Ready Mixed Concrete FAQs
What ‘mix’ do I need?
There are many different mixes, if you are unsure about your requirements please phone our sales or technical teams for advice.
How much do I need?
Please refer to our on-line concrete calculator.
Do you have a conveyor?
None of our mixer trucks are equipped with conveyors.
How long is the chute, do your lorries carry an extra one, and how far will it reach off the back of the truck?
Our chutes are approximately 2.75m long and are able to reach distances of between 1m and 2.75m from the rear of the truck. We do not carry additional chute lengths.
Can I pump your concrete?
We can supply pumpable mixes and if required you must specify this. If you phone our sales team they will be pleased to suggest concrete pumping contractors in your area.
How much does 1 cubic metre of concrete weigh?
Approximately 2.4 tonnes.
Will fibres make my concrete stronger?
Polypropylene fibres are generally used to reduce cracking and do provide impact and abrasion resistance. They do not increase the compressive strength of the concrete.
Is it ever too hot or too cold to lay concrete?
It can be – during cold weather we are required to ensure the temperature of concrete is no less than 5oC when delivered. However individual site conditions and circumstances will warrant consideration as to whether or not the concrete will be at risk of freezing particularly during its early life (first 14 days or so). If the water in concrete freezes, it can cause disruptive surface damage.
During warm and windy weather care needs to be taken to ensure that the concrete does not dry too quickly through the rapid evaporation of its water – can cause shrinkage cracking. All year round it is good practice for all newly laid concrete to be covered to protect it and aid curing. Prevent polythene sheeting from touching fresh wet concrete as it will mark the surface.
During warm weather conditions concrete tends to stiffen quicker and therefore you may have less time to lay and finish the concrete – be well prepared for the delivery, have sufficient labour and don’t take on too much.
I need to power float my concrete, what mix will I need for this and after what length of time can I start power floating?
Generally for power floating, the mix will require a minimum cement content of 290Kg per cubic metre. The timing of power floating is variable and dependent on the cement content of the mix, the ambient temperature, the concrete temperature and the workability of the concrete, depending on the foregoing between 2 – 6 hours.
Can I add water to make my concrete wetter?
Our ready mixed concrete is delivered at the slump as ordered, any additional water can be put into the mix but you will be asked to sign for this beforehand as it may take the material out of specification.
What is the smallest amount you will deliver?
We can deliver a minimum of 1 cubic metre.
Do you deliver on Saturdays?
We do deliver on Saturdays but please give as much notice as possible.
What if I only want a part load?
Part load charges apply on deliveries up to 3 cubic metres on our small trucks and from 4 – 6 cubic metres on our larger trucks.
How much notice do I need to give for my delivery?
Generally 2 – 3 days is sufficient, but please phone our shipping office and staff will do their best to accommodate you.
How long will the truck be on site before I start to incur additional charges?
We allow 30 minutes on site to discharge the material. Should you require more time please let us know in advance and we will charge you at the ‘booked rate’ which is cheaper than the ‘non-booked rate’. This is done to facilitate planning deliveries throughout the day. We charge to the nearest quarter of an hour, and will refund any time prepaid but unused.
Is there a discount for large quantities?
Please phone the sales team for a quotation.
How can I pay?
Being a perishable product we require payment prior to batching the material. This is usually done by card payment over the phone. We do not accept cheques.