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How to repair concrete surfaces by overlays
When several rules are met, then concrete overlays to repair sidewalk and driveway surfaces will fare well. Apply concrete overlays in optimal weather. Use cement paint and bonding agents. Curing compounds must be applied when the finish is done. Some contractors can install a thin overlay on concrete slabs that have damaged surfaces. The overlay material can be just a mixture of sand and cement or it can actually be a real concrete mixture that contains small pieces of stone or even large stones depending upon the thickness of the overlay. Cement or concrete overlay thicknesses can vary from 1/4 inch thick up to a full 2 inches or more. The key to success is a combination of ingredients. You should determine that the existing slab is sound. Examine that the exposed parts of the slab are not crumbling. Tap the improper areas moderately with a hammer. If the slab sounds solid and it is difficult to do further damage to the slab with moderate hammer blows, the existing concrete is very likely a superb candidate for an overlay.
The weather also impacts the success of the overlay. Cool days with temperatures in the 50 F range are perfect. It is even more ideal if there is little or no wind and the skies are overcast. Heat, sunlight and wind cause the overlay mixture to dry too fast. Rapid drying makes it harder to start and finish the overlay. Such conditions can also lead to undesirable plastic shrinkage cracks in the surface of the brand new overlay. The overlay mixture will bond for long to the existing slab, if you make sure the existing slab is clean, dust-free and slightly damp before you apply the overlay. What is more, a liquid bonding agent or traditional cement paint can be brushed onto the damp slab immediately prior to pouring the overlay. Cement paint is just a mixture of Portland cement powder and water. Add the needed amount of water to the cement and mix it until it is the consistency of regular latex wall paint.
It is significant that a sufficient amount of cement is added to the overlay mixture so that it will resist freeze-thaw cycles that will occur in the winter season. Since your overlay material will be mixed most likely in a wheelbarrow or a rented mixer, make sure that you include 1 measure of Portland cement for each 2.5 measures of sand for thin overlays. If you want to include stones or larger aggregate, then the mixture should be: 3 measures of gravel, 2 measures of sand and 2 measures of Portland cement. The overlay mixture is installed over the existing slab in the same way as the original concrete pour. Form boards are settled alongside the existing slab. The top of the boards are set so that they make a plane that represents the desired final thickness. Once the overlay mixture is dumped in between the form boards, a long straightedge board can be used to remove excess overlay mixture. The straightedge board extends over the form boards and is wiggled back and forth to make the overlay smooth.
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Valentine's Day Dating Tips -- 5 Places to Meet Women on Valentine's Day
Setting Rules for Teen Dating
As your children grow up, it's normal for them to think about having a boyfriend or girlfriend. They've probably been hanging out with friends of both sexes and doing things as a group, but they may be thinking about one-on-one dating. It's time to talk about the different types of relationships and love and to prepare to set rules for dating.
Talking about relationships in regular, everyday conversations lets you and your child talk about your family values when it comes to friendship, dating, and love. Dating helps young people learn to get along with others, communicate, negotiate, make decisions, and learn to be assertive. It's an important part of growing up, and talking about it together will help your teen mature.
So, how will you handle the teen dating scene? Parents approach teen dating in different ways. Some set strict rules while others let teens make their own decisions. However, a more "middle-of-the-road" approach may be best. This includes setting ground rules while giving young people options from which they can choose.1 It also means being available and open to ongoing conversations.2
Setting Ground Rules
Even though they can make many decisions on their own, teens still need boundaries from you. Exactly what those boundaries are is something that you and your teen should discuss. Here are a few suggestions that may work for your family:
- Meet all of her friends, and insist that her date come into the house so that you can say hello.
- Know the details about each group outing or date, including what adults and teens will be present, where it will take place, who is driving, what they're doing, and when they'll be home.
- Make sure your teen knows that alcohol or drug use is not allowed by anyone on any date or group outing.
- Explain that if she wants to come home from a date, you are willing and available to pick her up at any time.
- Make yourself available if your teen wants to talk after a group outing or date.
There are many areas to discuss when it comes to teen dating. You will need to set rules that are appropriate for your child's age and maturity level. These rules will change as your child grows up and as he handles different dating situations. For example, you may extend his curfew as he gets older. His curfew might change based on whether he is driving, his date is driving, or if a parent is driving. The curfew also might change based on the day of the week (weekend versus school-night dates) and time of year (summer versus school year).
Dating is a big deal to teens. They need you to stay involved and attentive to what's going on. By setting rules with your teen about dating, you will help her learn to make good choices and to build healthy relationships while she navigates the teen dating scene.
The idea of your teen dating can strike fear into the hearts of the parents in question. You’ve been around the block and know that things can go wrong in the dating scene. After all, you were once a teenager!
Maybe you remember coming home crying because your date turned out to be too aggressive, or made a mean remark about your outfit. But not all your dates turned out that way. Some dates were thrilling, with compliments and fun from beginning to end. So it’s not all bad news.
There will be ups and downs, and your job as a parent is to be there for your teen and guide them in this new interaction with their peers.
The best preparation for teen dating starts at home. Young people base their expectations on the model you provide. Long before teen dating comes into their consciousness, kids see how their parents interact. Issues like respect for each other, compromise, privacy and assertive behavior are demonstrated at home between parents. When you and your partner have arguments, they are usually resolved in a compromise, with a little give and take on both sides. These are social skills that will help them in the teen dating scene.
Approach teen dating with confidence. Giving supportive guidance without being intrusive and keeping them safe are your primary goals. Here are a few ideas to get your teen started in the dating scene.
Encourage double dates or group activities for starters. This makes it easier for your child to get into the swing of teen dating. A double date at the county fair allows both girls and boys to be more relaxed with one another and just have fun. Both boys and girls have someone of their own gender to chat with if self-conscious or nervous feelings surface. A group of boys and girls going bowling or to the skating rink is another good choice. It will help them build confidence in teen dating.
Teens are very sensitive about the subject of teen dating. Be careful to let them know you’ll be there for them without fostering an atmosphere of intrusiveness on your part. Respect their privacy. There will be times when they won’t want to talk about every little thing. If you respect their privacy, they’ll eventually come to you for your advice and opinions.
When the opportunity arises, have a frank talk with your child about some of the down sides of teen dating, and help them establish limits. If they find themselves in a situation where alcohol or drugs are present, let them know these components lead to being taken advantage of or being arrested. Let them know these situations will come up and that they can feel free to call you any time for a ride home if they feel uncomfortable. Be sure to emphasize that they’ll not be punished.
Put your best foot forward in guiding your teen, and chances are their teen dating experiences will be happy ones.
