Concrete is a constant companion in urban settings, familiar enough that you may never have considered where it comes from or how it is made. Miller's Ready Mix Concrete & Block, the most trusted and experienced concrete supplier in Gloversville, NY, explains the concrete manufacturing process below so you can better appreciate how the material impacts your daily life. Miller's Ready Mix Concrete & Block offers a comprehensive inventory of aggregates, concrete block, pre-cast concrete in standard and custom shapes, and Redi-Rock retaining walls.

Manufacturing concrete requires the following:

• The Right Ingredients: The right mixture and proportions of ingredients are the keys to quality concrete. The mix should contain 10% to 15% cement, 15% to 20% water, and 60% to 75% aggregate. The aggregate should contain both fine and coarse materials, such as sand, rubble, and rocks. Most drinkable water that does not contain high levels of chlorides, sulfates, alkalis, or solids can be used.
• The Right Proportions: Cement and water form a paste that coats the aggregate materials. A greater paste-to-aggregate ratio makes the concrete smoother and easier to lay, but it is more expensive and more prone to cracking. The water-to-cement ratio determines the strength of the paste. The highest-quality concrete reduces the water-to-cement ratio as much as possible without making the material impossible to work with.
• Hydration: Once the materials are combined, a chemical process called "hydration" begins, and the mixture starts hardening. The concrete is allowed to stand until the surface moisture evaporates, and then it is poured into forms or concrete block molds and troweled smooth.
• Curing: Concrete is cured by applying water vapor or damp burlap or cotton mats. This allows the hydration process to continue until the material has hardened completely.

Miller's Ready Mix Concrete & Block, the premier concrete supplier in Gloversville, is happy to deliver your purchases, even on Saturdays. They create custom fill mixtures to meet your needs, no matter how big or small your job is. To learn more, visit their website, or call (518) 661-5601 to speak with a friendly, knowledgeable professional today.