TOP CONCREATE CONTRACTOR

Although the terms cement and concrete often are used interchangeably, cement is actually an ingredient of concrete. Concrete is a mixture of aggregates and paste. The aggregates are sand and gravel or crushed stone; the paste is water and Portland cement. Cement comprises from 10 to 15 percent of the concrete mix, by volume. Through a process called hydration, the cement and water harden and bind the aggregates into a rocklike mass. This hardening process continues for years meaning that concrete gets stronger as it gets older. Portland cement is not a brand name, but the generic term for the type of cement used in virtually all concrete, just as stainless is a type of steel and sterling a type of silver. Therefore, there is no such thing as a cement sidewalk, or a cememixer; the proper terms are concrete sidewalk and concrete mixer.

Color may be added to concrete by adding pigments-before or after concrete is place-and using white cement rather than conventional gray cement, by using chemical stains, or by exposing colorful aggregates at the surface. Textured finishes can vary from a smooth polish to the roughness of gravel. Geometric patterns can be scored, stamped, rolled, or inlaid into the concrete to resemble stone, brick or tile paving. Other interesting patterns are obtained by using divider strips (commonly redwood) to form panels of various sizes and shapes ­ rectangular, square, circular or diamond. Special techniques are available to make concrete slip-resistant and sparkling.

The solution is to put reinforced concrete permanently into compression by prestressing it (also called pretensioning). Use rebar for structural reinforcement. Place the rebar vertically and horizontally in 4-foot sections creating a grid pattern. Or using fiber mesh or wire mesh preventing cracks from forming. Fibers are much more lightweight and tend to stay in position better. Fiber mesh tends to be less expensive and requires far less labor to install. By using the rebar and the fiber mesh you build an effective support system to reinforce your concrete project

Concrete that freezes at an early age can lose much of its overall strength. Done properly, concrete poured in cool weather is actually stronger than concrete poured in hot weather, thanks to the slow curing period. When outdoor temperatures are below 20 degrees Fahrenheit, it is best to simply abandon the idea of pouring concrete. Admixes such as water reducers or accelerators can be added to concrete to combat potential issues. With those additions, the only times’ that are not recommended are when it is raining or freezing temperatures.