How Poor Sub-Grade Prep Causes Problems When We Pour Concrete Floors

#EverythingAboutConcrete #MikeDayConcrete
We're hired to pour and finish the concrete floor. The concrete is supposed to be 4 inches thick and match the top of the concrete wall on the walk-out side of the foundation. The sub-grade gravel should be 6 inches down from the top of the concrete wall. Then 2 inches of styrofoam will be installed over the subgrade leaving us a 4" concrete floor to pour. How hard is that to figure out and grade the gravel correctly?
I guess it's pretty hard because this subgrade was terrible. I had already made a trip up here to check the subgrade. It wasn't ready the day I showed up so I talked with the people here and they assured me it would be done right. I didn't make a 2nd trip to check it because I thought they'd get it pretty close to 4" thick. Well, I was wrong. It's hard to believe, for me anyway, that someone can grade a floor and not use a laser to check the level of the gravel they're installing. Don't just grade it and guess it's good. Watch the video and see what happens when I take someone else for their word. I even ordered 2 cubic yards extra, just in case, and it still isn't enough to make up for the terrible sub-grading.
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[@ernestdesoto1906]

You’re a good man to patiently teach the trade without berating newbies.

[@morg52]

Where I worked at Cemstone, we had an old time contractor called Wayne Construction. Old "Snuffy" could guess the yardage down to a half a wheel barrow extra. One of our drivers, "Larry the Brain", hated him and whenever he got a Wayne load he would go around behind the plant and dump off a half a yard or so before going out to the job. After old Snuffy retired, his son Mikey wasn't quite as sharp as his dad. One time, Mikey came up short on a job and started grousing about getting shorted. I told him that at least I didn't pull a "Larry the Brain" on him. He asked what that meant and when I told him he almost popped a blood vessel, he was so mad.

[@americanapoolservice4352]

SMH that’s sad mentally

[@morg52]

@@americanapoolservice4352 Wayne Construction, while very fast and able to do the job, were a thing to get used to over time. I think the word is "Brusque", I nearly got fired from my job because I didn't like their style of mannerism and called them assholes. I had to learn to put my ego on hold and just go along with the flow and get through the pour. Larry the brain was an asshole himself who was hard to get along with. Over time I managed to learn to be civil and friendly with Wayne and sons, but it took awhile.

[@samn8309]

Just prepped the grade for a floor and was going off the top of the footings for a curb wall in the centre then realized it dipped two inches compared to the wall footings. I had to take out the mesh and foam then redo it. After that I got a transit and was meticulous. I needed 6.5 meters, so I got 7 meters and had exactly enough for some pavers too. So happy I took the time to prep the site.

[@ringstinga]

Have to admit Mike I really enjoy watching you guys work and the way your guys can eyeball the levels are very impressive indeed, Bummer being short but in the end all was good .

[@matteberry58]

A half inch doesnt seem like much, but it adds up to a lot of extra mud.

[@wurkanimal]

Always enjoy your videos, you do great work. I love being in this craft.

[@MikeDayConcrete]

Thanks again!

[@4legdfishman]

Nice work!

[@karconst6632]

great clip. I can't believe that Redi-Mix still have a belt on their tucks and the still make them. Here in the Midwest, you cannot find one. you either pour out of truck, wheel, pump or power buggy etc... Along with rear discharge Redi-Mix trucks, can't find one. Front discharge is all we have. Amazing how around the USA and the world, pouring concrete is done so different, but at the end of day, it's all broomed, hard troweled, stamped etc... Keep them clips coming. day light is burring. enjoy

[@74stevedc]

Pouring in unlevel ridgid foam is always tuff to get a accurate depth I find because it bends under weight. I shoot a bunch of points and get a average but im not telling you anything you don't already know. On a 28x44 house I may shoot 15 points if its all over.

[@hddoug72]

On a job that is place and finish only... you better HAVE a signed agreement for any extra concrete needed! Also because of finishing time frame being compromised...all warranties are gone. Most people understand money

[@bogey19018]

A job that size I would tack on an extra couple yards or so to the price. Maybe more.

[@B34000psi]

Wheres that extra yard &1/2 .. hate pouring on somone elses (builders) grade ..understand youre position .

[@Concretewiththehauses]

We used to have a conveyor in the area that was really nice to work with.nobody in the area has it anymore.

[@MikeDayConcrete]

We currently don't have one either. That company went out of business this year.

[@codysmtih8622]

I feel your problem we have to help the dort guys who are the prime on our job so we can pour

[@pacman3536]

Maybe this is a dumb question….but does lifting the rebar mesh (or whatever you call it) do anything, because it would go to the floor again when you step on it to finish the surface….? I’ve always wondered. I assume you don’t do unnecessary extra work, but don’t understand how that works…

[@rachellynn1507]

2:30 Is that greenish-yellow a tape❓️ Is it also a sealant❓️ I also noticed as a height marker❓️

[@rodaliste]

Looks like Stego Wrap, which is a vapor barrier (15mil) or vapor retarder (10mil version).

[@Antonio-yf2yl]

Concreting is where the guy cries and the mother doesn't see, I've worked concreting drainage ditches on hills, it's heavy if the guy is weak he can't handle half a day of work.

[@onjofilms]

About 3/8's " too deep.

[@marymason7935]

Need to come to Australia, we put you to shame ,way more professional,

[@shoshanna8475]

Hired a local guy to do a standard gravel pad for an RV. After he was done training his meth-head cousin, and I asked him to really level it out now, he said that "We grade within 2-inches for concrete so that's standard..." I'll never hire the guy again.

[@derrekreavis8416]

Within 2" is fine as long as you have the 3.5"

[@ksimprovements5852]

Do the math and you won't run short

[@concreteislife9411]

Now yall had a vibe screed there and didn't use it, are yall trying to die early cuz please don't tell me yall can't do as good of job with it, I know it makes a nicer finish to

[@taylormink5694]

They're running it in the video?

[@derrekreavis8416]

Fuck a vibrating screed

[@ksimprovements5852]

Can't blame the sub base. Do the math and puur