Know More About Coloured Concrete

coloured-concrete

A primary reason why people prefer using coloured concrete for decorative purposes is that it makes every installation unique. You can achieve a design, shape, texture and pattern of your choice. If you want to create a dramatic design statement, you can blend coloured concrete boldly with nature. Gone are the days when people chose cement in its natural grey state. Nowadays, they prefer using colour to enhance the visual appeal of natural concrete. Some concrete suppliers even let their customers choose from an exclusive palette of shades. You can also achieve decorative effects. The transformation will not only look fantastic but is also worth the investment.

coloured concrete

4 Common Methods Of Colouring Concrete

  • Integral Colour
  • Concrete Stains
  • Concrete Dyes
  • Dry-Shake Colour Hardener

How To Integrate Colour On Concrete Structures?

It is very easy to integrate colour on both new and existing concrete. The colouring method is dependent on the type of project you have undertaken and the conditions to which the structure will be exposed. There might also be some limitations as far as the intensity and availability of colour is concerned. If you want to make a spectacular concrete structure, choose a rich and permanent colour.

Why Do People Prefer Coloured Concrete?

There has been a recent increase in the demand for colour concrete as you can choose from numerous colours and achieve the perfect look. A simple patio made using concrete in Orpington can become spectacular if you choose coloured concrete. While some people prefer concrete in earth tones.

Concrete colouring is one of the design options which is both affordable and compatible with existing and new concrete. Though you can stimulate the look of pavers, tiles, bricks and flagstones using coloured concrete, make sure you choose the right technique and product.

concrete suppliers

Break Up Large Areas With Coloured Concrete

If you think that large concrete areas look dull, you can break up the look using coloured concrete. You can even pair it with decorative techniques like brooming, stamping, sandblasting and saw cutting. The objective is to achieve a more personalised look. You can also integrate marble, granite and tiles when installing concrete structures.

It’s time to use coloured concrete and you will be definitely pleased with the results.

5 Strong Reasons Why Concrete is the Right Choice for Building a Patio

concrete-patio

Among all the materials that are used in the construction industry, concrete is considered as the strongest. It is the most used material, as well. It has some unique features and benefits that make it the favourite of the construction specialists as well as the property owners. Whether you want to build an entire house or need to construct a new patio – concrete is your best choice.

concrete patio

It is a compound material which is made up of a mixture of cement and water. Various types of concrete are available and they are used to build different types of structures.

Why You Should Choose Concrete for Patio Building

Concrete is Durable

When it comes to choosing something durable or long-lasting, nothing can beat concrete. It is one of the hardest and most durable materials used in the construction industry. It gains more strength with time. Concrete can withstand hostile weather conditions and remain strong for years after years. So, your patio will also remain strong and durable when you use concrete to make it.

Low Maintenance Material

Concrete demands zero or minimal maintenance. Hence, you can keep your patio shining and attractive without any extra effort. Cleaning the patio once or twice a month will be enough to maintain its beauty and fresh look. Simple sweeping with broom and water will be enough. If required then you can use a jet washer or pressure washer once in a year to keep the concrete patio stain-free.

Concrete in Flexible

You can create different designs with wet concrete to get your desired shape in the patio. It is flexible, and you can get the desired shape, size and style of your patio with the help of concrete.

Excellent Fire Resistant

Concrete has a great quality of fire-resistant. Hence, it is safe to use this material to build the patio. Therefore, your patio can remain unharmed even if there is a fire in the garden or the exterior part of your house.

concrete supplier

Concrete is Affordable

In comparison to timber or glass, you can always find concrete less expensive. Building a concrete patio is always an affordable option for every homeowner. If you wish to get something cost-effective, stylish and durable, then a concrete patio is the best option for you.

There are many other features of concrete that make it a suitable material to build a stylish and smart-looking patio. You can add various colours to concrete to make the patio attractive and stylish. Besides, concrete is eco-friendly, which makes it a perfect choice for the modern homeowners who love to get things that are not toxic for the environment and for their loved ones.

However, you need to look for the best quality concrete to obtain all these benefits mentioned above.

Contact with Cobra Concrete Ltd for the premium quality materials that you can use to build strong and durable structures, including stylish patios in your house.

Choose Quality Ready Mix Concrete

concrete-discolouration

If you are looking for affordable construction material, choose concrete. The production cost of the cement is comparatively low so you can buy it without exceeding your construction budget. It can also harden at ambient temperature and cast into a shape you want. It also has excellent water resistance characteristics. Though concrete has so much to offer, there are still a few builders who have not approached a concrete supplier yet. They believe that the material is prone to discolouration. Though it is not entirely wrong, visit the right concrete supplier and you don’t have to worry about discolouration.

concrete discolouration

What Is Concrete Discolouration?

For someone not aware of the term, concrete discolouration occurs when the surface of a concrete structure develops non-uniform colour. There might be mottled discolouration or deep blotches. The colour change can deteriorate the appeal of a structure so make sure you use quality concrete to make it. The colour change can also occur when cement is not mixed in the right proportion. 

What Causes Discolouration Of Concrete?

It will become easier for you to deal with concrete discolouration if you are aware of the various reasons which cause it. When concrete is prepared in batches while making a structure, the source of cement or fine aggregate might change which can bring a change in placement sequence. Though this can cause concrete discolouration, it is very rare and insignificant. When you hydrate cement to a great extent, they become a bit lighter in shade. This effect can also occur due to insufficient mixing time or inconsistent use of admixtures. If you notice a greenish or yellowish tint has appeared on the concrete, it is an indication that the material contains ground slag. You can expect the shade to vanish over time. Generally, concrete discolouration does not occur due to a single factor.

Tips To Prevent Discolouration Of Concrete

  • Avoid using cement with high alkali content if you want to reduce the chances of discolouration.
  • Limit the quantity of calcium chloride or chloride-bearing chemical admixtures you are adding with concrete as it is considered to be the primary reason behind concrete discolouration.
  • The condition, kind or type of formwork you are using when building a concrete structure can also impact its surface colour.
  • Concrete suppliers in Croydon avoid trowel burning the concrete as hard trowelling the material can densify the surface and lead to dark discolouration.
  • Unprofessional curing of concrete can also lead to discolouration as uneven curing impacts the degree of cement hydration.
Concrete suppliers in Croydon

How To Minimise Discolouration Of Concrete Slab?

Since discolouration of concrete has a negative impact on the appeal of a structure, your focus should always be on minimising or preventing it. Concrete suppliers always recommend adding proper protection to prevent the concrete from drying due to sun or wind, moisten absorptive subgrades and follow the right curing procedures. 

Know The Differences Between Site-Mixed And Ready Mix Concrete

site-mixed-ready-mix-concrete

Concrete is one of the most commonly used construction materials as it is durable and affordable. The production cost of cement used to make concrete is also quite low. The material hardens at room temperature and gains its strength. Fresh concrete is flowable and can be cast into any shape. You can adjust the mix and cast them into complex shapes at construction sites.

Since concrete has so many unique qualities, you can use it for a wide variety of projects without worrying about its cost. Just make sure you choose the right concrete variety which suits your construction project needs and budget. Two concrete varieties which are widely used are site-mixed concrete and ready-mix concrete. You can choose the right material for your project if you know the differences between them.

4 Differences Between Site-Mixed And Ready Mix Concrete

  • Preparation

The primary difference between volumetric and ready-mix concrete is the method through which the ingredients are mixed and the concrete prepared. The former is prepared at the client’s construction site by the labourers. If you want to avoid quality issues, make sure the ingredients are mixed in proper proportions. Ready mix concrete, on the other hand, is manufactured at a plant and delivered in a ready-to-use state to the construction site. Concrete suppliers sell them in volume and measure them in cubic meters.

  • Time Taken

Since the preparation process differs, the time taken to prepare volumetric and ready-mix concrete is also different. If you have undertaken a large size project, its speed is a vital thing to consider. Since you can load and off-load ready mix concrete easily, you can save a lot of time. Preparing site-mixed concrete is very time-consuming and there are high chances for your project to get delayed.

  • Equipment

The equipment used to prepare both the concrete varieties also differ. One of the equipment you will definitely need if you want to prepare volumetric concrete at the construction site is batch mixers. Whether you rent the equipment or buy one, you have to spend a few pounds. The best alternative is to approach a reputed supplier of ready mix concrete in Croydon. Since this concrete variety is delivered in a ready-to-use state to the construction site, you don’t need any equipment to prepare them.

  • Convenience

If convenience is your priority when working on a construction project, choose ready-mix concrete instead of site-mixed concrete. You can handle it with convenience, irrespective of the size of your project. You can also deliver it to multiple locations with ease. Volumetric concrete, on the other hand, should be mixed near the point of use to avoid any type of contamination. You also need controlled storage spaces when storing them.

Since you now know the basic differences between site-mixed and ready mix concrete, it’s time you choose one and approach a reputed concrete supplier.

Why Choose Ready-Mix Concrete Over On-Site Mix For Your Project?

Is a domestic or commercial construction project coming up? Need high-quality concrete delivered to your site, mixed professionally and on-time? Getting ready-mix concrete supplied to your site by reputed concrete suppliers in Surrey can be your most informed decision. Wondering why you should use ready-mix instead of on-site machine mix? Read on.

Ready-Mix Concrete

Whether you are laying foundations or a shed base for new-build homes, whatever the case is, you will want a high-quality grade of concrete for your job. Choosing ready mixed concrete over machine mix is preferred by most contractors owing to many reasons. Ready-mix concrete is easy to pour and offers the perfect mix of efficiency, crucial to all kinds of construction projects. Having concrete delivered in bulk and ready to pour is ideal for every construction project.

Listed below are a few reasons to choose ready mixed material for your project.

4 Reasons To Choose Ready-Mix Concrete From The Best Concrete Suppliers In Surrey Over Machine Mix

1. Ensures High-Quality Concrete

One of the major reasons most contractors prefer ready mixed concrete is the assurance of premium quality material. With traditional material, controlling the exact water-to-cement ratio as well as the grading of aggregates is almost possible with traditional concrete. On the other hand, when you approach leading ready-mix concrete suppliers, the material comes with guaranteed quality. Ready-mix concrete boasts of a consistent quality since it is produced under controlled conditions.

2. Saves Construction Time

With machine mix concrete, you will have to order the ingredients for purchasing and stacking them on your job site from beforehand. At times, getting the job done becomes difficult since the required materials are not supplied on time. In contrast, ready mixed concrete can save you from such hassles since it’s professionally handled by the suppliers. Pre-mixed at plants and then delivered to your site, they save the mixture preparation time and reduce the time of development.

3. Lowers Cost

On-site material production involves the costs of manual labour, transportation of ingredients, concrete mixing machinery and equipment, which are costly in comparison to ready-mix concrete. On the contrary, ready mixed concrete reduces the number of labour required for mixing the raw materials and preparation of mix at the site. This way, having concrete delivered to your site from concrete suppliers in Surrey can save you a large amount of money.

4. Saves Storage Space

Finding great storage space for the raw materials of your construction project is not only challenging but also an expensive affair. You will even have to set up machinery on your site for the smooth transition of your project. In such a situation, finding space to stack concrete ingredients becomes more difficult. Ordering ready mixed concrete is the preferred option of many since it saves contractors from on-site storage. So, don’t you think ready mix concrete is a better option in comparison to site mix? Quickly find the best concrete supplier and kick-start your construction project!

Top 5 Reasons Why Concrete Is The Best Construction Material

With so many construction materials available, builders and homeowners often have a tough time choosing the best among them. The visual appeal and durability of the building you are constructing are largely dependent on the material you are opting for. The durability is a vital thing to consider,  as it will give you the assurance that your building will look good in years to come. Just make sure not to opt for the cheapest material. Instead, look for a material which offers numerous benefits like concrete.

concrete construction material

Few Reasons To Approach A Concrete Supplier In Croydon

·         Hardens Easily

Not only is concrete affordable but the material easily sets and hardens at room temperature. This means that you don’t have to spend your money on the material to gain its strength. The inorganic material can bond at low-temperature so you can use it irrespective of the weather conditions. Though it will take around 2 days for the concrete to set, the structure will cure completely in a month.

·         Customisable

One of the main reasons why the demand for concrete in Croydon has enhanced drastically in the last few years is that it can be cast into any shape according to your requirements, of your construction project. Fresh concrete is available in a liquid state which makes it flowable and so construction workers can easily pour it into any framework. The concrete mix can be adjusted to cast complex shapes.

·         Water Resistance

The water-resistance characteristics of concrete, makes it capable of withstanding water, without worrying about any serious deterioration. No wonder, it is being widely used for underwater applications like canals, submerged building structures, dams, linings, pipelines and waterfront structures. Corrosion is generally caused due to the presence of chlorides, carbon dioxide and sulphates dissolved in water.

 ·         Temperature 

Just visit renowned concrete suppliers in Croydon and you can stay assured that the material they are supplying will be capable of withstanding higher temperature, than steel and wood. The main binding ingredient of concrete is calcium silicate hydrate which is capable of withstanding almost 910oC. Being a bad conductor of heat, you can use concrete to store heat from the environment.

·         Economical

Though there are numerous engineered cementitious materials for you to choose from for your construction project, you can keep the production cost low by opting for cement concrete. Being inexpensive, it is widely used all over the world and its demand is higher than polymers, steel and other construction materials. Water, cement and aggregates are considered to be the main ingredients of concrete and are easily available in the market. Since you now know why concrete is considered to be the best construction material, it’s time you start looking for a reliable concrete supplier in Croydon and reap all the benefits stated above.  

Enhancing The Durability Of Concrete In Croydon Is Now Easier

Concrete is a very vital element in every construction project, as it is generally used to make the foundation of a structure. This is why it is your responsibility to ensure that it has adequate load bearing strength, durability and resistance to various environmental factors. Whether you are mixing the concrete using hand or machine, it should be properly placed around the reinforcement.

Durability Of Concrete

One of the main reasons why the performance of a concrete structure decreases with the passage of time, is because they are often subjected to harsh climatic conditions for a prolonged period of time. If you want it to perform satisfactorily, there are a few vital points you need to consider.

The Durability Of Concrete In Croydon? 4 Vital Points To Consider

  • Aggregate Quality

One of the easiest ways to increase the durability of hardened concrete is by using good quality aggregates. It is the responsibility of the concrete suppliers to ensure that the shape of the particles used is round and smooth. If they are elongated and flaky, the workability of the concrete might reduce. If you are willing to achieve a dense concrete mix, well-graded aggregates should be used. The moisture content of the aggregates should also be tested before mixing.

  • Cement Content

If the quantity of cement used to make the concrete mix is not sufficient, it can have a negative impact on the durability of the structure. This is why you should always take the aid of renowned concrete suppliers in Croydon. They are aware of the fact that the workability of the material reduces when the water-cement ratio reduces. If more cement is used than necessary, issues like alkali-silica reaction and drying shrinkage might occur.

  • Quality Of Water

Not everyone preparing the concrete mix is aware of the fact that the quality of water used also impacts its durability. It is always advisable to use water which has a pH level from 6 to 8. Not only should the water be clean but also free from salts, sugar, oils, alkalies, acids and organic materials. Chemical reactions can corrode the steel if the water used to prepare the concrete in Croydon contains impurities.

  • Permeability

If water can pass through the concrete structure, it can have a negative impact on the durability of the material. When water enters into a concrete structure, it expands and cracks from within. With the passage of time, the concrete structure disintegrates. The easiest way to ensure that the structure isn’t permeable is by checking whether there are any capillary cavities in the concrete. This generally happens due to high water-cement ratio.

These being said, it’s time you consider all the factors stated above when preparing and pouring concrete and increasing the durability of the concrete structure will become easier.

5 Signs Indicating That You Need A New Concrete Supplier In Surrey

Since the concrete installation process is not as easy as you think, getting in touch with experienced concrete suppliers is always a wise thing to do. They are aware of the fact that two concrete projects are never the same. This is why the concrete installation process of a construction project can never be similar to the one you completed a few months back. A lot of research, time and preparation is necessary to complete the task efficiently.

concrete suppliers Surrey

Few Warning Signs Indicating That Your Concrete Installation Was Not Done Properly

  • More Or Less Concrete Was Used

Using the wrong amount of concrete can turn out to be quite disastrous for your construction project. Let the concrete supplier visit your construction site and determine the right amount of concrete you will require. Underestimating the amount of concrete can compromise the quality of the structure which is being erected and even your safety.

  • Absence Of Texture

The easiest way to know whether the concrete structure in your property has been properly installed is by examining it minutely. If you notice that there is no texture and is a bit slippery, it is an indication sign that you should start looking for a more experienced concrete supplier. Unless the concrete is textured properly, it won’t provide the necessary traction and walking on it will become difficult.

  • Neglecting Safety Concerns

Maintaining the safety of your construction site is quite important and this is why approaching a concrete supplier who pays attention to various safety concerns is a must. They should ensure that the structure is being installed properly by integrating steel reinforcement into the concrete installation. A common sign indicating that the steel has not been properly reinforced is when you notice that a part of the structure has collapsed.

  • Ignoring The Weather

Experienced concrete suppliers in Surrey are aware of the fact that pouring concrete in bad weather can have a negative impact on the structure that is being constructed. If you don’t want the quality of the concrete to weaken, you need to ensure that the temperature is suitable during the first few days of installation. Unless the concrete is properly insulated, it can even freeze due to cold temperature.

  • Improper Tools

The quality of concrete installation is largely dependent on the types of tools and equipment used to pour the concrete. There are a few amateur concrete suppliers whose focus is on enhancing their profit by getting the job done forcefully using the wrong tools. This has a negative impact on the durability of the structure. Since you are now aware of the warning signs indicating that the concrete structure in your property was not installed properly, make sure you get in touch with a new concrete supplier who is more experienced and reliable in Surrey.

Reasons for You to Consider Approaching Concrete Suppliers Today

As far as construction projects are concerned, everyone tries to save as much time and money as possible. If a construction team manages to finish a specific bit of work within the time they had allotted themselves, they can often be seen celebrating a job well done. One of the ways that time and money can both be saved is if you choose to hire the services of concrete suppliers in Croydon. There are numerous other benefits to hiring concrete suppliers as well. If you are wondering about what these benefits are and what are the reasons you might have for approaching concrete suppliers, read on!

Concrete Suppliers in Croydon

Why You Should choose the Services of Concrete Suppliers in Croydon

  • Delivered to You

You can rest assured about the fact that when you go to professional concrete suppliers, they will make sure that the concrete is delivered to the construction site. Apart from being able to save time as a result of this, you will also find that you have saved a considerable amount of money as well. This is because you will not have to incur the expenses of moving the concrete from point A to point B.

  • Made to Order

Another thing about working with concrete suppliers is that you do not have to worry about the mixture being wasted. The suppliers only mix the quantity that you have ordered, or slightly more, to make sure that once your requirement is met, you do not have to deal with any leftover quantity of concrete. This essentially means that there is no wastage for you to deal with and this is another way by which you ensure that you are being cost-efficient about the matter.

  • High-quality and Consistent Concrete

When you are using a material in an aspect as important as construction, you will naturally want the material to be as reliable as possible. This is another factor about choosing the services of concrete suppliers in Croydon, as you can be sure of the fact that the concrete is going to be durable, strong and dynamic, giving you the option to use it in any way you want. The suppliers, for their part, will readily swear by the reliability of their product and for good measure, as their concrete can last for an astonishingly long time.

  • Reduces Pollution

The best thing about concrete suppliers is that their work makes sure that the environment is not being polluted in any way. You would not have to worry about the mixing process making excessive noise and disrupting the peace in the neighbourhood or the waste being dumped just about anywhere. The professionals know how to go about their job in an eco-friendly manner.

As you can clearly see, there are quite a few undeniable benefits of going to a concrete supplier for their services.

Why Should You Deal with a Concrete Supplier for Your Construction Project?

When it comes to construction projects, everybody wants to save their money and time, and staying on a pre-planned schedule and within pre-fixed budget is surely the key cause for celebration. If you are really serious about staying on track with your budget, you should work with a local reputable and reliable supplier of concrete. Concrete being one of the most popular construction materials which when using, can helpsave a lot on your project. Unlike other materials like polymers and steel, concrete is easily available across the world and is famous among homeowners and builders as well. Concrete suppliers are the best atsaving you potential hassles of mixing concrete. They are the right people to mix the product as per order, deliver and pour concrete on your behalf so that your valuable time can be spent on other  jobs.

Benefits of Working with Concrete Suppliers in Sutton

There are a number of benefits of working with a concrete supplier and some of them are as follows:

  1. They will Deliver The Concrete to Your Doorstep –

With concrete suppliers, you don’t need to arrange for the transportation of concrete, rent a mixing truck or pay additionally for transport costs. They will supply you concrete ready for use. They also pour the concrete while saving you time and labour related expenses to ensure that proper pouring of the concrete is applied.

  1. They Provide Consistent Quality – 

When it comes to concrete, it must be mixed well to be durable, strong and able to tolerate different weights and uses. Unless you know how to mix concrete, you may risk mixing a weaker batch and this may cause you having to mix several batches before getting the actual consistency of concrete you need, causing wastage and incurring extra costs. Ready-mix concrete delivered by a local concrete supplier helps you avoid the risk of human error ensuring a consistently superior quality finished product with a longer lifespan.

  1. You Can Save Space –

 Concrete suppliers in Surrey deliver ready-to-use concrete mix, you don’t have to worry about where to store concrete mixing tools at the site or deal with waste management. The suppliers have the right equipment at their own facility ensuring less waste.

  1. You Can Save Lots of Money –

By getting ready-mix concrete delivered to your doorstep from the supplier, you can save a significant amount of money in a number of ways and some of them are mentioned below:

  • You don’t need to pay for transportation cost
  • You don’t require renting and storing concrete mixing tools and equipment
  • You can save time and labour on mixing and pouring the finished product
  • You won’t waste money and time on mixing several batches
  • You don’t need to pay for waste management costs and this saves on waste management
  • You won’t surpass your budget as well as a schedule to improperly-mixed batches while saving labour cost and time on mixing and pouring

These are a few of many benefits that you can reap by working with a local concrete supplier.