4 Unique Facts About Concrete You Will Love Reading

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Concrete is produced by mixing various ingredients like water, cement, aggregates and additives. It creates a hard and protective surface when it chemically reacts with the gases present in the air. The various benefits offered by it is one of the primary reasons why people has been using this construction material for hundreds of years. Earlier, they were used to make underground water cisterns in deserts. Nowadays, concrete is one of the most popular man-made building materials. Whether you are planning to build a long highway or just a kitchen counter-top, it is the best material as they have high strength and durability.

ready mix concrete in Croydon

Prefer Using Concrete? Few Unique Facts About The Material

  • It Is The Only Building Material Resistant To Fire And Water

Concrete is a fire-proof material which means that it won’t burn even if you set it on fire. Since it doesn’t burn, it doesn’t release toxic fumes in the air as well which makes it an eco-friendly material. The thermal conductivity of concrete is very slow so it can transfer heat with ease. Builders prefer using concrete when constructing buildings so that the structure can survive a fire. The material is also water-resistant. You can make it waterproof as well by mixing membranes and special concrete mixes.

  • It Is The Most Preferred Material For Road Construction

The majority of the motorways in the world are made using concrete. Though you have to spend more money to make a motorway using concrete instead of asphalt, the former last longer so you can enjoy it for years to come with minimal maintenance. Concrete is also a more environmentally-friendly choice. You can customise concrete mixes according to your unique construction needs. You can also save time by using ready mix concrete in Croydon.

  • Home Buyers Prefer Concrete Sinks, Floors And Counter-tops

One of the primary reasons why home buyers prefer properties with concrete outdoor furniture and garden decor is because the material can withstand water. When concrete is used for interior designing, the appeal of the inside of your home enhances drastically. It is durable and versatile which makes it the ideal material when building custom fireplaces, sinks and counter-tops. Though there are various flooring materials you can choose from, concrete floors are an economical option.

Ready Mix Concrete
  • Reinforced Concrete Works The Best For Underwater Structures

It is easy to develop different concrete mixes for specific uses as cement is an aggregate. For example, Pozzolanic is the best material you can use for constructing underwater structures like piers, tunnels, dams and sewer works. This concrete variety is highly water-resistant and more versatile than wood and steel. Even reinforced concrete has a higher compressive strength compared to other building materials.

The unique facts about concrete stated above will make it easier for you to understand why the building material is so important.

4 Reasons behind the Failure of Concrete and How to Avoid Such a Situation

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Concrete is one of the most sought after human-made building material. It is a staple element for construction projects for its excessive strength and heat-proof elements. These are the factors that have helped it to gain immense popularity. Concrete, in general, is very durable, but still, it is not free from a few specific weaknesses. Unless some measures are taken, then there are chances that the concrete might fail to hold on to its sustainability.  Here is an attempt to explore the four most important reasons why concrete ought to fail and the ways to prevent such an occurrence as you are availing concrete in Orpington.

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Four ways concrete might fail and how to eliminate the chances

Inappropriate raw materials resulting in low-quality concrete

There are many instances when the raw materials can be solely blamed for the failure of the concrete. If the selection of raw materials will be wrong, then the quality of the concrete will hamper to a great extent. The ratio of the raw materials should be determined carefully as the quality of mixed concrete mainly depends on it. If the ratio won’t be perfect, then the concrete will tend to break at a faster rate and won’t have the required strength. To avoid such a consequence, be sure about the type and proportion of the raw materials. It will help if you put in adequate research before deciding on getting concrete in Orpington.

Poor finishing during application leading to trapped air in the concrete

It is a common problem encountered while applying the concrete. Due to poor finishing, some amount of water and air bubbles tend to get trapped within the concrete particles. This can cause exponential damage to the concrete structure by reducing its strength and making it weaker. Adequate care must be used to keep the air content around 3% and to ensure that the concrete is not suffering a premature finishing. It is also essential to properly maintain the manufacturing conditions to prevent the air from getting trapped within.

Cracks in concrete due to the reaction between alkali and silica

There are cases when the aggregates contain silica and alkali. As they are exposed to humid condition, a sort of gel formation occurs, and then the concrete tends to crack. These result in crumbling of the concrete structure. To prevent this, one should be careful about not letting the silica content in the aggregate gets exposed to humid conditions.

Choosing the wrong type of concrete overloading concrete exceeding the point of failure

Concrete comes in different varieties, and each of them bears a different kind of strength. Based on that the type is chosen. For instance, if the structure needs to support considerable weight, then reinforced concrete needs to be used. Hence, if the wrong variety is determined by mistake or to cut the cost, then there are chances that structure will fail when heavy loads are exerted. To avoid such an instance, choose the right type and do not indulge in overloading the structure beyond the specified limit.  The best option to have the highest quality concrete would be choosing a reputed concrete supplier. Cobra Concrete is a trusted name in the specific domain. Count on them to have your structure made of concrete in Orpington strong and sturdy always.

Planning To Construct Concrete Buildings? Know The 7 Steps Involved

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One of the construction materials which people have been using for years is concrete. Every concrete building is durable and requires minimal maintenance. Recently, construction workers have started using innovative concrete technologies which have made laying and pouring of concrete easy. If you are willing to use the conventional method of concrete construction, get in touch with an experienced supplier of concrete. A majority of them have years of industry presence and know the various ways you have to follow when preparing the construction site, build the framework, place reinforcement, mix, pour, finish and cure concrete.

construct concrete buildings Bexley

Follow The Steps Below And Construct Concrete Buildings In Bexley

•    Estimate The Materials You Need

It is necessary to mix the concrete ingredients in correct proportion if you want the material to be of high quality. The batching process will help in carrying out the right measurement of the concrete ingredients. Approach a renowned supplier of concrete in Bexley as the proportion and quantity of cement, water and aggregates are important.

•   Prepare The Site

A very vital aspect of pouring concrete is site preparation. It is the responsibility of the construction workers to ensure that concrete is poured on a compacted and well-drained soil. The subsurface should be properly prepared and it will help in minimising potential cracks.

•   Build The Formwork

The importance of formwork in construction can never be neglected as they are responsible for supporting structures. Moulds are also created inside which concrete is poured. Few materials generally used to build the framework are steel, wood and aluminium.

•   Place Reinforcement

You can protect a concrete structure from displacement by placing the reinforcement accurately and supporting it properly before placing the concrete. Construction workers place reinforcement after considering the number of bars, bends, positions and bar lengths. This step will assure that the steel is bonding well with the concrete.

•   Mix The Concrete

How you mix the concrete ingredients will impact the quality of the concrete, both in its hardened and fresh state. It is necessary to mix the material well. It should be informed in colour. You can achieve proper consistency if the material is designed the right way.

•   Pour The Concrete

It is necessary to pour the concrete within the initial set time if you don’t want to deteriorate the quality of the concrete structure. Two common methods through which concrete is poured are pumping and manual transportation. Sometimes, vibrators are used to compact the poured concrete.

•   Finish The Concrete

How you finish a concrete structure is very important as it renders the building a smooth finish. Hire experienced contractors as they know the right method screeds and trowels that should be used to level the surface after the concrete is poured.

These being said, it’s time to follow the steps below above and constructing concrete buildings will become easier.

Using Concrete In Cold Weather? Few Things You Should Avoid

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Concrete is subjected to different curing conditions as the temperature fluctuates which makes the material gain sporadic strength. Contractors willing to protect fresh concrete have to take a bit of preparation before the climate changes. They should know the right equipment to be used at the job site like blankets and tarps. These help in preventing unsafe concrete development and avoid unnecessary delays.

concrete in cold weather

Working with concrete becomes a complicated task in Croydon as the outdoor temperature goes below 40 degrees F and the air temperature goes below 50 degrees F. Such being the situation, contractors should follow a few do’s and don’ts when using concrete. Negligence to do so can lead to structural problems and delay your project.

5 Mistakes To Avoid When Using Concrete In Cold Weather

  • Pouring The Material On Frozen Ground

Make sure you don’t pour concrete on to frozen ground even if you are in a hurry to complete your construction project. The effectiveness of the concrete curing conditions is largely dependent on how the concrete is poured and slabs are placed. It will take less time for the concrete near the surface to cure than the one close to the ground. The chances of the concrete cracking and structure disaster increases as the material can’t develop strength properly.

  • Sealing The Material When The Weather Is Cold

The primary objective of using concrete sealers is to make the material more resistant to external element and weather exposure. Construction workers using concrete in cold weather should use a sealer which has been specially designed for extreme weather conditions. Even if you are in a hurry, don’t seal concrete when the temperature is below 10oC.

  • Misjudging Daylight

The amount of daylight experienced by the people in Croydon becomes low during the colder months. Instead of running behind schedules, try to use your time wisely. If possible, pour and cure concrete during daytime as the temperature is warmer when there is an abundance of light.

  • Allowing The Material To Freeze

Concrete in Croydon can cure properly only if it is kept in warm temperatures (not exceeding 10oC). If the temperature is below -4oC, fresh concrete can freeze really quick. It is the responsibility of the contractor to keep fresh concrete warm until its compressive strength measurement becomes appropriate. A suitable concrete temperature and maturity meter like SmartRock can be used to do this task.

  • Using Cold Tools And Equipment

The temperature of the tools and equipment you are using to pour and cure concrete should also be as warm as the raw material. The composition and temperature can change if the tools you are using are too cold. This will have a negative impact on the strength of the concrete slab. Avoid the mistakes stated above when using concrete in cold weather and the concrete structure will be durable and beautiful.

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.

4 Situations When You Should Opt For Ready Mix Concrete

If you are planning your next concrete project, the first thing you need to do is approach an experienced concrete supplier. It is a very durable and low-maintenance construction material which helps in providing thermal mass and reduces the energy consumption of buildings. There are numerous concrete suppliers scattered all over Bromley. Look for one utilising the latest machinery and techniques to pump ready mix concrete into places where you need it. There are a few situations when using ready mix concrete, becomes necessary and you can complete your complicated construction project fast.

Opt For Ready Mix Concrete

Few Situations When Opting For Ready Mix Concrete Becomes Necessary

·   Require Customised Product

You can easily customise the mix of cement to other ingredients as ready mixed concrete is generally manufactured by concrete suppliers at a batch plant as and when required. Though you can use dry concrete when customisation is required, the level of customisation offered by local suppliers of ready mix concrete is always more. Customised concrete can be put to various uses on a construction site so you can get better value for money.

·   Volume Is Required

If you are planning to undertake a large construction project, opting for ready mix concrete is highly advisable as dry concrete is only suitable for small projects. You will require a bulk amount of concrete when building a yard. You can also save a few money, by opting for ready mix concrete instead of dry concrete for large projects. The easiest way to conduct a price comparison is by visiting your local concrete supplier.

· Consistency Has To Be Maintained

You have to add water with dry cement for every batch. It becomes a challenge for construction workers to get consistent batches and complete concrete work to the highest standards. If you are undertaking a project where you have to maintain a specific concrete texture (also known as a concrete slump test), opt for ready mix concrete. Renowned suppliers of ready mix concrete in Bromley use advanced scales and equipment while making large batches of ready mix concrete with identical consistency. You will get concrete of consistent quality even if you require several batches.

·   Time Is Vital

Everyone in the construction industry is aware of the importance of time, irrespective of the size of your project. Construction workers have to mix dry cement on site before placing the material. They have to open all the bags containing cement and mix water in the right quantity. This made the process very time-consuming. Ready mix concrete, on the other hand, can be delivered to be laid on sites efficiently and without wasting your time and effort. Since you are now aware of the various situations when opting for ready mix concrete becomes necessary, it’s time you start looking for a renowned supplier in Bromley and reap all the benefits offered by this concrete variety.

Hire The Best Concrete Suppliers In Croydon For High-Quality Concrete Work

The focus of every construction worker is always on providing the highest standard of concrete work. If you also want your construction project to be both beautiful and durable, the first thing you need to do is to choose a renowned concrete supplier. They should have years of experience in providing high-quality concrete in Croydon. Since their focus is always on maintaining their reputation, you can stay assured that they will provide quality concrete. Just discuss your concrete needs with them, and they will suggest the best concrete variety which will help construction workers deliver great work.

concrete company Croydon

4 Factors Concrete Suppliers Consider Before Starting Concrete Work

·   Condition Of The Soil

The longevity of a specific structure is mainly dependent on the condition of the ground which it has been constructed. It is advisable to avoid land comprising of clay and fine particles if you don’t want the structure to become vulnerable to cracking. This is because it takes a long time for water to drain in the soil, which increases the water table. If you have to build the structure in such ground, make sure there are at least 2 inches of gravel or engineered soil placed below the concrete slabs.

· Dowel Pins

Dowel rods and dowel pins are generally used in civil constructions and provide a mechanical connection between two slabs without restricting its horizontal movement. Ask the contractors to use them at places where the concrete meets the foundation of your home. This prevents the concrete slab from settling in the foundation which would have otherwise drained water towards your home, flooding the crawl spaces and basements. The rebar mats help in resisting bending forces.

·   Thickness

The thickness of the concrete structure is a vital thing to consider, so stay away from contractors who are too greedy or lazy to pour concrete of sufficient depth. Not only will it harm the durability of the concrete structure, but cracks will develop all over it, and finally it will fail. If you are not sure about the proper thickness, talk with your concrete suppliers in Croydon. Generally, the poured concrete should be around 4 inches thick if you are doing some residential flatwork. You will get good concrete work if its thickness is checked before the slab is poured.

·   Control Joints

The primary task of concrete joints is to create weak points on the surface of the concrete slabs so that cracking occurs inside the joint and not on the surface. This is why they are known by the term control joints and are placed inside the concrete slab. The maximum distance between two joints should be 12 feet in each direction. Just check whether the contractors are cutting the joints to the proper depth.

Since you are now aware of the factors which impact the quality of concrete work, it’s time you start with your construction project.