The same thing probably comes to mind when we say cement and concrete, but these things are different. Cement is one the components of concrete. It is composed of ground stuff from lime and clay, which results in a powdery consistency. Concrete is produced when cement is mixed with other materials like sand, aggregates like stone or gravel, and water. A reaction happens between water and cement. The reaction and process will result in the formation of a paste which holds all the other components together. The result is the hard rock-like mass which is what we know as concrete.

Yes, there is more than one kind of concrete. Modifications in the amount and proportions of the components of concrete can be made to produce concrete with varying characteristics. Depending on the proportions, concrete types can differ in terms of workability, hardness, strength, and durability. There are also special kinds of concrete which are made to be more environment friendly. An example is a concrete that is pervious to water to allow drainage of it into the subsoil. At the end of the day, the secret to producing a strong and durable concrete relies on the precise proportions of ingredients and their proper mixing.

You probably do. Working with concrete is not as simple as it looks. Without proper knowledge on the basics of concrete as well as the techniques of handling it, many mistakes can happen. Projects that involve concrete would necessitate the skills with basic tools like saws, chalk lines, hammers, and meters, as well as of more specialized tool used to work with concrete. Moreover, other activities that are necessary for many concrete projects like subgrade preparation and excavation are not minor things that can be accomplished by people without experience and proper equipment. Hence, you most likely need a concrete contractor.

You may think that rainwater may be good for the concrete since water itself is an ingredient of concrete. Water in proper amounts and mixing hydrates the concrete and allows it to gain strength. However, water from pouring rain can be damaging for your concrete. The rain may affect the strength of the concrete that is yet to form. Therefore, there is more risk of scaling, dusting, and cracking in the future. It will be advisable to postpone pouring concrete for a large project if you are anticipating rain. Your contractor will be ready to cover the area with a tarp just in case.

Yes, concrete can be painted. It is possible to add a distinct pop of color to your concrete structures by using paint. Among the best choice for painting concrete is masonry paint, which is also known as elastomeric paint. It has special components like binders which contract and expand with concrete. Ideally, masonry paint should be used and applied with a high-capacity roller or a texture roller. Compared to exterior paint, masonry paint can offer be more tinted and with a much thicker consistency. It may not be advisable to use sprayers for masonry paint since in can clog the air sprays with its particles of special components.

There may be multiple reasons why concrete cracks. Most of the causes of the cracking of concrete can be attributed to missteps when the structure was being constructed. For example, having too much water in the concrete mix can compromise the strength of concrete. The primary reason why concrete cracks can be attributed to shrinking, which is part of the drying process. However, if there is excess water in the mixture, the shrinkage will be greater. The pulling forces of the shrinkage can cause the pulling apart of the concrete quality. Hence the amount of water in the mix plays a very important role.

Do not drive your vehicle on your driveway until about 10 days after pouring. Even if the concrete may seem hard right after pouring, it will remain to be vulnerable to changes and damages for the first four weeks after. You should also not walk on it during the first 24 hours after. Even pets should be kept away during this period. One week after the pouring, concrete typically already has 90% of its strength. However, if you have a heavier vehicle or if you are planning to park on your driveway, it is better to wait for at least 30 days.

Concrete sealer or sealant is a substance composed of any penetrating resin, polyurethane, or epoxy. There are many types of sealants available on the market. Because it is very inexpensive, acrylic sealants are the most popular choice among property owners. If you want to prevent deterioration and degradation of your concrete floor, it will be a wise choice to seal your floor. It is advisable to do this once every 2-5 years. Periodic sealing will help protect your concrete floors from water damage, wear and tear, and chemical spills. Sealing is not labor intensive, nor is it costly, but the benefits are immense.

Yes, the weather can affect the concrete. Most of the time, it is the temperature that has the most intense effects on concrete. At high temperatures, the rate of heating and the type and stability of aggregate can affect the behavior of the concrete. There are also several challenges that can be faced by concrete in cold weather. At freezing temperature points, loss of heat in the time between heating and pouring can be detrimental to the structure. If the concrete freezes before it has properly hardened, it can lose much of its expected strength. This damage will be irreversible.