Common Concrete Ordering Mistakes

If you are ordering concrete for an upcoming project, you need to keep your order as accurate as possible. Otherwise, you run the risk of incurring unnecessary extra costs.

If you work with a trusted accredited concrete specialist, like iMix Concrete, the team will work with you to understand the nature of your project, and help advise you of these factors before you place your order.

In this article, we outline the most common mistakes that we see our customers making when ordering concrete (so you can ensure you are only paying for exactly what you need!).

Volume

One of the most common (and expensive) mistakes that we see during ordering, is miscalculating the amount of concrete for a project.

At iMix Concrete, we always ensure you get the right amount of concrete for your project, and only pay for what you use. If you don’t use the full amount, not to worry.

However, more critically, underestimating the amount you need, means that you might run out whilst the concrete is being poured.

Resulting in:

• Project delays
• Additional orders
• A risk of issues with bonding concrete poured at different points

How to avoid this issue:

• Carefully measure the length, width, and depth of your pour area
• Be sure to account for uneven ground, spillage or waste, and formwork variations
• Use an online concrete calculator (like the iMix Calculator)
• Check your measurements with your supplier

Grades & Strengths

Different concrete grades are all designed with very specific use cases in mind.

Selecting the wrong concrete grade can either cost you more in your initial order, or you may risk facing far more significant costs in future repairs.

The most common concrete grades include:

• C20: Light-duty applications, e.g. garden paths or shed bases
• C25: Foundations
• C30: Heavy-duty applications or areas that have to withstand vehicle traffic, e.g. driveways

If you choose a higher grade of concrete than necessary, this could increase material costs.

But, if you choose a lower grade than you need, this can be much more expensive. If you have a concrete that is not suited for your project, it can lead to cracking, structural failure and costly remediation work.

To mitigate this risk, always discuss your project requirements with your supplier. Our team can advise, and ensure you have the correct grade and strength, every time.

Site Preparation & Planning

With any concrete delivery, you need to assess the access points and delivery methods for the concrete itself.

You need to check there is enough space on-site for the concrete truck, and for the concrete to be poured.

Poor site preparation issues can include:

• Not enough access for the concrete truck
• The ground being too soft or unstable
• The concrete pour area being blocked
• Bad weather has affected the pouring area
• Limited space for pouring
• No direct access

Poor planning can lead to delays, additional costs, delivery delays or having to move your schedule ahead.

At iMix Concrete, our team can discuss your exact requirements, and provide a reliable delivery method with our mixer, volumetric, or pumping trucks – whilst also taking into consideration any potential pouring complications on-site.

Weather

The weather is one of the main external factors influencing how concrete performs, and how easy it is to pour.

Common weather-related mistakes include:

• Pouring during heavy rain (which weakens the concrete)
• Ignoring freezing temperatures (which impacts curing)
• Not considering hot weather (which accelerates setting)

Any of these instances can lead to reduced strength, visual defects, or the need to rework the concrete.

The weather does not need to be perfect, but if your site has been affected by any weather events (heavy rain, excessive heat), please discuss this with us, so we can best arrange your delivery.

What are the ideal weather conditions for pouring concrete?

Your site does not need to be fully dry, but it must be free of standing water. The ideal condition is slightly ‘damp’, with a well-compacted subgrade, that is not muddy.

If your site is completely dry, the area could take in moisture from the concrete, causing cracking and curing issues.

Ignoring Restrictions

Considering logistics for delivery vehicles is particularly important for sites of an unusual shape, or for residential or urban sites.

Common delivery restrictions include:

• Restrictions for delivery times or slots
• Requirements for noise limitations
• Difficulty securing parking permits
• Space limitations for large vehicles

These issues can result in failed deliveries, which can in turn lead to additional charges and project delays.

Before you order your concrete, be sure to consider if you require any permits for parking, and confirm access to your site.

At iMix Concrete, we are one of the UK’s leading suppliers of concrete, supporting projects of all sizes across London, Essex, Kent and the surrounding areas. To place an order with our trusted, accredited team, get in touch for a quote.

If you are looking for a trusted, fully qualified supplier to support your upcoming project, don’t hesitate to get in touch.

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