, the final product will be shoddy.

When you look around, the likely places you’ll notice concrete structures are sidewalks, patios, curbs, barn floors, pavements, driveways, basements, parking lots, flooring, canal linings, silos, skyscrapers, swimming pools, beams, columns, piers, bridge decks, cast-in-place walls and other such exposed constructions.

 

Here’s Why Concrete Quality Assurance is So Important!

Quite evidently, concrete is used in those areas that often witness the most traffic – whether pedestrians or vehicles. It stands to reason that it should be assembled to ensure it that holds it own even in the most demanding environments – such as those that experience grueling weather conditions.

From a layman’s standpoint, when we talk about the quality with which the concrete operation is carried out, we’re referring to its finished appearance. In a more technical context, we might assess quality based on the placement accuracy or the manner in which the concrete has been consolidated.

Of course, concrete quality assurance is much more in-depth. It begins right from the time the concrete’s ingredients are mixed during the manufacturing process. This will depend on the projected strength needed to support the construction in question.

When using concrete, the operator should also understand the structure’s reinforcement parameters. They might even consider historical information pertaining to the materials used, accessory demands, required and attainable strengths, placement techniques and will have to periodically track strengths at each stage to ensure design criteria are being adhered to.

Sounds like quite a handful doesn’t it? Strength isn’t the only dimension that operators are tracking. They must also test concrete tolerance. When the concrete is correctly consolidated, it adds to its reinforcement coverage. This is crucial to the process. It negates the possibility of having to redo the work or take corrective action.

The client’s expectations have to be met – nothing is more important than that. Thus, when performing concrete projects, it is critical to pre plan and make sure that the appropriate materials and equipment are at hand so as to allow for the highest quality output.

 

Certified Operators Know the Ins and Outs of the Job

Besides ensuring that the concrete is placed and finished in a manner that ensures the highest possible strength, tolerance and visual appeal, a trained operator also ensures job site safety.

Some wrongly assume that the job of a concrete pump operator merely entails driving to the site, unloading the material and repeating the process a dozen times over. In reality, they have to have in-depth knowledge about diesel engines, commercial driving, schematic reading (electrical and hydraulic), basics of concrete designing and mixing, safe pump and boom operational processes, pump parts and their functionalities, preventative maintenance, emergency on-site troubleshooting, and general construction site safety to name a few!

At Pedron Contracting, all our operators are certified and highly trained so that the job is done – the right way. Expect outstanding customer service and superior concrete solutions, no matter the scale or scope of the job you have for us!

 

Are You Looking For a Top-Notch Concrete Contractor in Vancouver?

We’re happy to say that your search ends here! Apart from superior solutions, we offer transparent and consistent pricing options. Call us at 604-936-8484 for a quote you can’t say no to!

19 Oct 2018
Concrete-Pump-Truck

Pedron Contracting specializes in concrete pumping, placing and finishing, and forming solutions. Our customized concrete contracting services in Vancouver are backed by three very important factors: 1. High standards of professionalism and safety, 2. Smart and cost-effective solutions, 3. 22 years of industry expertise.

We adopt an end-to-end stance on contracting and excavation. Here’s what you can count on when you enlist our team for the job.

 

Free Consultation and Site Walkthrough

Preparation is important so that you can enjoy top-notch solutions without compromise. To customize our services so as to be effective and affordable for your concrete requirements, our expert assessors perform a site walkthrough and accordingly discuss with you what works best for the project you have in mind.

 

Pumping Services

Regardless of your residential or commercial needs – whether you require pumping services for applications such as suspended slabs, porches, stairs, walls, footings, sonotubes, basements or underpinning, we deliver solutions that are built to last. Versatility is our specialty. There’s nothing that our pumping applications haven’t seen! Whether we’re tackling self-compacting, grout, lightweight, fiber, and foamed concrete, our state-of-the-art equipment performs as promised.

 

Placing and Finishing Services

Expect placing and finishing services that are delivered with equal care. Exposed concrete like those on highways, patios, driveways and parking lots require careful spreading, striking off, consolidation and bull floating. We first assess the intended use of the concrete slab and decide the most optimal finishing solution. Visual appeal is a critical component. Whether you’d like your concrete in a certain colour or texture – exposed aggregate, patterned stamped, etc., we aim to deliver.

 

Forming Services

Our concrete forming services add the final touches to the project. They create a solid barrier to reinforce the strength and integrity of the concrete. Looking for services for anchoring, infrastructural, flat work, high-rise construction, foundation pours, tunnels and bridge projects? We offer smart solutions that you wouldn’t get anywhere else in Vancouver!

 

Certified Operators

We use industry-grade equipment that would be useless in the wrong hands. Outstanding workmanship is part and parcel of what you sign up for. At Pedron Contracting, our operators come certified by the Concrete Pumping Association of Canada (CPAC). They adhere to the most stringent federal codes of safety and bring with them a level of finesse that only years of hands-on work can provide.

 

Unbeatable and Transparent Quotes

None of the above would mean much if we didn’t back them up with consistent, affordable and transparent quotes. When you come to Pedron Contracting, you’re gaining access to unbeatable rates that you’d be hard pressed to find elsewhere. We create a customized pricing strategy to suit your project. Rest assured, you only pay for what you get – no frills or hidden TOCs.

 

Have a Concrete Job in Mind?

We’d love to help deliver outstanding and long-term results. Call us at 604-418-5375 to get started!