Cement may seem like an unromantic material to use in home construction, but it's actually pretty remarkable. For instance, concrete has four to eight times the insulating capability of wood. For energy conservation and efficiency, it's a homeowner's best friend.
Different types of concrete are categorized according to their method of installation. Ready or premixed concrete is batched and mixed at a central plant before being delivered to a site, while shrink-mixed concrete is partially mixed at the central plant and the mixing is then completed en route to the site.
One great, and inexpensive, way to up-grade your pool is to pour a concrete patio. By using a stamping process, you can give it the look of hand-laid brick. We offer free consultations and estimates.
One thing you need to remember to do to prepare for the concrete edging team is to preplan the outline of the bed prior to their arrival. This can be done either with a simple garden hose or marking it with paint.
Did you know that concrete is used twice as much as any other modern-day construction building material? This is astounding when you take into account all of the wood and wooden beams, bricks, steel beams bars and sheets, glass, stone, foam, and plastic also in use.
Water is the enemy of all foundations, regardless of material or construction method. In pier and beam foundations, it’s important to properly grade the soil to prevent moisture accumulation in the crawlspace under the house.
Copper piping can react with concrete in a foundation over a long period of time, causing a slab leak. Signs of a slab leak can include damp spots on flooring, drops in water pressure when using a faucet, and discoloration from water on the exterior foundation walls.
Cement is not concrete--it’s more akin to flour that is used in making a cake. It is vital as an ingredient in concrete, but it is only part of the whole picture. Romans added horse hair to their concrete mixes in order to resolve the problem of shrinking.
Essentially, the choice of a foundation type for your home or building is going to partly depend on the soil type at the construction site. Homes built on poor soil conditions will require a deeper foundation than those where the soil is stable.
Did you know that pre-cast concrete is integral for the construction of roads, bridges, railways, and runways? Because of the structural integrity and the mold options, the concrete is commonly used for transportation sites.
Concrete has a very high compressive strength that can have added tensile strength when reinforced materials such as steel are added. In fact, the concrete that Romans used was as strong in compressive tests as modern concrete is, but it lacked tensile strength that new reinforced concrete has developed.
Do wood and concrete function well together? If you guessed no, you're right. Since concrete can be corrosive to wood over time, these two ingredients are not typically considered compatible for long term applications.
For some home foundation jobs, a concrete pump may be needed. This happens when the construction site environment is such that a cement mixer cannot be brought in.
Did you know that not all concrete blocks necessarily have to look like plain concrete blocks? If you’re looking for something a little more decorative to use with your home’s landscaping, we may have the right style of blocks for your needs.
Concrete curbs and gutters are used to direct water runoff toward catch basins. Concrete curbs and gutters can also be designed in the form of a ramp known as a roll curb. Most homebuilders prefer roll curbs because they combine efficiency with cost effectiveness.
Before selecting a foundation company, review their work online and check for customer feedback. Visit the Better Business Bureau website or other sites that post reviews.
Most utility structures, such as electrical, gas, communications, and steam systems, use pre-cast concrete molds. The pre-cast concrete protects the vital controls and connections that are used for the distribution of the utilities.
Concrete has an ancient history that reaches all the way back to the Roman Empire, and many of the works still stand today.There is also a great deal of evidence to show that Ancient Egyptians used concrete in their constructions around 3000 BC.
When concrete begins to deteriorate, it will often produce a fine, powdery material visible on its surface. What is the presence of this distinctive material called? If you guessed chalking, you're right.
Wire mesh, rebar, welded wire, and other products are used in the concrete process to control cracking and associated deterioration. However, proper subgrade support and joint spacing are just as important in controlling these processes.
During foundation construction, expansive soils are often removed and replaced with non-expansive fill. However, this may not be practical if the soil runs too deep beneath the surface. Pre-wetting the soil before building is also a common measure.
If you are having a driveway installed, double check your property lines before work begins. Many homeowners have accidentally crossed boundaries and end up having to remove sections of their new driveway which is time consuming and costly.
Concrete curbing is more durable than plastic, metal, or wood. Unlike these other products, it will not rot, rust, or become brittle. In addition, it easily adapts to the demands of the landscape.
If you will be installing radiant heat in the new concrete floor, the slab must be insulated; if not, the system will not provide the heat expected and the project may have to be abandoned or torn out and a new slab poured.