What is a bull float in construction terms?

What it is: The bull float is a magnesium blade that is initially run across the surface of the slab in the finishing process. Purpose: Bull floats correct imperfections in the initial screeding process.

What is the purpose of a bull float?

The purpose of darbying or bull floating concrete is to level ridges and fill voids left by the screeding operation. It should also slightly embed the coarse aggregate to make subsequent finishing operations easier.

What does bull float mean in construction?

A bull float is used to level and smooth freshly poured concrete. Concrete used for visible projects, such as driveways, patios and sidewalks, often requires finishing. Finishing is a process that gives a concrete surface the desired smoothness, texture and durability.

Why is it called a bull float?

Bull Floats

This is because these floats consist of a long handle attached to a wood, resin, aluminum or magnesium float. The handle can measure anywhere from 4 feet to 16 feet long.

When should you bull float concrete?

Wood Darbies and Bull Floats are used on slab that are not air-entrained or slab that have slumps of less than 4”. The wood grains texture makes them least likely to seal the surface before bleedwater has a chance to bleed off and dissipate.

How to use a concrete bull float

What is the difference between a float and a trowel?

A float has a thicker base than a trowel and is usually made of plastic, sponge, rubber, wood or magnesium – a lightweight pale grey metal. It's used to even up the surface on plaster or concrete, make it firmer and give whatever texture is required. The finish will depend on the float chosen.

What defects can be caused by bull floating too soon?

More often, premature finishing or improper first (bull floating) or second floating results in trapping rising bleed water and air below the top surface of the concrete (Image 2). When this occurs, the resulting weak or soft zone below the surface causes the top surface of the concrete to flake or scale off.

What is the purpose of Trowelling the concrete surface?

The main purpose of a trowel in construction and concrete surface installation is to create a smooth, unmarked finish as new concrete settles. The process also aids the concrete in eliminating water from the slab. And most trowels, especially walk-behind models, are relatively easy to master in a short amount of time.

How long after pouring concrete can you float it?

Allow all of the water to disappear before you do anything else. This can take 20 minutes or 4 hours depending on the temperature, humidity and how hard the wind is blowing. After the bleed water is all gone you can get out your steel finishing trowel and put on the final touches.

What's the difference between a Fresno and a bull float?

What it is: The fresno may look similar to the bull float, but its blade is made of tempered or “blue” steel. The fresno should only be used following the bull float. Purpose: The fresno is applied after the bull float to better seal the surface of the slab. Size: Approximately 6” x 36” but sizes do vary.

Why do you power float concrete?

A power float is a hand-operated machine used to produce a smooth, dense and level surface finish to insitu concrete beds. Power floating eliminates the time and materials needed to apply a finishing screed and is quicker and less labour-intensive process than hand trowelling.

What does floating a concrete floor mean?

Floating slabs are concrete slabs that are laying over the ground, without any kind of anchoring, as if it simply sits on it and floats. Floating slab, as the name tells it resembles a plate that is simply laid over water, with no kind of connection between them.

How many times do you float concrete?

Push the bull float in one direction only across the concrete, keeping its front edge slightly above the surface by raising or lowering the handle. Two or three times is enough. Don't overwork the concrete or you'll weaken it by drawing too much sand and cement to the surface.

How do you make concrete smooth after it dries?

How do you keep concrete from cracking?

When should I start power troweling?

A useful guideline to know when you can start up your trowel, is when the operator can stand on the concrete surface, and leave footprints about 1/8”-1/4” in depth and you can walk on it firmly without the top layer sticking to your boots it is ready to power float.

What is the lowest temperature that you can pour concrete?

The Ideal Temperature for Pouring Concrete

In order to avoid these issues, it's advised to pour concrete at a temperature between 50 to 60°F. Temperatures below 50°F will begin to slow the curing process, and the water in the cement is at risk of freezing at temperatures below 40°F.

What is a Fresno used for in concrete?

A Fresno trowel is used in the final stages of the finishing process to seal a smooth concrete surface prior to drying. Fresno's can be used to cover larger areas and eliminate time consuming use of a finishing trowel.

Can you make a bull float?

A bull float is a concrete finishing tool used to smooth the concrete after it has been pressed or tapped down. Professional bull floats can be made of aluminum or magnesium and are meant for long term and continuous use. Remove the cloth mop from the mop head, exposing the metal wire frame.

What happens if you dont finish concrete?

When you don't finish concrete floors, many things can occur such as wear and tear in high traffic areas, unwanted and unsightly cracks, higher associated costs, increased cleaning and maintenance, and water retention.

Can you over work concrete?

Concrete that is overworked can become dry and cracked. Concrete that is overworked before the bleed water has risen to the surface can trap that extra water within the mix, resulting in future problems with scaling.

How long can you wait to cut concrete?

For most concrete work, cutting should take place within the first 6 to 18 hours and never beyond 24 hours. Smaller early-entry saws are available, which may allow cutting to begin within a few hours after placement.