If you're like most people, you're familiar with concrete as a material. It's incredibly versatile and durable enough to survive all kinds of uses. For thousands of years, we've used concrete in construction due to its strength and ability to be molded into various shapes. Let's look at what makes concrete supply so strong and long-lasting.

The Ingredients Matter

Concrete, rather simply, is made up of three basic ingredients: cement, aggregates like sand and gravel, and water. That said, it's the specific proportions and quality of these components that give concrete its durability. In our experience, modern concrete uses Portland cement, which hardens through a chemical reaction and bonds the other ingredients together into a stony, monolithic material. The aggregates need to be clean, hard, and properly graded for maximum strength. The water initiates the chemical reaction and keeps the concrete mixture workable.

Proper Mixing and Placement

In addition to using high quality ingredients, it's essential that the concrete be thoroughly mixed and properly placed. Thorough mixing ensures the cement hydrates completely and creates a uniform product. Proper placement eliminates weak spots and helps prevent cracks. The concrete should be transported, poured, consolidated, and cured under the right conditions to reach its maximum potential strength. Experienced concrete supply companies understand these factors that lead to durable, long-life concrete.

Strength Over Time

One of the key factors in concrete's durability is that it continues to gain strength over time, unlike other building materials. According to the manufacturing experts at ACM Chemistries, concrete has hit approximately 90% of its final strength after four weeks. However, due to the conversion of calcium hydroxide into calcium carbonate and the absorption of carbon dioxide over time, it continues to strengthen for decades.

Quality Maintenance

Of course, proper maintenance will maximize your concrete's lifespan. Regular cleaning, sealing, and repair of cracks and spills can keep your concrete looking great and prevent larger deterioration issues. In our experience, quality concrete supply can easily last over 100 years with periodic upkeep and repair. This makes it a solid, long-term investment for any construction project.

When made correctly with quality ingredients, proper mixing and placement, and routine maintenance, concrete is an incredibly durable building material that will provide lasting performance for decades to come. That's what makes concrete supply such a smart, resilient choice for all types of construction and building projects. When you need concrete supply services, call Long Island Ready Mix to get started.