Concrete construction is one of the main pillars of modern industry, forming the backbone of buildings, bridges, roads, and various other structures. Its versatility, durability, and strength make it a must for the construction industry.
However, the journey from the basic foundation to the finer details of a complex structure requires precision and expertise at every stage. With concrete being a major component of construction, it must be taken seriously.
Among the many tools and techniques used in concrete production today, the VEVOR Bull Float emerges as an important device for facilitating the creation of flexible, neat concrete components.
A bull float is a large flat tool used in concrete construction to level and smoothen freshly poured concrete. They come in different types to suit various project needs.
Understanding these types can help you understand how they work better and choose the best one for your project.
Standard bull floats are the most traditional and are made of materials such as wood, aluminum, or magnesium that are mostly flat. They typically range in size from 36 to 48 inches and are equipped with manual handles. Standard bull floaters are versatile and suitable for various concrete finishing applications.
Channel floats, or grower floats, have a flat surface with edges or water slopes on the sides. These techniques evenly distribute the excess concrete across the soil surface, helping to bind and soften it. Channel floaters are particularly useful for large concrete pours requiring uniformity and stability.
Power bull floats, also known as power trowels or power screeds, are mechanized tools that smooth and level concrete surfaces. They have a gasoline-powered engine or a float assembly mounted on a rotating ramp for finishing large areas quickly and efficiently. Power bull floats are especially Useful for projects requiring efficiency and accuracy.
It is no news that bull floats find their uses in concrete making. However, what many do not take into consideration is that they have versatile applications, even in concrete making.
Here are some capacities bull floats function in:
In addition to smoothing and leveling, bull floats can also be used to texture concrete for decorative or practical purposes. By varying the pressure and angle of the float during finishing, contractors can achieve various textures, including broom finishes, swirl patterns, or speckled effects.
Floating bulls can be a versatile platform for surface treatment and concrete coating. After the initial smoothing and leveling process, contractors can use a float to distribute sealer, curing compound, or decorative coating evenly over the surface.
This protects concrete from moisture, chemicals, and abrasion and improves appearance and longevity
Bull floats fitted with absorbent pads or sponge attachments often remove excess water from the surface of poured concrete. It is known as "bump cutting" or "bump floating” and reduces the risk of surface defects like scaling or spalling.
Using a bull float requires adequate knowledge and proper attention to the procedure. Therefore, there cannot be any shortcut during the process.
As such, we will walk you through the detailed process to guide your journey, especially if you are starting bull float usage.
Start by preparing the surface you will be working on. Ensure you properly grade and level the subbase, compact the soil, and mix the concrete in proportion.
Securely attach the bull float’s handle to the mounting bracket, ensuring it is at an optimal position for your use. Stand at one end of the concrete pour, holding the bull float securely with both hands before you begin floating.
Begin floating by lowering the bull float onto the surface of the concrete, starting at the far end of the pour and working your way back towards you. Using smooth, overlapping strokes, push the bull float away from you to smooth and level the concrete surface.
Apply gentle downward pressure to the float as you push it forward, but avoid pressing too hard, which can cause the float to sink into the concrete.
Periodically stop and check for high spots and use the float to knock them down to a balanced position. Similarly, also check for low spots and fill them up.
Continue floating the surface in segments. Do not leave gaps or bridges, and ensure you finish the edges. Apply additional finishing techniques as required.
Engineered with precision from premium materials, VEVOR’s bull floats have been making waves in the market. With people being able to access these floats from over 200 countries worldwide, reviews have poured in, and they are majorly on the positive side.
VEVOR's bull floats may come equipped with innovative features and enhancements that enhance their functionality and performance. From ergonomic handles to detachable blades, the functionality of VEVOR’s bull floats is limitless. VEVOR designed these bull floats with usage and maintenance ease in mind. Therefore, they can provide excellent value for many years.
Floating bulls are usually made of wood, aluminum, or magnesium. Wooden floats are durable and inexpensive but can be heavier than aluminum or magnesium floats. Aluminum and magnesium floating tubes are lightweight and corrosion-resistant, making them ideal for commercial applications.
Yes, concrete floats can be used for various concrete finishes, depending on the type of floating fluid used and the process used by the user. The general finish consists of a smooth, swept, curved, or textured finish.
Yes, floating cow is often used on wet or fresh concrete to keep the surface smooth even before it dries. However, it is important to wait until the concrete has reached the proper level before using the floating bull to avoid damaging the surface.
