Okay,…….Concrete – What is the big deal, right?
Of all of the building materials used in the construction industry,
the properties, performance and stability of concrete, is the good start
to a successful building project. Concrete does not rot, corrode, burn
or decay. Pressure, whether excessive and long term, or from blunt
force is concrete’s only adversary.
It takes years of experience of learning about concrete to have the
ability to provide concrete services such as driveways, concrete pavers
and building slabs that meet building code. There is a certain art to
pouring and working with concrete. There are also environmental
considerations to make when making cement and using it. There are
certain inherent qualities of the limestone, shale, sand and iron ore
that directly affect the quality of concrete. If they aren’t mixed and
crush in the proper fashion, the base, cement will be weakened
Concrete is the result of a chemical reaction between these natural
resources, limestone, shale, sand, gypsum, iron ore AND water. There
are specific percentages of each of those elements used to create the
concrete used in building highways, residential new construction, pools,
accessory buildings, such as garages and agriculture barns
When the concrete base (powder cement) is mixed with water, hydration
begins. The cement bonds with the water. As the water evaporates, the
concrete hardens. If there is too much water, the concrete weakens. If
it is finished poorly but the tradesman, it will be susceptible to
cracking. Not enough water causes the cement mix to harden at a quicker
rate, leaving holes and uneven areas that will crumble over time.
There are additives used, called admixtures that tradesman use to either
speed up or slow down the hardening process. Weather has a dramatic
effect on the building industry. When the temperature drops, the bond
between the cement and the water changes. This is also true when
temperatures are high. When temperatures are low, accelerants are used.
If the temperatures drop below 36 degrees for even a few hours, there
could be uneven distribution and either the strength or performance will
suffer.
The abilities of your building construction craftsman and tradesman
to manipulate a concrete pour is the final and perhaps most important
part in a successful building project. Building contractors come in
many shapes and sizes. Successful builders are most often those with
the most experience. It takes years to master the art of concrete, as
well as other building contractors services. Look for longevity and you
will have a successful building experience and when considering a
garage in Hampton Roads (Williamsburg, Newport News, Yorktown, Poquoson)
reach out to H.W. Enterprises, Inc.