Whether you are a contractor or a homeowner, quality building materials are a must for any construction project. This is especially true when it comes to concrete. In Gloversville, NY, Miller's Ready Mix Concrete & Block is the area’s leading concrete supplier, and they deliver a wide selection of products to customers in upstate New York. According to their team, the key to a successful building project is building a thorough knowledge of the materials you’re using.

To that end, they offer the following list of answers to frequently asked questions about this essential building material.

What Are the Differences Between Concrete & Cement?

Many people use the terms cement and concrete interchangeably, but they are inherently different. Cement is used in the making of concrete, and is made up of shale, limestone, iron ore, and clay. Concrete is comprised of a water and cement paste mixed with aggregates like crushed stone, gravel, and sand.

How Can You Control the Strength of Your Concrete?

The strength of the concrete you pour is determined by the amount of cement you use. Simply put, the greater the ratio of cement in your water-cement mix, the stronger the concrete. This ratio needs to be monitored closely, however, because too little water will dry out your concrete, which leads to cracking.

What Are Good Proportions for a Concrete Mix?

Your concrete mix depends on the job at hand. A good rule of thumb when mixing concrete is to use six bags of cement per cubic yard. A maximum of six gallons of water should be used per cement bag. Make sure to keep the concrete mix moist through a process known as curing for at least six days prior to pouring.

When you’re taking on a construction project, you need to have access to quality materials as soon as possible. Luckily, you can rely on the professionals at Miller's Ready Mix Concrete & Block for all your concrete delivery and masonry supply needs. Call them at (518)661-5601 or visit them online to learn about their complete inventory.