Myths About Concrete Constructions Busted

Concrete is a strong, versatile material that can be used to build anything from a walkway to an entire building and more. However, while it plays a big role in construction, there are some myths about concrete and concrete paving that are still believed by many. Here are some of the most popular:

Myth: Concrete is always a gray color

Fact: While concrete installation services do start out as gray, it doesn’t always have to end that way. Mineral colors can be added to the concrete mixture while it’s still wet and blended in to give the concrete a different color when it hardens.

Myth: You can use acid to strip a concrete sealant

Fact: This is by far not true. In fact, acid is a chemical that can severely damage concrete and should not be used to strip any sort of sealant. Instead, a sealant stripper or solvent should be applied.

Myth: Concrete and cement are the same thing

Fact: Although these two terms are often used interchangeably, cement is actually an ingredient in the concrete used for concrete paving. Other ingredients include water, aggregates (like sand and crushed gravel), paste, and additives.

Myth: The higher the compressive strength, the more durable the concrete

Fact: Concrete is available in a variety of compressive strengths (2,500 psi – 10,000 psi) and while you may think the strongest concrete is the most durable, that’s not entirely true. Although it’s an important characteristic, durability depends on the elements that can break the concrete down (such as freeze-thaw cycles or sulfate reactions). The best way to keep your concrete durable is to reduce its permeability.

Myth: Concrete is impermeable

Fact: Actually, concrete is porous – even the most dense types. This means that water and other substances (whether they’re in liquid form or vapor form) can pass through concrete. How long it takes for them to penetrate the material depends on its density, so water may seep through in just a few minutes or it may take months.

Myth: You can lay concrete any time of the year

Fact: Concrete is a durable material, however, it won’t fully dry unless it’s poured in the right conditions. Laying concrete when the temperature is below freezing or it’s incredibly hot can prevent the mixture from hardening properly. For best results, our concrete paving company suggests doing it in spring or fall.

Myth: Specify a concrete mix by the number of bags of cement.

Fact: Mixes should be specified based on performance requirements, not just cement content. Mixes should be specified based on performance requirements, not just cement content. Some in the concrete business still call out concrete mixes based on the number of bags of cement, but bag counts don't accurately describe the desired properties of the concrete.

Although most cement today is delivered to the ready-mix producer in bulk, but how much cement is necessary to get high-quality concrete? It depends on the intended use by the affordable concrete installation services Birmingham. To maintain economy and avoid adverse effects on workability, shrinkage, and internal temperature rise, high cement contents should be avoided. 

Read This To Avoid The Asphalt Paving Scams

You will find bad people in every industry and asphalt paving industry is no different. These lunatic people take advantage of unsuspecting homeowners and offer them a new driveway for what seems to them a reasonable price. The fraud asphalt companies in Birmingham AL often make false promises regarding the services they will provide and may offer no legal contract.  Many times when their work is completed, it is of such poor quality that it must be removed and redone, leaving the homeowner to pay additional costs to fix the driveway properly.

Don't let this happen to you or someone you know. Here are three tips to avoid falling victim to these criminals.

Do Your Research

If you are truly interested in having work done, do it on your own terms. Be suspicious of someone who approaches you directly to do the repair work. If someone knocks on your front door and says, "We have a load of asphalt that was left over from paving nearby, and we can pave your driveway at a bargain rate if you’ll pay cash," don’t take them up on it. Asphalt that is "left over" from another job will be too cool to make a good pavement for your home.

It's a good idea to get at least two written estimates from local contractors before authorizing any work, and ask for the names of references to call. Checking references can save you money in the long run.

Legitimate Companies Readily Display Credibility

Many asphalt sealing contractors near me are very proud of the work they do and display the logo of their company on their trucks, equipment, crew and more. Be suspicious of advertisements that do not prominently feature the business name and local contact information.  Don't be afraid to contact the Better Business agency and ask for a record of complaints filed against the company.

Also be sure to ask for a current certificate of insurance evidencing both liability and workers compensation insurance. Any reputable contractor will be happy to comply.

Get agreement in Writing

Before agreeing to have any services rendered, get a written contract that outlines the responsibilities of both the homeowner and the contractor.

Also know what quality of product is being used on your pavement. Ask the contractor for printed information on the types of professional-grade sealer they use on jobs. Preferably, this information should come directly from the manufacturer.

A customer who is well educated will be able to make informed decisions when these type of companies come knocking at their door. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is. Not only will you end up paying once for a service that ends up being unusable, you will also have to pay again to get it fixed.

If you encounter someone you suspect is trying to defraud you, tell them "no," close the door, inform the police department immediately.