4 Reasons Why Concrete Is The Most Preferred Building Material

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Choosing the right building material for your construction project is indeed a daunting task with so many options available in the market. If you want to make a wise investment by choosing the right building material, consider its cost, safety, durability and sustainability. You should pay equal importance to all these factors.

Concrete Building Material

Though steel is durable and robust, they are a bit expensive and can increase the cost of your construction project drastically. Wood though being cheap, can make a structure unsafe and less durable. One of the building materials with high demand in the construction industry is concrete. It is energy-efficient, affordable, durable and safe. All these help builders complete a project quickly and without exceeding their budget.

Few Reasons Why Concrete Is The Ideal Building Material

  • Easy Maintenance

Concrete structures don’t require much maintenance and are given more preference than other building materials. The quality of wood and steel deteriorates over time and you have to maintain them to get optimal performance. Just make sure you repair the small cracks before it’s too late. Concrete structures require very little or no maintenance which help you save money in the long run.

  • Wind And Water Resistance

Though wood was widely used by construction workers earlier, they are not resistant to wind and water which had a negative impact on their durability. Concrete, on the other hand, is completely resistant to wind and water which makes it a safe building material. You don’t have to worry about the structure breaking during a storm or mould damages in the presence of excess water.

  • Durability

The durability offered by quality concrete in Orpington is one of the primary reasons behind its high demand. Every structure made using concrete is expected to last for years. The level of durability is unparalleled when compared with other building materials. They don’t decay, rot or rust which enhances their durability even further. You can make a concrete building and make it last for years without breaking the bank.

  • Fire Resistance

Concrete structures are considered to be fireproof as the material doesn’t absorb heat. A fire-proof building made using cement is given more preferences than wooden houses. The latter is quite vulnerable to fire damages. Concrete walls and floors act as a fire shield and keep flame outside the building. This helps in keeping the goods and furniture in your room protected. Since you now know why concrete is a more preferred option when compared with other building materials, it’s time you start looking for a reputed concrete supplier and reap all the benefits stated above.

Know How To Accelerate Concrete Drying Time With 6 Easy Tips

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Though there are numerous concrete suppliers scattered all over Sutton, make sure you choose someone experienced as they know how much time a concrete mix needs to cure and dry. Negligence to dry it the proper way can lead to structural failures which can delay your construction project further. Accelerating the concrete drying time will not only boost your project’s efficiency but also ensure your safety.

concrete construction drying time

Few Tips To Accelerate The Concrete Drying Time

  • Choose The Right Weather

Sunnier days are considered to be the best time to dry concrete as the weather is warmer and dry and everything dries faster. If possible, try to wait till summer before starting with your construction project. Just make sure that the temperature is not too high as it can lead to rapid cement hydration and increase evaporation rate which can lead to cracks.

  • Add Calcium Chloride

A majority of the concrete suppliers in Sutton suggest their clients add calcium chloride when preparing the wet concrete mix as it helps in accelerating the cement hydration process. It will also take less time for concrete to solidify and you can pour it with ease.

  • Avoid Adding Excess Water

Construction workers should limit the amount of water they are using to prepare the concrete mix as it will take a long time for concrete to set if more water is added. Though you can minimise the drying time by adding less water, adding too little water will make the concrete mix extremely thick and inflexible. You can also add water-reducer if you want the mixture to have high fluidity.

  • Add Warm Water

If you want the concrete curing reaction to happen the right way, using the right amount of water is necessary. It is also advisable to use warm water when preparing the concrete mixture as it helps in speeding up the concrete drying process. The reaction occurs more quickly without affecting the efficiency of the structure. Extremely hot water should be avoided as it can damage the quality of your concrete in Sutton.

  • Avoid Hard Trowelling

How long will it take for the concrete mixture to dry is also dependent on the trowelling technique you are using. Avoid hard trowelling as it can lead to several issues by increasing pressure. High intensity trowelling will collapse the air pockets in the mixture and the moisture in it can’t evaporate easily. This will increase the drying time even further.

  • Use Heater

Construction workers undertaking a building project during winter can utilise artificial means to create heat. Two things widely used are heating mats and heaters. Set the temperature of the heater wisely as overheating the wet concrete mix is a strict no-no! These being said, it’s time you start following the tips stated above and invest in high-quality concrete if you want to accelerate the concrete drying time.