Do you need gravel under quikrete?

Evenly spread 3 to 4 inches of QUIKRETE All Purpose Gravel and then level the gravel. Compact the gravel base using a tamper. TIP: a solid sub-base will help prevent erosion and slab settling. Dampen the gravel base using a garden hose to prevent shrinkage cracking especially in hot temperatures.

quikrete.com - Pouring & Finishing Concrete Slabs - Quikrete

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HOW-TO VIDEOS

A great way to view and understand your building or repair project before you get started. Find out just about everything you need to know by watching the video below. Pouring & Finishing Concrete Slabs Concrete is one of the most economical, versatile and durable building materials available. Build a sidewalk, patio, or floor with QUIKRETE concrete mixes no matter your skill level. Project Instructions Shopping List

Project Instructions

When working with cement-based products, always wear eye protection and waterproof gloves.

Step 1

Prior to placing concrete forms:

Construct the form with 2x4 or 2x6 lumber and secure in place by wood stakes and deck screws. Excavate the slab area to a depth of about 7 inches, allowing 3 inches for a gravel base and 4 inches for concrete.

Step 2

Check the forms for level (¼ inch for every 12 feet is sufficient to allow for rain run-off). Patio and sidewalk forms should slope evenly away from structures.

Step 3

Evenly spread 3 to 4 inches of QUIKRETE All Purpose Gravel and then level the gravel.

Step 4

Compact the gravel base using a tamper.

TIP: a solid sub-base will help prevent erosion and slab settling.

Step 5

Dampen the gravel base using a garden hose to prevent shrinkage cracking especially in hot temperatures.

Step 6

Pour the concrete mix in evenly placed leads; the top of the concrete mounds should be about 2 to 3 inches above the forms before leveling.

Step 7

Consolidate and distribute the concrete evenly using a hoe. The surface of the concrete should be relatively flat and slightly above the form.

Step 8

Screed the concrete using a straight 2x4 by moving the board back and forth across the surface of the concrete in a sawing motion to remove the excess concrete and smooth the surface.

Step 9

Step 10

Once the concrete has lost its sheen, smooth the concrete surface using a wood float in an arching motion. NOTE: use a stiff-bristle broom to create a non-slip broom finish (all broom strokes should be made in the same direction).

Step 11

Cut in control joints using a groover and straight-edge (a 4-inch thick slab will require control joints a minimum of every 10 feet in each direction). NOTE: control joints should be cut a minimum of ¼ the depth of the slab.

Step 12

Use an edging tool to consolidate and shape the edges of the slab. Several passes should be made in each direction for a smooth finish.

Step 13

Freshly placed concrete should be water cured for a minimum of 3 to 5 days with a fine water mist. TIP: water curing can be eliminated by applying QUIKRETE Acrylic Concrete Cure & Seal immediately after finishing the concrete. Acrylic Cure & Seal can be applied with a roller, garden sprayer or a brush.

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What kind of insulation do you use for a metal shed?

Fiberglass is the most popular insulation solution for metal building systems because it provides the lowest installed cost per R-value.

idi-insulation.com - The Ultimate Guide to Insulating a Metal Building - IDI Distributors

PURPOSES & BENEFITS OF INSULATING A METAL BUILDING

Insulating a metal building properly does more than conserve energy, it promotes comfortable living and profitable savings. Learn the many ways you can benefit from metal building insulation.

STABILIZES THE BUILDING’S TEMPERATURE

By reducing the heat flow into and out of a metal building structure, metal building insulation provides a building envelope that enables the heating and cooling system to reliably control the interior building temperature.

LIMITS THE BUILDING’S MOISTURE

For years, metal building insulation‘s primary job was to reduce condensation that was created with temperature differentiation between inside and outside temperatures. This is still the case, however, insulation is also helping to reduce thermal bridging that can create heat loss and condensation. Perm ratings: the perm rating measures the facing’s ability to reduce or eliminate moisture transmission, reinforcing that fiberglass performs better.

ABSORBS SOUND

With extra interior padding, metal building insulation keeps sound inside, resulting in happy neighbors and improved sound quality within the building’s interior. This is especially beneficial if you’re working with loud machinery.