There are many instances where the terms concrete and cement are used to refer to the same things, when they are in fact, very much different. However, because concrete cannot come into existence without cement, they can be confused with each other. More so, we often see that most concrete is gray, and with this, the powdery material that is cement alone is also gray. To make it simpler, cement is a type of adhesive or binding material that is a major component of concrete. As they are often used together, they can be confused a lot in this manner.

Yes, concrete is not limited to just one type. There can be various ones made and produced just by the simple modification of the amounts of the components present in it. For example, there may be a circumstance when it is necessary to have more rock present in the mix to have more compressive strength. This results in a whole new type of concrete. To balance out the proportions, you will lessen something to make room for what will be added in another aspect. It takes much expertise, however, to know exactly how to make these specific kinds of concrete.

In our experience, we know that most people need a concrete contractor to help them manage their property construction. Whether you are going to have a development in the setting of residential properties or in a commercial one, and even in the making of public properties, it is important that professionals handle the work. Otherwise, you run the risk of making a lot of errors in the process. If you are to get a concrete contractor, be sure to partner with one that has ample experience in the service that you need. Make no compromises and make sure that you work with the best.

No, concrete will not set very well if the day of its pouring has coincided with a heavy downpour. Hence, at our company, we try as much as possible to make sure that all we avoid this by informed scheduling. In the worst-case scenario, we have waterproof tarps ready that can protect your concrete so that the damage can be mitigated. The reason why having concrete set in the rain is not ideal is because it adds a drastic amount of volume beyond what was measured. This can permanently alter the concrete, increasing its volume and increasing the risk for early cracking.

Yes, it can be painted. Putting paint on concrete is among the best and most practical options that you have for adding a little bit of color to it. This is a very simple technique, and it will not require much special considerations. But you have to remember that it will not be right to use just any kind of paint for a project that will involve concrete. It will always be most ideal to use masonry paint or elastomeric paint since this has been specially formulated to work with concrete. This is best used with a brush or roller.

The cracking of concrete can be attributed to more than just one reason. The one that we will mostly think about is the direct damage on concrete that can be induced by anything mechanical. However, in studies, this is just a minor aspect of why concrete cracks. The ones with the most drastic effects are those that involve mistakes that have happened when the concrete is just being prepared. Hence, if your concrete easily cracked within a few months from having it poured, you can expect that the mistake may have been from errors committed in making the mix proportions and the like.

It will take an average of 7 days before the newly poured concrete will set to about 90% of its expected strength and hardness. Therefore, it will be safer if you can wait a little longer than this before you start driving on it. At our company, we recommend giving it at least 10 days to cure properly. Otherwise, it can change drastically because of the stresses that driving on it can have when it is not yet set well. While you can drive on it at this time, you are expected not to park on it yet until after a month.

You can use a concrete sealer applied upon the surface of your concrete as an added layer of protection. This can serve as a guard against minor surface scratches, wear, and even chemical spills. You can easily buy these from any of your local hardware shops. Check the labels and you may find acrylic, polyurethane, or epoxy used as the main ingredient. Acrylic is something that we recommend since it can provide a good level. Even if you just reapply this every 2 to 5 years, it can offer a great level of protection, so it will be a wise decision to use it.

Yes, like many things, concrete is something that can be affected by the weather. One factor from the weather is the temperature. In general, it is not advisable to hold a concrete pouring project in the middle of winter. Why, you ask? This is because the very cold temperature can cause the mixture of concrete to freeze instead of curing. Concrete that has been frozen cannot be used anymore. Another problem that we encounter often is rain. Rain would be adding too much volume in the concrete mix, and this will be beyond what is right for the concrete mix.