Concrete
In terms of strength and versatility, concrete is second to none. From concrete installation to repair of existing surfaces, GetPro Construction is here provide top quality service
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What is Concrete?
To break it down simply, concrete or cement is just a mixture of paste and aggregates or fillers like rocks or pebbles.The paste is made from cement powder and water. The cement powder that makes the paste on the other hand, is a heated fusion of ground limestone mixed together with clay. This mixture hardens over time which forms the material we are all familiar with.
How Strong is Concrete?
There are actually grades that pertain to the strength to the concrete itself during construction. These are derived based on the mix ratio of water, cement powder, and its aggregates. Here’s a simple chart that denotes the grade (MPa) and overall strength (PSI)
How To Make Concrete
As we have already mentioned, concrete is just a mixture of cement powder, water, and aggregates. However, there are two types of concrete mixes which are commonly known as the nominal mix and the design mix.
Nominal Mix – is the most commonly seen type of concrete as it is the one mostly used for normal construction works like residential or commercial buildings. Nominal mixes are around the 1:2:4 mix proportion.
Design Mix – are the mixtures that have their proportions determined and finalized during various laboratory tests. This process is also referred to as mix design cause they are essential conducted to find the best suitable mix based on locally available materials in your area so as to attain the desired structural strength.
How To Mix Concrete?
There are 2 ways to mix concrete. One is the traditional hand mixing while the other one is machine mixing. Hand mixing is more practical for smaller scale projects since you only mix the exact amount of concrete mixture that you need.
Machine mixing – as the name implies, use a variety of machines that are meant to mix tons of concrete mixture all at the same time to maximize the amount of mixture you get in a short period of time. Here’s some machines that are most commonly used for machine mixing:
How Long Does Concrete Last?
Depending on the mixture, large projects like buildings or big houses should have concrete that can last around 30 to 100 years based on several factors and heavily influenced by the construction style and method of installation. Natural wear and tear contributes too and harsh weather conditions coupled with earthquakes will definitely shorten its lifespan. With that said, concrete will last for decades and their ability to preserve structural integrity is really second to none.
When Should You Replace Concrete?
Concrete doesn’t last forever especially when pitted against natural forces like earthquakes. Some of the signs that you need to watch out for are listed below. If you see these signs on your concrete, it might be high time to call GetPro Construction for an estimate and assessment of the project. We give you multiple options for you to choose from and we also work around your budget to avoid over spending.
- Multiple Cracks
- Potholes
- Surface damage and crumbling
- Concrete has sunken down
- Water gets underneath the concrete
Just a note, rodents can burrow under concrete causing it to lose the support of the surface that it is put on which can lead to the entire surface sinking down. Same thing with water, liquid penetration will erode the ground that supports the concrete slab which is a high risk danger if not taken care of properly.
What Type of Weather Should Concrete be Installed in?
Warm weather is the best time to pour in a new mix of concrete on any surface. Cold Weather is generally a bad time to install a new mix but it is not impossible if it’s done right and you have the right equipment. This is a very important step because unless you want to put up a tent above the new concrete mixture and install some sort of heater to make sure it dries properly, we highly suggest entailing the help of GetPro Construction so real professionals can tackle the job. If it’s too cold that the ground is frozen or has ice on it, do not pour concrete. The temperature will set the concrete so much slower and it is critical for the mixture to settle properly before being exposed to extreme freezing temperatures.
Interior/Exterior Renovations, Maintenance Repairs and Insurance Restoration Specialists in Southeast Michigan – Licensed & Insured
We pride ourselves in providing clients with large renovations to small maintenance/handyman repairs in:
- Roofing
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- Concrete
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Working with our TEAM of professionals at GetPro Construction, assures you that your project is going to be completed professionally, with competitive prices in a timely manner. We offer free estimates for all larger projects and work on a time & material basis for maintenance repairs and emergency repairs.
