Initial Floating and Finishing
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Did you know concrete is the most used material in the world? ..#build #foundation #footing
What happens here
After screeding, the next step involves initial floating to smooth out any imperfections left by the screed and further consolidate the concrete. Workers use hand floats or long-handled bull floats, which are flat, broad tools, to gently work the surface. This action pushes down the larger aggregate, brings a fine layer of cement paste (known as 'cream') to the surface, and prepares it for subsequent finishing steps. The timing for floating is crucial; it should be done after the bleed water has evaporated and the concrete can support a person's weight without deep indentation. Workers often use kneeboards or temporary planks to distribute their weight evenly and avoid leaving deep footprints.
Goal: Smooth the concrete surface and prepare it for final finishing
Tools and materials
- Bull Float — Smoothing large areas of concrete efficiently
- Hand Float — Smoothing and consolidating the concrete surface
- Kneeboards — Distributing weight on wet concrete to prevent deep indentations