the decorative concrete specialists - Counties Ready … Thank you for considering Counties Ready Mix for your concrete project. We have been supplying the South Auckland and Franklin

the decorative concrete specialists

®


Welcome

Thank you for considering Counties Ready Mix for your concrete project. We have been supplying the South Auckland and Franklin Districts with decorative concrete since 1999.

We really know what it takes to make your job stand out from the rest. We are a family owned and operated ready mix concrete supplier. When you deal with us, you will find we really care about your project, taking all our experience, technology and service to provide you with the best outcome possible for your project.

If you have any questions please ask, we are here to help you.

welcomeCounties Ready Mix Showroom

Our task

Our task is to do all we can to ensure your project meets your expectations. We source only the best locally produced materials in our concrete supporting New Zealand Manufacturers who also stand behind their products. Quality assurance is a primary prerequisite when dealing with concrete as it ís often a “one chance” material.

Our staff have decades of combined experience backed with leading industry recognised qualifications ready to help you with your project.

We have two independent fully certified batching plants to ensure your concrete will be of the highest standard delivered on time.

Our success with being awarded the New Zealand Ready Mix Concrete Association’s “2012 Supreme Plant of the year” award and again in 2013 and 2014 with the NZRMCA “Certificate of Excellence” you can be assured your project is in safe hands with us.

We have worked hard to provide customers with arguably the best ready mixed concrete showroom in the local area, again highlighting our commitment to you.

our task


Coloured concrete

Coloured concrete is a fantastic look for patios, pool surrounds and entertainment areas as well as internal floors.With a wide range of colours available we are sure we will have something to suit everyones taste. The colour is achieved by adding “oxides” at the time of mixing to ensure consistant colouring of the entire load when it arrives at your door.

Very rarely concrete develops an appearance called “Pinto” which causes unsightly irregular light and dark blotches on the concrete surface. The exact causes of the “Pinto” effect are not well understood but is influenced to some degree by environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity and exposure. Mostly the “ Pinto” effect lessens over time but occasionally may require “acid washing” to moderate. The “Pinto” effect is not caused by the supply of concrete and Counties Ready Mix cannot be held responsible.

The finished colour of your concrete will always have variations giving a “mottled” appearance due to the different curing and finishing methods. Initially the concrete will appear very dark in colour (first 24-48 hours) and will lighten in small areas initially expanding until the entire area has dried evenly (about three months).

Talk to your concrete contractor about the type of finish required prior to commencing the job i.e. broomed, machined, swirled mag finish, lightly trowelled or acid washed etc; to avoid any surprises on the day. Try to arrange the delivery of your concrete to avoid small loads. Curing (prevention of moisture loss) of the concrete is always important, but more so with coloured concrete. The best method is continuous water curing for seven days, this helps avoid cracking, helps the concrete attain its potential strength and avoids dusting of the surface of the concrete.

Full strength is achieved in 28 days. 70% is achieved in 7 days at 21 degrees.

coloured concrete6kg Black Oxide acid washed, sealed and cut into tiles and grouted

Barley acid washed

Bengal acid washed

Caramel acid washed

Chocolate acid washed

Cocoa acid washed

Titanium acid washed

Espresso acid washed

Black 3kg acid washed

Sandstone acid washed


Gold Dust acid washed


Cream acid washed

Sahara acid washed

Liquorice acid washed

Cola acid washed

Barley Bengal

Caramel

Chocolate

Cocoa

TitaniumEspresso

Black 3kgSandstone

Black 5kgGold Dust

Black 10kg

Cream

Sahara

Liquorice

Cola

Barley acid washed & sealed

Bengal acid washed & sealed

Caramel acid washed & sealed

Chocolate acid washed & sealed

Cocoa acid washed & sealed

Titanium acid washed & sealed

Espresso acid washed & sealed

Black 3kg acid washed & sealed

Sandstone acid washed & sealed


Gold Dust acid washed & sealed


Cream acid washed & sealed

Sahara acid washed & sealed

Liquorice acid washed & sealed

Cola acid washed & sealed

Sandstone Oxide sealed

Sahara oxide with decorative cuts


Sunset Black 5kg

River Black 5kg

Brook Black 5kg

Chilli Black 5kg

Desert Black 5kg

Tuscan Black 5kg

West Coast Black 5kg

Greymouth Black 5kg

Alpine Black 5kg

Sunset

River

Brook

Chilli

Desert

Tuscan

West Coast

Greymouth

Alpine

Sunset Black 5kg Sealed

River Black 5kg Sealed

Brook Black 5kg Sealed

Chilli Black 5kg Sealed

Desert Black 5kg Sealed

Tuscan Black 5kg Sealed

West Coast Black 5kg Sealed

Greymouth Black 5kg Sealed

Alpine Black 5kg Sealed

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Exposed aggregate concrete

Exposed aggregate concrete is a stunning look for driveways, patios and pavement areas. While having the warmth of a natural stone appearance it tends not to show tyre marks. In combination with our coloured oxides,which alter the concrete colour between the aggregates, it gives you any number of amazing options.

About the exposed aggregate concrete process

Exposed aggregate concrete is a finish achieved by laying a concrete with the chosen type of aggregate (either naturally rounded or crushed) and applying a “surface retarder” to the concrete once placement has been finished which prevents the top 3mm or so from setting. After a period of time (perhaps hours in summer, or overnight in winter) once the concrete has stiffened sufficiently the surface of the concrete is washed off carefully exposing the underlying aggregate. The depth of exposure is greatly controlled by the initial stiffness of the concrete and the climatic conditions during laying, the concrete layer will judge the appropriate time to apply the surface retarder and to wash off using his experience. After a period of one to two weeks a process of “acid washing” is carried out to remove any “lime bloom” from the surface of the concrete (white or milky patches) as well as cleaning any cement from the surface of the aggregate. Important points: Your concrete contractor will use his experience to provide a uniform depth of exposure throughout the job, this may not mean it will be exactly the same through out, large shaded areas may be more exposed than those subject to direct sunlight or wind. Areas poured on different days may also have slightly different exposure levels. Although concrete aggregates are washed and are generally very clean due to the sources of these materials they may contain impurities such as small pieces of wood, iron or coal, which may be visible in the final product.

Full strength is achieved in 28 days. 70% is achieved in 7 days at 21 degrees.

Brook Pebble 5kg black oxide


The benefits

• Concrete’s high mass provides great thermal properties, concrete floors won’t dramatically change temperature unlike tiles. Passive solar design incorporating concrete floors can provide very comfortable homes. • Polished concrete reflects light, reducing costs in commercial areas, and improves natural lighting. • Polished concrete floors don’t retain dust or dust mites (great for asthmatics) • Polished concrete is affordable, most homes already have a concrete floor specified. Even standard concrete floors look great polished. • Polished concrete can be unique, you choose the depth of the grind, the oxide and the aggregates (such as limestone, river pebbles etc..).

About the Polished Concrete Process • Talk to your builder. Your builder must be “onboard” with the polished floor concept. Great care should be taken to plan for good crack control, well placed saw cuts or possibly crack inducers at key locations to reduce drying shrinkage stress in the polished floor areas. This planning must be done prior to pouring concrete. A simple thing such as fixing wall brace props in the middle of a polished floor might ruin the appearance. We will gladly meet you and your builder on site and discuss all aspects. • A minimum of 30MPa grade concrete needs to be used with your choice of aggregates and oxide. Always notify your concrete supplier that you intend to polish your concrete floor. • The concrete placer and all contractors working with the floor must be aware that the floor will be polished (ie the concrete placer will be careful to place the concrete in a manner to maintain an even distribution of aggregates (as best they can). • Once placed the concrete should be cured (ideally with water for at least 7 days). • After approx. 14 days the floor can get the initial grind before frames are erected. We suggest asking for samples of various depth (2-5mm) grinding be made in a discreet area for your approval. • We suggest the concrete be covered and protected from staining (ie. builders hammers & coffee!) with polythene or your grinding contractor may put a temporary sealer over the concrete. Plywood or carpet may stain your concrete so be careful!• When construction is almost complete your grinding contractor can either • a. “Grind and seal” where the concrete is ground (any voids or defects are filled with a slurry coat) and sealed with a urethane, epoxy or similar. • b. “Grind and Polish” where the concrete is ground (any voids or defects are filled with a slurry coat) and a surface densifier (typically sodium or lithium based) is applied and the floor is polished.

Polished concrete

Polished concrete is becoming a very popular flooring alternative. By blending oxides and aggregates it offers not only a huge range of finishes custom made just for you but also a range of benefits you only get with polished floors.

What can go wrong?

What can go wrong? Actually, lots can go wrong. Polished concrete floors are easily obtainable but the customer must accept the chance of things not going to plan. For example; • It could rain on the concrete during placement. • The floor could crack after all precautions have been taken. • The weather conditions could cause problems with the concrete finishing process • It is possible that contaminates such as driftwood, coal, blasting cord, polystyrene or other impurities are noticeable in the finished floor. • Machinery breakdowns (concrete plant, concrete truck, concrete pump, finishing equipment.) • There will always be minor defects, remember it’s the overall appearance of the floors that’s important. If these risks are unacceptable a factory made flooring solution such as tiles, vinyl, carpet or timber will be a safer choice but they will never have the character of polished concrete!We suggest you discuss all options with your grinding contractor before placing concrete.

polished concrete

Polished Limestone Titanium *

Polished River PAP BL5 **

Polished Standard Espresso *

Polished Limestone Liquorice **

Polished Limestone WH5 **

Polished Standard BL3 **

Polished Limestone Titanium **

Polished River PAP* Olive **

Polished Standard Espresso **

Polished Standard Liquorice **Polished Standard Liquorice Shell ** Polished Limestone Titanium *** Light Grind ** Heavy Grind


Fibre reinforcementThere are many advantages to fibre reinforcement when compared to traditional mesh reinforcement including; • Fibre will be evenly distributed throughout the concrete, mesh (for crack control) should be positioned one third down from the top of the slab but often actually ends up too low (as concrete workers stand on the mesh) as there are typically insufficient bar chairs to maintain

the mesh in position. Mesh is also often not tied together.• Faster construction time, no time spent

setting out mesh, tying sheets together, no time spent placing mesh on bar chairs. • Generally saving some material costs but a lot of labour costs.• Additional performance. Fibres often offer additional performance such as increased tensile strength, increased toughness and increased abrasion resistance.• Protection against plastic shrinkage cracking in the early stages of finishing (and soon after before curing can commence).• There are many fibres available for various applications from driveways to commercial floors, we would be happy to advise the best fibre type for your project.

Interlocking concrete blocksOur interlocking BIGBLOCKS® are made from surplus concrete that would normally end up in landfills. They are a cheap and

efficient way of building various retaining structures, storage bins and barriers etc. Available

in three sizes (small, standard and large) these solid concrete blocks are solid, durable, economical and very fast to install.

Each block positively locates above the other preventing block movement and speeding up installation. The systems flexibility allows easy modification to cater for future needs, more blocks can be added to structures or whole structures can be quickly dismantled and rebuilt elsewhere. Blocks can be vertically reinforced by passing reinforcement through the 80mm diameter vertical voids in the blocks enabling solid construction for permanent structures. read more at: www.bigblocks.co.nz We can also provide a free layout for your project giving the exact quantity you may require.

Steel & podsWe supply the full range of polythene, reinforcing rod and welded wire mesh from standard sheets to the more economical RIB range of mesh sizes. Most common items can be collected from our yard or if you like we can deliver direct to your site. We also supply polystyrene pods and spacers for raft floors and underfloor insulation.

Eco friendly concreteCounties Ready Mix can offer an Eco Friendly concrete alternative. Our Eco Friendly concrete can remove 25%-30% of the carbon footprint of standard concrete. Thats approximately 175kg of CO2/m3 saved. We have supplied a number of projects with this alternative and find the number of enquiries is definitely on the increase. Ask us about our Eco friendly concrete option today.

Acid washing and sealingAcid washing and sealing coloured concrete is a popular choice for outdoor and entertaining areas. Acid washing provides a ‘sandpaper texture’ providing extra grip. Sealing your concrete while clean will protect the surface from staining whilst maintaining its colour. We have all the materials and advice if you are the DIY type.

How to achieve the “Acid Washed” finish 1. Usually the area is dampened down with water and any excess “puddles” are

broomed off. 2. Keep all tools and hoses off the concrete (any acid on the bottom of watering cans, hoses or shoes will leave marks on the concrete). 3. “Spirits of Salts” is applied from a plastic watering can at a ratio of around 1 part acid to 5 parts water, evenly to an area between saw cuts (say 4.0 x 4.0 max) at a time. The acid will foam as it reacts with the cement. Keep brooming the acid around to provide an even texture until the acid stops reacting (about 30 seconds). Prevent any acid from etching surrounding areas. 4. Once the acid has stopped reacting

hose the area down with plenty of water (including surrounding areas where the acid may have run on to). Be

sure to wash any acid off your shoes as you walk around on your concrete! 5. Repeat all the areas using the steps above. Allow the area to dry before assessing the finish. A second application may be required to reach the desired finish. About the “Sealing” process 1. Concrete can be sealed using acrylic or enamel sealers to protect the concrete surface. These can be applied easily with a broom (for exposed aggregate finishes) or rollers (plain concrete finishes). Sealers may have to be recoated approx. every three years depending on the sealer type and traffic. 2. Follow manufacturer’s instructions for preparing or applying concrete sealers.

We recommend using an experienced contractor to etch or seal your concrete. Remember you can “acid wash” your concrete at any time after the concrete is cured but you can’t acid wash the concrete once it is sealed!

Caring for your concreteWe have put a lot of work and effort into producing and delivering your concrete to a high standard. To get the best results here

are a few key points to be aware of before and after the placement of your concrete.• Well compacted base course (dampened prior to placement).• Well positioned reinforcement (if mesh is used), • Sensible concrete thickness (we recommend 100mm min. for residential works). • Constant water curing as soon as possible for 7 days. • Well positioned joints (tooled joints may be required at high risk areas).• Saw cutting as soon as is practical. (Speak to your concrete placer).The Cement and Concrete Association of NZ have produced a very usefull guide for residential concrete works titled IB80, collect a copy from our showroom or download from our web site: www.crml.co.nz

RecyclingWe are committed to recycling! Our modern fleet of Hino trucks have minimal fuel consumption. Our lightweight trucks carry 5.0m3 per load instead of the typical 4.6m3 saving nearly 10% fuel emissions Our wash water is 100% recycled. Customers’ surplus concrete is recycled into precast interlocking mass blocks for retaining walls and rural feed bins (maize & kernel) where they absorb CO2 from the atmosphere (visit www.bigblocks.co.nz). We have developed an Eco-Friendly concrete reducing CO2 emmisions from ready mixed concrete.

Commercial projectsAs well as supplying numerous decorative and residential projects we are also proud

to have supplied many commercial projects requiring thousands of meters of concrete.

We have worked on some challenging but also very rewarding builds and have serviced them all to our very high standard.


Counties Ready Mix Ltd

Ph 0800 300488 09 294 6222 Fx 09 294 6333 Email [email protected] Web www.crml.co.nz & www.bigblocks.co.nz PO Box 471 Drury 2247 14 Bremner Road, Drury, Auckland

Note: while every effort has been made to represent the photos and samples shown accurately due to photography and printing these may not be a true representation. We reserve the right to change the product range available at any time. The final appearance of your concrete will be effected by many factors outside the control of the concrete supplier ie, weather, finishing, curing and workmanship.

Notes:

Midnight Express oxide acid washed

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NOTE: “Concrete must be cured (kept moist) for 7 days minimum”


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the decorative concrete specialists - Counties Ready … Thank you for considering Counties Ready Mix for your concrete project. We have been supplying the South Auckland and Franklin