CONCRETE AND CEMENT – THE most widely used building material in the world, concrete structures have withstood the test of time for more than 2,000 years.

When we think of concrete and cement, so many of us think of cold , hard, gray, utilitarian surfaces. I’m here to change that perception. Before we get started, it’s important to have some very basic knowledge of this incredibly versatile building material.

“Although the terms cement and concrete often are used interchangeably, cement is actually an ingredient of concrete. Concrete is basically a mixture of aggregates and paste. The aggregates are sand and gravel or crushed stone; the paste is water and portland cement. Concrete gets stronger as it gets older. Portland cement is not a brand name, but the generic term for the type of cement used in virtually all concrete, just as stainless is a type of steel and sterling a type of silver. Cement comprises from 10 to 15 percent of the concrete mix, by volume. Through a process called hydration, the cement and water harden and bind the aggregates into a rocklike mass. This hardening process continues for years meaning that concrete gets stronger as it gets older.”

(source :Portland cement association)

Now that we have that out of the way, let’s discuss why concrete is one of the most versatile building materials we can work with. Why is concrete better?

Concrete outperforms wood as a construction material, and won't burden building owners with constant repair and maintenance costs. Versatile, long-lasting and durable, concrete is a cost-effective, sustainable choice for both residential and commercial buildings.

DURABLE:
Concrete, is built to last.  It is a building material that gains strength over time. Concrete's 100-year service life conserves resources by reducing the need for reconstruction. Concrete resists weathering, erosion and natural disasters, needs few repairs and little maintenance. This adds up to a solid investment.
ECONOMICAL:
Operational energy requirements typically represent 85% of the total energy a building uses over its service life. Concrete provides one of the most efficient and cost-effective means of constructing energy-efficient structures.
A sustainable concrete building can yield life cycle savings of more than 20% of total construction cost. Much of the savings come from concrete's thermal mass, which can harvest natural energy sources such as the sun, and can also capture thermal energy from lighting fixtures and other equipment in the building.

Optimal energy performance with concrete

When combined with active radiant heating and cooling systems, the thermal mass of a concrete structure can reduce heating and cooling energy requirements by 29% and more.
SAFE:
Concrete is safe, secure and healthy for building occupants.
Concrete does not burn, feed rot or mildew, or off-gas VOCs (volatile organic compounds). Concrete helps prevent the entry of pollen, dust and other airborne pollutants.
Concrete adds protection against earthquakes, severe weather and provides superior protection against the effects of outdoor temperature swings. The benefits of thermal mass means, a draft-free interior environment and consistent room temperatures year-round.
SUSTAINABLE:
Concrete's long lifespan helps make it the most responsible choice for a sustainable future. Environmentally-conscious builders look for durable building materials that leave the smallest environmental footprint.

Recycling is present from start to finish in concrete’s life cycle. Reclaimed concrete is recyclable and serves as aggregate in roadbeds or as granular material in new concrete. A portion of  the waste and industrial by-products that would end up in landfills, are used in the cement kiln or can be added to concrete mixes to provide desirable characteristics.

This is the big one!

Concrete is 100% customizable. The best analogy to describe the versatility, is concrete to a builder, designer, architect, artist or homeowner, is like a canvas to a painter. Just add imagination and creativity to give it a unique one-of-a-kind look.

The possibilities and options are practically limitless. We will continue to explore and update the newest innovations in concrete from coloring to various resurfacing techniques.

The pictures below show how a simple stain can completely transform the look of a front walkway.

This is just the tip of the iceberg.  Dull, gray, lifeless surfaces can go far beyond functional and become beautiful showpieces. All that is needed is vision and creativity to achieve. The options available to rejuvenate and resurface concrete are almost limitless. One is only limited by their imagination.

“DON’T DEMOLISH – RESURFACE AND REFURBISH”

www.universalsurfacesolutions.com

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