We can explain why a cost analysis favors concrete, as opposed to asphalt, for both driveways and sidewalks. While concrete is initially more expensive, it lasts much longer and has minimal maintenance costs.
Modern scientific advancements in product development have led to the creation of additives that can be mixed with concrete to allow foundations to be poured and cure properly even under adverse weather conditions.
Our modern precast concrete owes its gray color to the Portland cement that holds it together. This blend of cement material was invented in 1824 by Joseph Aspdin. It gets its name from having a color similar to stone from the Isle of Portland in England.
Before the invention of Portland cement, numerous ingredients were used in cement mixtures over the centuries with greater or lesser success. Here are some that may surprise you: horsehair, dung, straw and blood.
Cement may look like powdered gray rock, but it’s actually the result of a complicated process. Raw ingredients like limestone and clay are crushed, then run through a kiln at 2,700 degrees Fahrenheit. The result is ground up, then mixed with limestone and gypsum to produce the fine powder.
Essentially, in building construction today there are three types of foundations. These are: basement foundations, crawl space or raised foundations (usually allowing 2 feet of space), and slab foundations (poured directly onto the ground).
When you take pride in your landscaping, few things can look worse than a few rogue weeds growing up through cracks in your driveway or foundation. If you need quick concrete repairs to keep the weeds from taking over, we’re always here for you.
Plumbing leaks or faulty sprinkler systems can put too much water into the soil near the house, which raises the moisture level of the foundation.
In areas with ice and snow, avoid using de-icers, especially with new concrete. De-icers contain chemicals that can deteriorate concrete. Shoveling is often the best option, but, if you need to put down something, sand is your safe bet.
Concrete curbs are very important to the actualization of a parking lot or roadway. In fact, concrete curbs are the very element that defines the edges of a parking lot! They also serve another vital use: they help retain parking lots on inclines.
