Advice on ready mixed concrete

Frequently asked questions about Tarmac Minimix' ready mixed concrete

Q. How can I ensure that I use Tarmac Minimix safely?

Minimix concrete is a strong, hardworking product that shouldn't come into contact with skin. There's a real danger of contact dermatitis or burns, so please take care and follow our safety advice. Always wear suitable protective clothing when you're working with Minimix materials, making sure your skin and your eyes are well covered. If any wet cement comes into contact with your skin, either directly or by soaking through your clothes, wash the area straight away with soap and water. If any gets into your eyes, rinse them thoroughly with clean water.

Q. How long does it take for the concrete to go off?

A. The general rule of thumb is that you have 2 hours with the concrete. That of course depends on the weather i.e. if it's hot that time can come down and also if you have a cement replacement which can normally keep the concrete for slightly longer. Other aids to prolong the life of concrete are retarders that can be usually 4 or 8 hour retarders.

Q. What notice do I have to give for delivery?

A. We usually ask for a minimum of 24 hours in the week and 48 hours for a Saturday morning. The more time you give the more chance we have of delivering at the time you require.

Q. Do I need to use a hardcore under the concrete?

A. Yes, you cannot lay concrete on soil or on an unsteady non compact surface. When it settles it will be uneven and won't hold the weight of the concrete and cause it to break.

Q. What is a slump?

A. A slump is the measurement of workability. The normal is around a 50 slump but concrete is ordered drier for jobs such as fence posts and kerbing and wetter for pump mixes and footings

Q. What are your hours of opening?

A. Shipping offices and plants are generally open from 07.30 to 17.30 Monday to Friday and 07.30 to 12.30 on a Saturday.

Q. Do you barrow the concrete?

A. Not on Ace Minimix but some individual areas have a barrowing service under the name of Barramix. See the area contact lists for these.

Q. How far do you barrow the concrete on your Barramix service?

A. It is usually a maximum of 25 metres from truck to site.

Q. What waiting time am I allowed?

A. This has to be negotiated on order but the rule of thumb is 30 minutes free and then a charge is levied after that. In the West Midlands area it is £42 per hour after the first 30 minutes.

Q. Do you pump the concrete?

A. No pumps have to be ordered separately through a pumping company usually found in the Yellow Pages.

Q. What method of payment do you accept?

A. We accept credit cards, cheque (accompanied by your name, address, telephone number and bankers card on the reverse) and cash.

Q. How many wheel barrows per metre and what is the weight of concrete?

A. Dependant on size of barrow we work on approximately 24 barrows per m3 metre. The average cubic metre of concrete weighs 2.4 tonnes. A full concrete mixer (3m3 truck) weighs approximately 15 tonnes.

If on this occasion you haven't found the answer to your question above, please contact us.