Concrete is the favorite building material of most builders and contractors as it offers them everything they look for in construction materials. It provides more advantages than wood and steel, from strength and versatility to recyclability. Concrete is also easily accessible, reducing the construction material hunting hassle.
While concrete might not be cheap like wood, it’s more durable and a poor fire conductor. It can also hold up structures with regular water contact. Here are some more reasons why concrete is crucialt in construction:
1. It’s Strong And Long-Lasting
Compared to other building materials, concrete has proved to be among the strongest. For this reason, most real estate developers and contractors prefer concrete over other materials. This material can resist tensile and compressive stress without being affected.
However, it’s vital to note that an adequately graded concrete mixture is sturdier than a poorly graded one. Fortunately, reliable concrete suppliers are ready to supply high-quality ready mixed concrete. That said, commercial concrete contractors have no challenges building solid foundations, buildings, roads, and other structures.
You should also know that concrete strength can be adjusted depending on the structure. All a builder needs to do is to reduce or increase the amount of water, cement, and crushed stones to get the preferred texture.
Besides being robust, concrete can also withstand harsh weather and natural and artificial calamities. It resists rust, fire, abrasion, and erosion. For this reason, it’s nearly impossible to interfere with concrete’s building integrity. Hence, making it last longer than other construction materials.
2. It Promotes Safety
As already stated, concrete is fireproof. Therefore, the chances of concrete structures catching fire are low. Moreover, due to its strength, concrete is less likely to collapse, too. On the other hand, treated concrete doesn’t encourage mold and mildew growth. Hence chances of poor indoor air quality are also low. And since concrete doesn’t emit any smell, it makes the ideal construction material for homeowners with fragrance sensitivity.
3. It’s Versatile
Before hardening, concrete could adapt to every surface, texture, and shape, making them versatile. For example, it can be sprayed, poured, grouted, pumped, or hand-applied. Professional builders can also mimic wood or bricks by molding concrete.
Due to its flexibility, architects prefer using concrete compared to other materials. It provides room for creativity and can be used for any construction project.
4. It’s Cheap
Concrete constructions are durable and require low maintenance. These structures require low operating costs. Generally, concrete structures pay off for many years. Even during disasters, rebuilding or renovating concrete structures is more cost-effective than dealing with structures built with other materials.
Regarding the general construction costs, a concrete structure might be four to eight percent costlier than same-size wood or steel structures. However, considering maintenance costs, concrete structures are way cheaper.
According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), concrete homes attract 25% lower monthly bills. On the other hand, concrete pavements require 30% maintenance compared to asphalt, which requires regular maintenance to prevent early aging.
5. It Can Be Recycled
The importance of using concrete in construction comes to play when reducing waste. It’s easy to produce the exact amount of concrete needed for the job to avoid wastage. Besides, concrete structures can be broken and reused for other construction purposes.
For example, used concrete can be recycled and utilized as the base material for roadbeds, parking lots, or shoreline protection. Concrete can also function as a granular material, reducing waste after building demolition.
6. It’s Better For Underwater Construction
Unlike other building materials, such as steel and wood, concrete is ideal for underwater construction. Concrete’s strength remains unbeatable even after constant water contact, making the material ideal for canal pipelines and other submerged structures. Whether the water that passes through the concrete is fresh or contains harmful minerals such as chloride and sulfate, concrete will still stand firm.
7. It Develops Quiter Buildings
Concrete buildings are ideal for residential houses since they’re quieter than houses built of wood, steel, or glass. Concrete can keep off external noise, making homes peaceful. Builders have and are still proving that concrete has soundproofing ability and is suitable for constructing quiet structures. Concrete can also be the ideal construction material for industrial buildings looking forward to controlling noise.
Conclusion
Every builder or contractor wants to build structures that can stand the test of time. However, for such structures to be built, the involved parties must invest in high-quality building materials that have been proven to last long. Among such materials include concrete. Concrete is robust, fireproof, and can also withstand natural calamities. If you want to obtain the above benefits, consider using concrete in your construction.
That’s a Smart point! Concrete indeed possesses unique qualities that make it an ideal choice for underwater construction. Its inherent strength and durability allow it to withstand constant water contact and remain structurally sound even in submerged conditions. I also love the content from concretesmyrna.com website if you want to checkout!
Concrete is indeed a vital component in construction for numerous reasons. Its strength, durability, and versatility make it an ideal choice for various applications. The ability of concrete to withstand heavy loads, resist weathering, and provide fire resistance makes it indispensable in the construction industry.
Moreover, the thermal properties of concrete, such as its ability to absorb and release heat slowly, contribute to energy efficiency in buildings. The use of concrete in construction also aids in reducing noise transmission, which is particularly crucial in urban environments.
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I couldn’t agree more with this insightful blog! Concrete has an enormous significance in the construction industry. Its durability, versatility, and eco-friendliness make it an irreplaceable building material. From towering skyscrapers to humble sidewalks, concrete forms the foundation of modern civilization. As we strive for sustainable practices, innovations like green concrete show that this essential material can contribute to a greener future. Understanding its importance empowers us to create robust and sustainable structures that withstand the test of time. Let’s keep building a better world with concrete’s solid foundation! I also came across the content from the breaconcrete.com website if you want to check it out!