Redi Mix Concrete and the Lesser-Known Side of the Industry

Every industry has its quirks. The deeper you get into the work, the more you realize there’s a whole layer of nuance outsiders never see. Concrete chipping is no different. From the way crews talk about materials to the specialized maintenance that happens after hours, the world behind redi mix concrete is full of details that often go unnoticed.

For crews who work with redi mix concrete day in and day out, these intricacies are just part of the job. But for those looking in from the outside, or even newer professionals in the field, some might come as a surprise. From spelling debates to overnight maintenance shifts, here, General Chipping’s concrete chipping pros cover some lesser-known facts about the industry and the maintenance work that keeps operations moving forward. Let’s get to it.

Redi Mix Concrete or Ready Mix Concrete: Why the Spelling Debate Won’t Die

Spend enough time around batch plants, job sites or dispatch offices and you’ll notice something curious: No one seems to agree on how to spell ready mix concrete. Is it “ready mix,” “ready-mix,” “redi mix” or “ready mixed”? The answer is yes — all of the above.

The spelling debate around ready mix concrete has been going on for decades, and there’s no official rulebook that settles it once and for all. Many companies lean toward “redi mix” in branding because it’s shorter and stands out visually. Others prefer “ready mix” because it reads more clearly to those outside the industry. Meanwhile, industry organizations like the National Ready Mixed Concrete Association and the Portland Cement Association tend to use “ready mixed concrete” in their formal materials.

In practice, these variations all refer to the same thing: concrete that’s batched at a plant and delivered ready for placement. Crews know what’s meant regardless of spelling, and most seasoned professionals don’t give it much thought. As long as communication is clear and expectations are aligned, the spelling on the invoice isn’t what makes or breaks a pour.

Concrete Chippers Are a Small but Critical Corner of the Industry

Nearly every crew that pours concrete relies on specialized maintenance by concrete chippers to keep their equipment operational. Even so, surprisingly few companies provide those services. In fact, only a handful of companies nationwide specialize in chipping concrete full-time.

Concrete chipping is required anywhere hardened buildup forms: inside ready mix truck drums, cement silos and central mixers. Over time, leftover material hardens, adds weight, reduces capacity and creates mechanical strain. Without regular chipping, fleets face issues such as higher fuel costs, uneven mixing and increased risk of breakdowns.

And, while it might seem unusual that a need so great has so few companies answering the call, even more concerning is the fact that many businesses and individuals advertise concrete chipping services without having the proper licensing, training or safety protocols in place to do so. Concrete chipping work is inherently dangerous, involving confined spaces, heavy tools, airborne dust and rotating equipment.

Reputable concrete chippers are trained to manage the risks. They understand OSHA requirements, follow strict safety procedures and know how to remove buildup without damaging expensive equipment. Cutting corners in this line of work doesn’t just risk machinery — it can put lives in danger. That’s why it’s critical to work only with licensed, experienced concrete chipping crews who are equipped to do the job correctly. When it comes to maintenance, expertise isn’t optional.

Dirty Jobs and Why Concrete Chipping Earned its Reputation

If you’ve ever watched the TV show “Dirty Jobs,” you know host Mike Rowe didn’t shy away from tough, uncomfortable work. Still, even among sewer cleaners and coal miners, one task stood out to him as the most demanding he ever tackled: concrete chipping. Rowe described it as the hardest job he performed during the series.

Our industry’s “Dirty Jobs” episode highlighted what concrete chipping crews already know firsthand. The work is physically demanding, performed in confined spaces and requires constant focus. Chippers often spend hours inside drums or mixers, managing heavy jackhammers while working around hardened material that doesn’t give easily.

It’s hot in the summer, cold in the winter and rarely comfortable. Visibility can be limited. Noise levels are high. Precision matters, because damaging a drum wall or mixer interior can create expensive problems down the line. Concrete chipping isn’t for the faint of heart, and it’s not a job you can rush or treat casually. It takes grit, discipline and respect for the equipment — and it’s a big reason why experienced crews are so highly valued.

Chipping Concrete Happens When Most People Are Off the Clock

Another lesser-known aspect of the industry is timing. Chipping concrete rarely happens during standard business hours. Instead, traditional concrete chipping appointments are scheduled as 12-hour overnight shifts, often running from early evening to early morning. And there’s a good reason for that.

Concrete and construction crews rely on their drums, silos and mixers during the day. By chipping concrete and cleaning silos overnight, maintenance teams can clear buildup while equipment is idle — and have everything ready to roll by morning. It’s a behind-the-scenes process that allows concrete operations to keep moving without interruption.

These overnight schedules require flexibility and planning, as crews must often coordinate multiple trucks or systems at a single site. Lighting, access and safety all have to be accounted for in advance. It’s a different rhythm than most trades operate on, but it’s one that keeps the industry functioning smoothly. It also allows companies to bundle services — addressing truck drums, silos and central mixers in one coordinated effort. That systems-based approach helps plants run more efficiently and reduces the risk of unexpected downtime.

The concrete industry may look straightforward from the outside, but the reality is far more layered. At General Chipping, we take pride in being part of that behind-the-scenes work. Our team supports concrete professionals by keeping fleets clean, equipment balanced and systems ready for whatever the next job demands. If you have questions about any of our industry’s intricacies, or if you’re looking to keep your drums, silos and mixers in fine form, General Chipping is here to help. Reach out at any time. Let’s talk!