Frequently Asked Questions
Expert answers on ordering ready mix concrete, mix designs, volumetric delivery slots, floor screeds, and pump hire across St Albans and Hertfordshire.
Whether you are planning a DIY garden project, a home extension foundation, or a large-scale commercial pour, here are key technical and logistical questions answered by our St Albans batching engineers.
How does volumetric concrete mixing work?
Unlike drum mixers that carry pre-mixed wet concrete from a central plant, volumetric trucks transport separate dry bins of cement, aggregates, sand, and water. Upon arrival at your St Albans site, the ingredients are mixed in a calibrated continuous auger at the rear. This allows us to produce 100% fresh concrete, adjust mix designs or slump in real time, and stop mixing when you reach your exact level—ensuring you pay only for what you lay with zero waste.
What is the minimum order quantity for concrete delivery?
Our minimum delivery quantity is 1 cubic metre (1m³). Because we use volumetric mixers, you do not need to worry about ordering surplus; you will only be billed for the exact quantity mixed and discharged on site.
How much notice is needed to book a delivery in St Albans?
We recommend booking 24 to 48 hours in advance to secure your preferred morning or afternoon delivery window. However, depending on daily fleet scheduling, we frequently accommodate same-day or next-day emergency pours across the St Albans area. Call our office on 020 3503 1023 for real-time availability.
How long do I have to unload the concrete truck?
We provide 10 minutes of free offload time per cubic metre of concrete ordered. This provides ample time for barrowing or direct chute pouring. If offloading takes longer than this allocated slot, a demurrage charge of £2.00 per minute will apply.
What is the difference between a ground line pump and a boom pump?
A ground line pump uses flexible steel and rubber hoses connected along the ground, reaching up to 150m+ through side alleys, doorways, or garden boundaries. A hydraulic boom pump uses an articulated overhead crane arm (20m to 47m reach) to elevate concrete pipes over houses, trees, and fences directly into upper floors or large commercial slabs.
Can I pour concrete in the rain?
Light drizzle is generally fine, but moderate to heavy rain will wash cement binder from the surface layer, weakening compressive strength and leaving a dusty, friable finish. If heavy downpours are forecast, we recommend covering the freshly poured slab with waterproof polythene sheets or rescheduling.
How long does concrete take to cure and set?
Concrete begins initial setting within 1 to 2 hours of placement. It is typically strong enough for careful foot traffic after 24 to 48 hours. Light vehicle access is suitable after 7 days, and full design strength (BS EN 206 28-day rating) is reached with continuous moisture retention and curing.
Do you supply floor screed for underfloor heating?
Yes! We supply traditional 1:4 and 1:3 semi-dry sand & cement screeds, polypropylene fiber-reinforced screeds, and retarder-enhanced mixes with 8–12 hour workability specifically designed for underfloor heating (UFH) pipes with superior thermal conductivity and zero void formation.