One of the biggest advantages of using a volumetric concrete truck is the ability to customize every batch of concrete right on-site. Because materials are stored separately and mixed only when needed, we can adjust the mix instantly to match the demands of your project. A big part of that flexibility comes from the admixtures we keep on board.
Admixtures are specialty additives used to enhance or change the performance of concrete. Our truck carries three of the most commonly used admixtures: Air, Plasticizer, and Accelerator. Each one plays a unique role in helping you get the exact results you need.
Here’s a breakdown of what each admixture does and when you might want it in your mix.
1. Air Entraining Admixture — Added Durability in Harsh Climates
What It Does:
Air entrainment introduces tiny, evenly distributed air bubbles into the concrete. These microscopic pockets create space for water to expand when it freezes.
Why It Matters:
In climates like Ontario—where freeze-thaw cycles are a constant threat—air entrained concrete is crucial for long-term durability. Without it, concrete is much more likely to crack, scale, and deteriorate over time.
Best Applications:
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Driveways
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Sidewalks and walkways
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Exterior slabs
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Exposed concrete in freeze-thaw environments
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Any outdoor project in the Niagara Region
If your project is outdoors, odds are you’ll benefit from air entrainment.
2. Plasticizer — Better Workability Without Extra Water
What It Does:
A plasticizer (also known as a water reducer) makes concrete easier to work with by improving flowability—without adding excess water that can weaken the mix.
Why It Matters:
Concrete that’s too dry is difficult to place. Concrete with too much water becomes weak. Plasticizer gives you the best of both worlds: easy finishing and strong results.
It’s especially useful when dealing with tight forms, heavy reinforcement, or when you want a smooth finish.
Best Applications:
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Floors and slabs requiring a clean, smooth finish
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Walls and columns with dense rebar
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Any project needing better flow without compromising strength
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Large pours where workability is essential
If you want stronger concrete that’s still easy to place and finish, plasticizer is the go-to admixture.
3. Accelerator — Faster Set Times for Cold or Time-Sensitive Jobs
What It Does:
An accelerator speeds up the chemical reaction that causes concrete to set and gain strength.
Why It Matters:
In cold weather, concrete naturally sets slower. An accelerator helps counteract the delay, ensuring your project stays on schedule. It’s also great when you need early strength for fast turnarounds—like reopening a driveway or completing multiple pours in one day.
Best Applications:
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Cold-weather pours
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Early-morning or late-season projects
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Fast-track jobs
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Footings, slabs, and pads that need quick strength gain
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Repairs and patches that must be used again soon
Accelerators help you beat the weather, the clock, or both.
Bringing It All Together — Real Flexibility for Projects in the Niagara Region
Because our volumetric truck mixes concrete on-site, we can add the right admixture at exactly the right moment. That means you get concrete tailored to your project conditions—not whatever was pre-mixed at the plant.
Whether you need durability for outdoor work, smoother finishing for interior slabs, or fast-setting concrete for a time-sensitive job, we have the flexibility to produce the ideal mix right on-site.
If you’re planning a project and aren’t sure what admixtures you need, just ask—we’ll help you choose the perfect combination for long-lasting, high-quality results.