Top 5 Myths About Concrete
Concrete is a strong and versatile material widely used in various construction projects, ranging from a walkway or patio to residential and commercial buildings. While it is impossible to imagine our life without concrete, many people know very little about concrete. As a result, there are several myths and misconceptions about concrete material and concrete companies in Calgary.
So, in this guide, we will discuss a few facts and myths about concrete. Without ado, let’s get started.
What are the common myths about concrete?
Concrete is always a gray color: While the most popular concrete color is gray, you can add mineral colors and blend it with the concrete mixture to change its color. However, colored concrete tends to be relatively expensive as it requires extra ingredients to get a different color.
Use acid to strip a concrete sealant: There are instances when you have to remove the old, faded, and worn-out sealant from the surface. However, it is the most tedious task. So, many people use acid to remove the concrete sealant, but they don’t understand that acid can deteriorate and damage the concrete. So, next time when you have to remove the sealant, make sure either you use sealant stripper solvent or hire the best concrete companies in Calgary to do the job.
Concrete and cement both are the same: Many people use concrete and cement interchangeably. However, cement is an ingredient that is added to the concrete mixture. Apart from cement, the concrete has other ingredients, including water, aggregates like sand and gravel, paste, and additives. Also, the amount of cement may vary in the concrete mixture, depending on the application.
High compressive strength makes more durable concrete: The compressive strength of concrete may vary from 2500 psi to 10000 psi. Many people think the higher the compressive strength, the more durable the concrete mix is. However, this is not true. The durability of the concrete mix also depends on the other elements, including freeze-thaw cycles or sulfate reactions. So, if you want to enhance the durability of your concrete, try to reduce its permeability.
Concrete is impermeable: Since concrete is porous in nature, it needs water to gain strength. So, no matter how dense the concrete is, it will allow water to pass through it. However, how long it will take to penetrate the material depends on the density. The denser the material is, the more time it will take to pass through the concrete. So, you can’t estimate the drying time of concrete accurately.
The Bottom Line
While these are the myths that you should be aware of, there are many more, including you can lay concrete any time of year, adding water is the only way to enhance the slump of the mix, reinforced concrete won’t crack, etc.
The right concrete contractors in Calgary will know these myths and always suggest you the right advice. We hope this will help you interview various concrete companies in Calgary and choose the right option.
