There are some things you really need to understand about concrete before starting a project at your home. There area also a few interesting things that are nice to know just in case they come up on a trivia game card one day or you need a unique dinner conversation topic. Here are some of the common and unique questions frequently asked about concrete:
• Don’t you mean cement? No, these two terms are not interchangeable. Cement is one of the ingredients used when making concrete. If you were given flour when you asked for a cake, you would quickly grasp the difference between an ingredient (cement) and final product (concrete). Don’t feel bad though as that slipup happens even on television shows about home improvements or when people refer to a concrete mixer as a cement mixer or a concrete sidewalk as a cement sidewalk.
• Can concrete be poured right on the ground without any preparation? Sure, if you want an unstable slab that isn’t properly supported. If you want good results, you should remove the topsoil and other organic matter and be sure the subgrade is properly prepared to provide uniform support for your slab.
• What is the least amount of concrete I can get delivered? This is a question for your concrete delivery company. Some won’t deliver under a certain amount, where others will but have a minimum load charge.
• Is there a time limit for unloading the truck? Because concrete is a perishable product, you will have a maximum amount of time to unload the truck at your job site. Your concrete delivery company may have their own requirements, but a good rule of thumb is to allow yourself no more than 10 minutes per yard. Going over will usually result in extra charges so be sure you are ready for the delivery and have a plan in place for unloading promptly.
• Will concrete harden under water? Concrete will harden even if totally submerged, although it can be more challenging if there is water movement. Additives are sometimes used to avoid segregating and improve plasticity.
• Is concrete recyclable? There are uses for old concrete as long as it is free of contaminants. For example, the crushed material can be used as the dry aggregate in new concrete or it can be broken up in place to use as the base layer for asphalt.
At Flesherton Concrete Products, we are committed to providing you with the highest quality concrete needed for a variety of project types. Our customer-centred service and aggregate variety will make sure your project goes as planned.