DIY Tips for Using a Cement Mixer at Home

Portable cement mixers have made it easy for any homeowner to take on a DIY concrete project without wasting time mixing concrete by hand. They’re also inexpensive to rent, which is a big plus for anyone on a budget.

While you don’t need to be a professional to understand how to use a concrete mixer, you’ll want to follow some basic tips to ensure the job is done right.

Keep reading to learn our home improvement tips with concrete mixing:

• Wear protective gear: Our first tip is to always wear protective equipment while mixing and pouring concrete. This includes goggles, work gloves, steel-toed boots and a respirator. You’ll also want to wear pants and a long-sleeved shirt.
• Prepare the site: You need to prep your work zone before you turn the cement mixer on. Preparation includes marking the area, leveling the ground and obtaining any necessary work permits.
• Coat the mixer before use: One of our tips on how to properly use a cement mixer is to coat the outside of the mixture with industrial grease. This easy step prevents cement from accumulating and hardening on the surface, which is important if you’re renting your unit.
• Place it near your site: Concrete hardens a lot quicker than many DIY-ers realize. Position the mixer as close to your work zone as possible to avoid the concrete hardening while transporting it from the mixer to the site. Doing so will also reduce fatigue from carrying heavy loads long distances.
• Position it on level ground: In addition to being near your worksite, the mixer should be positioned on a steady, even surface. We recommend placing a hardboard under the mixer for added stability and to protect your lawn.
• Do not use it as a storage container: A massive mistake many homeowners make is letting concrete sit in the drum after it’s done turning. Using the drum as a storage container leads to the concrete hardening and a massive clean-up headache.
• Inspect it frequently: Performing a quick inspection before, during and after use can ensure that your project goes off without a hitch and that you get your rental deposit back. Check all interior and exterior components for signs of damage, and stop using the mixer if anything looks amiss.
• Clean it afterward: One of our most important home improvement tips with concrete mixing is to clean your unit after you’re finished. You can do this by adding a mixture of clean gravel and water into the mixer and rotating the drum for 20 minutes. This is a safe and effective way to keep your mixer clean.

Consider hiring a professional instead

You should be just fine completing your DIY concrete project by following our tips on how to properly use a cement mixer. However, we recommend hiring a professional to take care of your residential concrete work. When you bring in our team at Kwiatkowski Construction Co., Inc., you can trust that you’ll have first-rate results without spending a fortune. Call us today to get your free estimate.

Categorised in: Residential Concrete Contractors

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