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Found 92 results for the keyword(s) ‘Concrete’

  • Article

    WHAT IS BASEMENT FREEZE SHIFTING?

    There are two basic mechanisms which can cause a basement to move because of freezing temperatures -- ice-block formation and ad-freezing.Frost heaving: a form of ice-block formation occurs when moist soil lies under the foundation footings and the frost line or freezing-point penetration reac...
  • Article

    A form for column footings, below ground

    "Big Foot" is a plastic form that you put in the bottom of the hole you dug for your support columns. You then set a Sono-tube on the top and pour in the concrete. The concrete will fill the form on the bottom (air holes let it flow) and give you a perfectly formed footing every time, without h...
  • Article

    A portable re-bar bending tool

    Hitichi let me play with a prototype of a portable machine that will bend re-bar to any shape you want, with absolutely no effort. Expensive and used for heavy construction sites -- but a really nifty gadget. It is like playing with re-bar like they were paper clips.
  • Article

    Slippery finished concrete

    Bill from Edmonton, Alberta has coloured and varnished concrete outdoors, which has turned out to be just too slippery.To keep the same look but eliminate the safety hazard I would suggest another coat of the same finish but while it is wet, sprinkle in painter's sand. You can find little contai...
  • Article

    Pro: Trouble Shooting Concrete Fasteners

    Fastening to concrete or masonry? We've got three problems: choosing the right fastener, choosing the right tool and then doing it right. Here is some product information and trouble shooting tips.Power Actuated nailingExplosive shot nailling is the most common but the weakest of the serious ...
  • Article

    Removing Stains on Concrete

    Oil stains are almost impossible to get out of concrete. Substances that tend to sit on the top surface of the concrete are much easier to get off. We did some testing with various stain and graffiti removal products. Nothing worked perfectly.Since this show I have been looking for somethin...
  • Article

    Sealing a concrete roof

    Dartmouth, Nova Scotia is home to a peculiar house with a concrete roof. The roof is now leaking and Ron would like to know how to seal it.Many good coatings are available, but all of them will eventually need maintaining and may even develop leaks from weathering -- as has happened with the pre...
  • Article

    Repairing Concrete Steps

    Dave Ashberry of King Packaged Materials joins Jon in running down the various methods and products used making surface repairs to concrete.Cracked corners or edges on concrete steps are a major hazard and should be fixed. Top & Bond is one of the basic surface patching materials availab...
  • Article

    Concrete Fasteners - a survey

    There are many different fasteners and fastening systems for attaching things to concrete. What you are looking for is a balance between speed, strength and cost.Nails driven with a hammer or with a power actuated gun work well in attaching something to a floor to keep it from sliding sideway...
  • Article

    Getting a poorly constructed concrete veranda to work

    Lisa in Markham Ontario has a real water problem because her contractor did not follow the architect's plan for the construction of a concrete veranda around most of her house. The architect had planned a membrane below the concrete as well as a curb between the deck and the house wall. Non...