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Does 2 inch concrete need rebar?

Rebar is not necessary for every concrete project. The general rule of thumb is that if you are pouring concrete that is more than 5 inches in depth, you are probably going to want to add in some rebar to help reinforce the entire structure.

razorbackconcrete.com - Does Concrete Always Need Rebar?
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Does Concrete Always Need Rebar?

Many a home-improvement hobbyist have been surprised to learn just how crucial rebar is to most concrete projects. That discovery invariable leads to the question: does concrete always need rebar? Let’s take a look at what rebar is, what it does for concrete, and when it’s actually needed. Rebar is shorthand for reinforcing bar; a title that does a pretty good job of explaining what it does. Rebar refers to metal bars that are used to provide additional support to concrete structures. The presence of rebar in a concrete project gives the final project considerably more strength than concrete alone. This strength is crucial for things like buildings, roads and driveways. Rebar is not necessary for every concrete project. The general rule of thumb is that if you are pouring concrete that is more than 5 inches in depth, you are probably going to want to add in some rebar to help reinforce the entire structure. If you’re not doing a commercial-level project but still want some additional reinforcement for your concrete, a wire mesh is a great (and cheaper) alternative to rebar. Wire mesh use is becoming much more common for projects like a home driveway. Reinforcing concrete with rebar or wire mesh not only makes the concrete strong, but it also significantly curtails the number of cracks that appear in that concrete down the line. This can save you money on repair work and keep your concrete aesthetically pleasing for years to come. To make things more complicated, there are actually several different kinds of rebar to choose from. The basic types are: welded wire, expandable metal, stainless steel, sheet metal and epoxy coated. Each type is suited for specific types of projects, so be sure to do your research before deciding what type of rebar is right for you.

Welded Wire Fabric: Usually used slab-on-ground-slabs on compacted ground.

Expandable Metal: This is the wire mesh option we wrote about earlier. This is a great option for smaller home improvement projects. Stainless Steel Rebar: Stainless steel is uniquely resistant to corrosion. This is a great option for any concrete projects in areas that are more prone to corrosion. This type of rebar does tend to be more expensive than other alternatives. Sheet Metal: This option is most commonly used for concrete floors, roofs and stairs. Epoxy Coated Rebar: Epoxy is even more resistant to corrosion than stainless steel. This is one of the most durable types of rebar but it is also the most expensive. In short, no you do not always need to use rebar in concrete projects. However, rebar is an incredibly useful tool. Do your research before starting in on any project. If you feel as though you might be out of your depth, consult with a professional! The staff at Razorback Concrete are always willing to help. Visit www.razorbackconcrete.com to learn more.

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What is the thing next to kitchen faucet?

Reddit user @dominostracker wondered the exact same thing, and according to a few wonderful human beings who took the time to answer, that thing is an air gap. It helps prevent dirty water from the dishwasher flowing back through the pipes and contaminating the clean water.

You're not the only person to ask this question.

Even when you’ve owned your home for decades, there are some features that make you think, “What in the world is that?” Don’t worry—it happens to all of us. People wonder about strange little doors in old houses, that random toilet in the basement and other odd fixtures. So. What is the thing next to my kitchen faucet? I found the the answer with help from some friendly Redditors.

What Is That Metal Thing?

The metal thing in question is a small, cylindrical metal tube that sits next to the faucet on your kitchen sink. Reddit user @dominostracker wondered the exact same thing, and according to a few wonderful human beings who took the time to answer, that thing is an air gap. It helps prevent dirty water from the dishwasher flowing back through the pipes and contaminating the clean water. Don’t miss our full list of old home features people ask about. It covers oil tanks in the basement, buttons in the floor and more.

How an Air Gap Works

It’s exactly as it sounds—a literal gap of air in the line that prevents dirty water backflowing into the fresh water. If you ever notice water coming out from underneath the cap, it may be due to possible debris. You can troubleshoot that problem with help from Family Handyman. The more you know!

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