What You Need to Know About Hiring a Concrete Pump for Home Renovation Jobs
If you have a home renovation job that will require large amounts of concrete, you will want to get a concrete pump. This piece of equipment is just as it sounds; it pumps concrete from a receptacle or mixer to a spot some distance away so you don't need to manually shovel all that heavy concrete. The pump will also work uphill and can allow you to pour concrete into a pit. This is useful for adding concrete walls to a second storey of a building or creating a wall for an in-ground pool or building a new basement floor. If you've never hired a concrete pump for home renovation jobs before, note a few factors to keep in mind so you can ensure you get the right one and know what's involved in its use.
Dry hire versus labour hire
A dry hire concrete pump doesn't mean that it only pumps dry concrete mix; this refers to hiring the pump itself and no one to operate it. Labour hire means that you're hiring someone to operate the pump for you.
If you're just spreading some concrete on a driveway, you may be able to manage this on your own. However, if you've never worked with concrete before, or if you need the pump to reach an awkward area such as around a garage or into a basement, you would do well to choose a labour hire for assistance. Keep in mind that concrete needs to be pumped at a certain speed so you can spread it before it dries but without spreading it too thick, and this may take some experience and knowhow. Opt for concrete pump hire with labourers if you're not sure how to pour concrete on your own or if you have a big job that may require some professional expertise.
Indoor versus outdoor
If you pump concrete outdoors, the temperature and humidity levels can easily harden the concrete if you don't pump it fast enough. You may need a pump that will operate more quickly so that you can spread the concrete before it dries. For an indoor application, it's usually preferred that you use an electric pump rather than a gas-powered pump, so there are no emissions and no risk of breathing in those toxic fumes. Be sure you tell the hiring agency the area where you'll be using the pump so you know you get the right type.