Concrete Work

When you're pouring concrete steps, be sure to use solid objects as fillers; hollow objects buried in concrete pieces of pipe, for example have a tendency to float to the surface. A smooth concrete surface is a hazard on outdoor steps. After the concrete has settled, but while it is still workable, run a stiff broom across the steps to roughen the surface.

If a hollow glass block in your garage wall breaks, clean the opening and soak some p'ieces of brick. Put the pieces into the opening and pack the hole solidly with concrete mix. You must use brick or the mix will fall out. Make drilling in masonry easier by making a pilot hole with a masonry nail at the exact spot where you want to drill.

If you put sand on top of asphalt sealer it will prevent the sealer from sticking to your shoes. You can prevent wooden forms from sticking to concrete by painting the parts that will be in contact with the cement with oil. An old metal Venetian blind slat can be used as a finishing trowel on small concrete jobs.