Concrete bull float

In the previous article on the power trowel machine, we talked about using the power trowel machine when the concrete starts to harden and people can stand on it, so what tools do we need to use to level the concrete before using the trowel? In this article, we will discuss what other machines and tools are used to level the concrete after it has been poured.

What is concrete float?

The float is one of the commonly used ground hand tools and is a very important tool used in the concrete finishing process. Used to eliminate highs and lows in concrete and slightly embed large aggregate particles immediately after stripping. These bull floats also create more concrete slurry on the board to help finish later. The bull float is long handle float, which is used when standing. Combining handles of different lengths allows the dresser to reach farther.

Different kinds of the concrete float

Hand Floats and Darby.

After using the bull float to smooth out most of the concrete slab, the hand float is used to finish the floating process. The hand trowel can get into edges or around obstacles such as pipes, drains, around corners, that protrude from the slab so those areas match the rest of the slab. Hand floats create a smooth surface by pushing any exposed aggregate down. The hand float is a more precise tool than the bull float for floating harder to reach areas. It also removes imperfections left behind from the bull floating process.

A darby is more like an enlarged version of hand floats, It is typically long and flat with one or two handles. The darby is used for smoothing out poured concrete after screeding and bull floating. Darbies level ridges of concrete, fill voids, and push exposed aggregate down.

Bull float.

Aluminum

Aluminum floats have many of the same characteristics as magnesium floats, but they are roughly 30% heavier and 30% stronger. Like magnesium, aluminum opens the pores of fresh concrete, allowing bleed water to evaporate. Although many contractors prefer a certain float for each type of concrete, aluminum has no real specialty or added benefits in any common situation.

Magnesium

Magnesium floats are lighter than aluminum floats, but are welcomed by professionals. Magnesium smooth the surface of fresh concrete and opens pores for proper evaporation, and neither aluminum nor magnesium will pull on the concrete surface like wood or resin tools do. Most magnesium floats are extruded or cast, so the float is the same profile from start to finish.

Magnesium aluminum alloy

Magnesium-aluminum alloy trowel combines the advantages of the above two trowels. Compared with aluminum trowels, it is lighter in weight, but more wear-resistant and has a longer service life.

Fresno float.

Fresno is very similar to bull float, with a long handle and a blade made of stainless steel or manganese steel. With rounded corners, but square corners can also be used. The handle is attached to the blade via an adjustable or swivel bracket. The fresno is a steel trowel and should be used like a hand-held steel trowel.

Electrical Fresno float.

Now there is an upgraded version of the large trowel, the machine is equipped with a small vibration motor, and the vibration smoothes. Compared with ordinary tools, the electric large trowel can better trim the concrete surface through vibration, discharge the air in the concrete, and fill the concrete. Holes and depressions in.

When to use the bull float

Concrete is poured into the formwork and compacted or reinforced. Initial trimming begins with screeding, a process that involves dragging a long ruler or screed across the concrete surface to level it with the frame. The concrete is then floated and left to sit. Pulling the flat surface of the bull float onto the concrete surface, embedding the large aggregate, smoothing the surface and removing the highs and lows, as flat as possible will prevent premature sealing of the cement surface. Bull flotation is done on freshly poured concrete during the initial trimming process, and then surface water emerges, called a letdown. Floating by hand or with an electric float is the last process after draining and drying. Float eliminates minor imperfections and compacts the surface mortar, ready for any additional finishing procedures.

Although the trowel is a tool with a very simple structure, it plays a very important role in the laying of concrete floors. Choosing a suitable and easy-to-use trowel can help you quickly build a perfect concrete slab.