Cement is a well-known building material with its presence in our everyday lives. That said, many business or homeowners will look to use it for projects. So, we at Single Source Systems feel it’s important to share the basics of cement with anyone looking to do a cement project.
Basic Concept #1: What You Call Cement, We Call Concrete Flatwork
If you’ve searched on the Internet, you’ve most likely looked up “cement projects” or “cement.”
Your search results may be puzzling. Why can’t you seem to find a construction company that does cement projects?
Well, part of it is the construction jargon. What you call cement projects, we call concrete flatwork.
Concrete flatwork? What’s the difference between concrete flatwork and cement?
Honestly, it’s a matter of terminology. Cement projects are accurate because cement is part of the concrete flatwork. We use concrete flatwork as a term in the construction industry because it describes the material we use (concrete) and the kind of project we use it for (flatwork).
If flatwork still confuses you, it simply means it is a flat surface project, smooth and even. You see concrete flatwork all the time: the sidewalks, the driveways, and even the garage floors.
So if you’re having trouble finding out what construction company does cement projects, try “concrete flatwork” in your search engine.
Now that we straightened up the terms, let’s consider what other basics or cement for your future cement project.
Basic Concept #2: Is Your Cement Project an Off-site Flatwork or On-site Flatwork?
These terms, off-site and on-site, seem weird and confusing. What do they mean to you? Why do they matter? Yep, they’re more construction terms, but terms you should be aware of when you’re looking to do a cement project.
Off-site flatwork refers to cement projects that take place on public property, which includes sidewalks and drive approaches.
If your cement project falls within the city limits, you’ll want to consult the city if there are any regulations with your concrete flatwork project. This is especially relevant if you are a business looking to improve your parking lot or your building’s ground work.
On-site flatwork refers to cement projects that occur on private property. Private property includes the driveways and walkways to and from the house.
For the most part, the only thing to be mindful of is when and where the construction will be taking place. The last thing you’ll want is to cause problems with your neighbors. A simple but much appreciated courtesy, especially if you ask for one of Single Source Systems’ construction crew to come to your home to work on the project.
Basic Concept #3: What Costs are involved in Your Cement Project?
Now, with a stronger understanding of concrete flatwork and where your project might be occurring, let’s identify where the costs come from:
1) How big of a project do you have?
The project size can determine if it’s a cement project you want to handle with family and friends or outsource your project to Single Source Systems. That’s an easy to understand cost.
In addition to knowing the size of the project, it helps you determine how much material you need and how long the project will take. Cement requires time to harden before it’s ready for foot traffic.
2) How do you want to finish your concrete?
Finish might puzzle you. Isn’t cement just cement? It can be if that is what you want.
In terms of concrete flatwork, finish is basically the cement’s final touches. For example, an exposed aggregate finish provides a non-slip, safe surface used on sidewalks.
Depending on your project’s location and purpose, say a patio where you entertain guests during the summer, you can apply stamps to create patterns or even color to add a personalized touch on your outdoor space.
3) What quality of concrete do you want to use?
Concrete’s quality factors in more than just the price. Higher quality concrete translates into a longer time before the concrete requires repairs.
You can use a lower quality of concrete for your project. Simply be aware that the time for repairing your concrete flatwork may come sooner than expected.
What These 3 Basics of Cement Let You Do Before You Start Your Cement Project
You might be wondering why you should understand these three basic concepts prior to your cement project.
Knowing the construction company’s term of “concrete flatwork” will improve your chances of locating local businesses that provide materials or services for your cement project.
Where your cement project is taking place will help decide if you need to check in with your local officials or prepare your neighbors before the construction crew arrives.
The factors of size, finish, and quality add into the project’s final cost whether you chose to DIY your cement project or hire a construction company like us at Single Source Systems.
If you still have questions, call us at 816-779-0924 or fill out the contact form on our website. We at Single Source Systems will be happy to talk to you about the basics of cement and your cement project.
