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Concrete is a common construction material, but it’s frequently confused with cement. You might see concrete contractors use this popular mix while on a work site or when building roads and homes. Cement is just a portion of the mix that goes into building roads and homes. If you’re wondering what makes up this common material, here’s a quick guide. 

How Is Concrete Made?

Concrete is made from three ingredients—portland cement, water, and an aggregate like rocks, sand, or gravel. It has to undergo a chemical reaction to harden and create sturdy sidewalks, roads, and building foundations. Concrete contractors combine various amounts of the three main components to create different mixes based on what the project requires. 

When water and cement mix with aggregates, a chemical reaction called hydration occurs. This creates a wet paste that quickly dries, hardens, and gains strength. If you’re looking for a high-quality mix, remember that the best combinations have a lower water-cement ratio. 

Why Is It a Good Building Material? 

concrete-contractors-OKConcrete starts off wet and malleable but quickly dries and hardens, making it the perfect material to use for road and foundations. It’s easy to work with and can be placed in any shape.

Concrete contractors prefer to work with this mix because it’s durable and can last for 100 years or more—if taken care of properly. For example, t’s the perfect material to protect a structure from severe weather or earthquakes. It also doesn’t have any properties that feed mold and mildew, and it can prevent pollen, dust, and other airborne pollutants from passing through. 

What Are Its Common Uses?

Concrete is a common material to use for roads, home foundations, buildings, patios, and entertainment stages. It’s also used for kilns or burning chambers since it doesn’t burn and is resistant to heat. Government bodies turn to concrete when building bridges over large bodies of water and dams to help stop the flow of water.

Some states and cities still use concrete pipes and drains for city water supplies as well. This can be beneficial since it doesn’t rust and can hold thousands of gallons of water at a time. Its many potential applications make it the perfect building material. 

 

The concrete contractors at Melvin Hubbard Concrete Construction of Broken Arrow, OK, specialize in new concrete work as well as repairing existing structures. For more than 15 years, they have been serving businesses and homeowners with professional concrete services. To see how they can help, call (918) 857-1163, or visit them online for more on their offerings.  

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