Have you ever walked along a concrete sidewalk and found yourself annoyed by the echoing of your footsteps? The sound comes from concrete that transmits sound very well. Features like this, along with high heat retention and resistance to mold and mildew, make concrete an excellent building material.
There are many types of concrete that you can use for different projects. This guide will show you the different types and help you pick which will be right for your project.
Read on!
Plain Concrete
Plain concrete is a popular construction material used in projects such as foundations, sidewalks, and patios. Plain concrete is made from cement, fine and coarse aggregate along with water. In its most basic form, it is a simple mixture of these ingredients without the addition of any other ingredients or chemical modifications.
It is workable, easily placed, and holds its shape when it hardens. Plain concrete can be purchased in various forms, such as ready-mix concrete, precast concrete, and shotcrete.
Decorative Concrete
Decorative concrete is a fast-growing trend in the construction industry. It offers limitless possibilities for creating beautiful and unique surfaces. Concrete can be dyed, textured, stenciled, and stamped to give a finished surface a distinctive and decorative look.
Stamping is the most popular option for creating decorative concrete surfaces. There are a variety of stamped designs available, from traditional flagstones to intricate designs.
Read about concrete stamping here to learn more about how you can use it for home renovations.
Polymer Concrete
Polymer concrete is a type of concrete that contains fillers made of a polymer and a cementitious matrix. Poly fillers replace a portion or all of the cement typically used in traditional concrete. Because it is made with a polymer binder, it offers enhanced wear and tear resistance, improved adhesion, and greater strength.
It also includes better flexibility than conventional concrete. Various types of polymer concrete vary in terms of their properties and use.
Reinforced Concrete
Reinforced concrete is a type of concrete that has been reinforced with steel or a combination of steel and other metal or non-metal materials. It is widely used for building and construction projects due to its strength and durability.
There are several types of reinforced concrete, which are used in different contexts and for different purposes.
Prestressed concrete is a good choice for structural elements where higher-than-normal stress and strain levels are anticipated. This is one of the best concrete options for bridges and long spans.
Normal Strength Concrete
Normal Strength Concrete (NSC) is one of the most versatile and common types of concrete used in construction. NSC is a combination of portland cement, sand, gravel, and other aggregates, water, and admixtures. This results in a strong and durable concrete mix.
It has a range of uses, including foundations, walls, driveways, sidewalks, and paving applications. NSC is also often used as a base for more specialized concrete mixtures. This includes high-strength mixes and colored concrete.
Choose the Right Types of Concrete for Your Home Renovations
Concrete is a versatile and reliable building material that has many uses and variations. With knowledge about the different types of concrete, you will be able to decide which type is best for your project and budget.
However, make sure to be extra careful when pouring concrete to avoid mistakes. Be sure to consult a professional to make the best decision for your project. Start your project today!
