Concrete work is nothing new. Contractors have been perfecting the art of concrete pours for many years, combining new technology with their tried-and-true methods. By relying on their proven, manual processes and simultaneously implementing new products and technology, contractors can improve finished product quality, save time and reduce labor costs.
Roller screeds (also known as tube screeds or revolving tubes) are a perfect example of this blending theory. This equipment combines the time-tested process of using something flat to smooth out concrete with the addition of a spinning tube attached to a power source. Roller screeds have been around for several years but are gaining popularity in the rental market because of their ease of use and affordability. Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about roller screeds.
What are roller screeds?
Simply put, a roller screed consists of a power source and a single tube. The tube spins against the concrete as operators pull the unit across forms. Roller screeds are simple to operate and can be customized to fit almost any size pour, including shaped forms for curb and gutter work.
The standard tube screed can complete pours of just a few feet to those 30 feet wide. Roller screeds can run on various power sources โ hydraulic, electric, gas, and the newly introduced battery option. The components are easy to set up and tear down. Perhaps most notably, they offer an upright operating position thatโs much easier on the operator than a hands-and-knees alternative.
Unlike a vibrating screed, roller screeds offer an effective method for pervious paving, low slump concrete, and slope paving. The absence of a vibration source eliminates concrete slumping down the slope and ensures more aggregate stays near the top.
Are roller screeds hard to use?
Roller screeds are reliable, easy to maintain, and donโt require much training. Theyโre available in a wide variety of sizes and configurations, which makes them an attractive option for contractors and DIYers.
Even if an operator hasnโt used a roller screed before, they can likely create a nearly perfect pour after running the screed. Some manufacturers offer variable speed control on their units, making them easier to use than a simple on/off switch. Since moisture and slump levels vary between truckloads, variable speed flexibility allows the spin speed to be adjusted on the fly to accommodate the changing material conditions.
Besides being easy to use, roller screeds reduce the skill often required with concrete labor. Since the design is intuitive, contractors can accomplish a high-quality product with less experienced crews. Because the roller screed rides on predefined rails or forms, it gives the supervisor or foreman on a crew the ability to ensure the job gets done correctly to achieve a flatter finish.
As long as the screed runs on both screed rails or form points, a uniformly flat surface is almost guaranteed. Other methods like vibrating or wet screeds require higher supervision because they can be challenging to operate. These screeds also tend to produce inconsistent results when used by less experienced personnel.
Do roller screeds require much cleaning and maintenance?
Roller screeds are easy to clean and maintain, both for the operator and the rental center. Due to the smooth design of these tools, they require simple cleaning. Other methods, such as boards or vibrating screeds, require an on-site pressure washer to clean the equipment immediately. Because roller screeds use a spinning pipe, operators can spin the pipe over a surface like grass, dirt, or sand to clean the equipment. Cleaning takes less than 5 minutes.
Electric and battery-powered screeds require virtually no maintenance. Thereโs also minimal maintenance for hydraulic machines, besides cleaning and occasional greasing. A gas-powered product needs just a bit more care but still relatively little compared to other pieces of equipment. Roller screeds are reliable and donโt generally have service issues. If anything, users might have an issue with the power sources. Whether it’s an extension cord for an electric model, a bad battery, or a problem with the hydraulic source. These issues are usually easy to troubleshoot and donโt require an on-site visit from an expert or rental center employee.
How should roller screeds be stored?
If a rental center chooses to carry the aluminum pipes in stock, theyโre easy to store and can be kept outside. As long as they arenโt bent or damaged, roller screeds have an extremely long life. In the case of a damaged pipe, replacement is inexpensive and doesnโt affect the power source itself. Contractors should keep the power component of the units inside in a temperature- and moisture-controlled environment.
Roller screeds present an additional stream of revenue for rental centers. Theyโre inexpensive to add to a fleet and often turn an ROI in only a few customer rentals. After living their rental life, roller screeds also hold their value to be sold as a used unit.
What kind of customers would be interested in roller screeds?
Customers who donโt pour concrete daily will be the most interested in roller screeds. The equipment is ideal for concrete patchwork, smaller pours, or one-off projects. It isnโt meant to replace larger pieces of equipment.
Roller screeds are highly versatile, offering sizes and configurations for just about any sized project, from patchwork and sidewalks to larger areas like parking lots and streets.
Roller Screeds also offer a unique solution to projects with space or emission restrictions, such as indoors or difficult-to-access areas like basements. Battery-powered units, specifically, are a great option when contractors need to consider emissions. These units operate with no cords, hoses, or fumes, making them a highly mobile and precise piece of equipment. For rental centers looking to offer the most convenient option, units offering ample power with one convenient, removable, and rechargeable battery means less hassle for renters and employees.
No matter the power source, roller screeds make a great option for people looking to complete a unique pour. Heavier, industrial-focused contractors will find the hydraulic system the best fit, while smaller, municipal contractors might find the most efficient will be a gas, electric, or battery-powered roller screed. Roller screeds offer an ideal solution for larger spaces like highways, bridges, and ditch embankments, as well as bike trails, golf cart paths, garage pads, and shed floors. Some manufacturers offer attachments to achieve more complicated pours, including a center pivot kit to tackle circular pours like grain bin pads.
Roller screeds meet the market’s demand to make concrete achievable for workers of all skill levels. With equipment that is adjustable, convenient, and easy to operate, contractors can take on more jobs and projects than they may have previously. By incorporating these user-friendly machines into their lineup, rental centers can offer new opportunities to both contractors and DIYers.