Some people do not know that concrete and masonry can be damaged over time by something seemingly harmless - water. Until, of course, visible damage starts to show. It's almost impossible to ignore such damage. Unfortunately, that also usually means heavily repair costs. Before we start looking at how to prevent this from happening, let's start by examining how the damage is caused.
Damage to concrete and masonry caused by water.
Water is a seeming harmless substance. Actually, it's very hard to imagine water being the cause of severe damage in concrete and masonry. That's because concrete and masonry are exceeding tough materials. Who would have thought that water could be a silent killer?
But water is indeed a silent killer. You see, when a tough material like concrete is exposed to the environment, many things can happen. For example, due to weather changes, temperatures may drop drastically during night fall. Usually, this wouldn't harm the concrete one single bit. But the temperate dropped so suddenly that concrete finds it hard to react in time. Hence, it contracts so rapidly that it cracks. Maybe if this happens once or twice, the concrete wouldn't have minded. But imagine this happening every single day, again and again. Over time, this could cause severe damage to the concrete.
When cracks start to appear, that is when concrete becomes really vulnerable. Anything can enter these cracks and widen the cracks. Plants, dead insects, dirt, grease, sand, etc. When exposed to the environment, this is inevitable. The concrete is already starting to break down.
But when we see plants, sand, etc. entering the concrete, we know that damage is done. But water? That's kind of hard to imagine. In reality, water causes the most damage. That's because there is so much of it in the environment. Water will enter through the existing cracks, and weaken the internal structure within. When frozen, it turns into ice, which expands and widen the cracks.
Sometimes, water is deliberately sprayed onto concrete by human beings (with good intentions of course). For example, an individual may want to clean off the dirt and grime in the concrete. So he sprays it with water. This cleans the concrete, but the water actually enters the concrete, which does more damage to the structure.
The only way to prevent this from happening, is to apply a water repellent sealer to concrete or masonry. High end concrete sealers like Defy sealers can be applied to almost any type of concrete or masonry. You can purchase a sprayer with the sealer, and apply the sealer yourself.
Once applied, the sealer protects the concrete or masonry from further damage. You will see the surface turn glossy as the sealer dries. When the gloss starts to fade, that's a sign that you should apply a new layer. Don't wait until cracks start to appear. Start applying immediately!
You need very little cash outlay since you can make the molds using plywood and sheet metal. Portland cement, gravel,sand and water are the ingredients used to make the correct concrete mix. You fill the molds by hand,take out the blocks and set them out to cure.
Concrete blocks are a staple of the building trades. They are used in building everything from big buildings to small backyard compost boxes. When you are a cement block manufacturer you can be sure there will always be a market for your product. They never go out of favor like a here today and gone tomorrow hula hoop.
The transportation of concrete products is expensive because of their weight and size. You do not have any transportation costs in selling to local buyers. You can sell to them at a very competitive price and yet make a very good profit.
Many building supply stores buy their concrete products from distant manufacturers which adds greatly to the final cost of the item. You will find them very happy with the better price you can afford to give them.
You can begin your concrete products business as a part time enterprise while continuing your employment. This makes it much simpler since you have no loss of earnings while you build your business from a small start.
You can then become a full time entrepreneur when your production and profits suggest this move. Working evenings and weekends alone can be very profitable and full time work will make you an excellent living.
When you are full time concrete block manufacturer you will need enough space to store and cure your cement blocks. You will also require a concrete block making machine which is capable of turning out hundreds of blocks per day.
Rented business premises will be necessary to contain the curing racks for your concrete blocks. You can readily purchase a machine capable of making all the blocks you can sell. It is an expensive tool however. The less costly method is to build a machine yourself.
From plans which are readily available you can build a very good concrete block machine from used auto parts,sheet metal and a few bits and pieces. It works every bit as well as any commercial machine. If you can't do the required welding a welding shop can do it for you at quite low cost.
This really good machine can turn out 800 concrete blocks per day quite easily. You can build it for a fraction of the price of a commercial model. You will certainly need a helper to remove the blocks from the machine to the curing racks. An employee,family member or business partner can fit into this role.
Besides making concrete blocks you can make patio slabs, garden ornaments,garden furniture,bird baths and a host of other items. These are highly profitable sidelines and plans are readily obtainable for all of them.
You can also be in the business of building with concrete blocks and build projects from garages,sheds and other buildings to small backyard needs such as compost boxes and barbeques. As the manufacturer of the concrete products you use,you will find this side of the business to be highly profitable.
Making concrete blocks and many other concrete products is an excellent way to earn your living. You can build,from the start,a great business which will bring you an excellent income. Enough in fact to afford a lot of the things you can only dream of while working at a job.
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