5/18/2023 0 Comments Bull float![]() It also removes imperfections left behind from the bull floating process. The hand float is a more precise tool than the bull float for floating harder to reach areas. ![]() Hand floats create a smooth surface by pushing any exposed aggregate down. The hand float gets into unfinished areas around edges and obstacles, like pipes or drains, that protrude from the slab so those areas match the rest of the slab. Therefore, they should be used after initial passes with the wood float.Īfter using the bull float to smooth out most of the concrete slab, the hand float is used to finish the floating process. Because these floats leave behind such a smooth surface, they can trap bleed water. Magnesium floats are particularly good for smoothing the surface of the concrete out. Aluminum floats are stronger than magnesium however, magnesium floats are a lighter option. ![]() Magnesium and aluminum hand floats are probably the most used float types. They draw bleed water to the surface for evaporation and push down exposed aggregate, leaving behind a smooth surface. Resin floats last longer than wood because they do not soak up water or moisture. However, resin floats are more resilient and durable than wood floats and can last longer. Resin or composite floats offer a finish similar to wood floats. Typically, wood floats are used to make a first pass at smoothing the surface then workers switch to another type of float for further smoothing. Wood floats also allow bleed water to evaporate, which is an important step in the curing process. As they are swept across the concrete, they smooth out the surface to a point however, they still leave behind coarse aggregate on the surface of the slab. They tend to rough up the surface of the concrete and leave it rough and torn open. Wood floats are made from hardwoods such as mahogany, redwood, or teak. Each leaves behind a different level of smoothness, and many operators tend to have their favorite types after extended use. Handles are often purchased separately because they also come in different materials and offer different levels of comfort. Each comes in a variety of sizes and lengths. Hand floats and darbies come in wood, aluminum, resin (or composite), and magnesium. Bull floats come in wood, resin, magnesium, or aluminum Sharp edges are good for cutting down high spots. Round edges on bull or channel floats are good for filling voids when floating. Brackets allow the float to be tilted so it can reach the surface of the concrete at the correct angle. They usually have extension poles that offer greater reach across the slab. Handles are adjustable and can extend 4 to 16 feet long. Bull floats have blade lengths of 24 to 60 inches and are also used for large areas.īoth types of floats have adjustable handles and leveling head brackets. Typically, channel floats have high side channels, which can push greater amounts of concrete around. They are used to float larger areas of concrete. The type of application and the amount of concrete will determine which one to use.Ĭhannel floats have blade lengths of 4 to 10 feet. There are two types of these floats: bull and channel. It is conducted for large areas and requires workers to stand upright to float the concrete. In general, hand floats and darbies are both used to smooth out concrete in the same fashion however, darbies allow you to reach and stretch out further across the slab.īull floating occurs immediately after striking off, or screeding, the concrete. Hand floats and darbies are needed to touch up edges and finish the hard-to-reach areas of large jobs. Now you can break out the hand tools and get close to the concrete. It has been screeded and most likely gone over with the larger bull float.
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