Concrete is a durable, long-lasting material that can be used in a variety of applications. It is also a cost-effective option and requires little maintenance.
To get started with your Custom Concrete BBQ Pits project, consult a professional. A professional can help you avoid costly mistakes and ensure that your finished product meets your expectations.
Concrete is very durable, and when properly installed and maintained can last for generations. It is not subject to erosion like other construction materials and will resist most environmental hazards. Its 100 year service life conserves resources, and its low maintenance and repair costs make it a cost-effective and environmentally friendly choice.
Concrete can be used to construct a range of structures, from sidewalks and driveways to foundations and building floors. Its durability and versatility means that it can be poured to create custom shapes and textures that can mimic the look of stone, brick or slate. It can also be stained or dyed a wide variety of colors to create different aesthetics.
To improve its tensile strength, concrete is often reinforced with steel bars or rods called rebar. These metal reinforcements increase the tensile strength of the concrete, which makes it better able to resist cracking or breaking under tension. Concrete with rebar is stronger than unreinforced concrete and can stand up to greater loads, making it an excellent material for heavy-duty construction projects.
Another way to improve the durability of concrete is by using air entraining agents and thoroughly mixing it. This process creates a system of microscopic air bubbles that help the concrete resist damage from freezing and thawing. This is important because water expands when it freezes, creating a great deal of internal pressure that can break weak concrete. Concrete with an adequate amount of air bubbles and a low water-cementitious ratio can withstand many cycles of freezing and thawing without suffering any serious damage.
Concrete is resistant to rust and corrosion because it does not contain any organic materials that could be affected by fungus or other organisms that cause rot and deterioration. It is also impermeable and does not allow moisture to penetrate inside buildings, although it will vaporize if the surface is hot and humid.
To further enhance the durability of concrete, it can be polished to a high sheen with mechanical grinders and diamond pads of increasing grit sizes. This process can take up to several days, and the finished product can resemble the shine of glass or granite.
Versatility
Concrete’s ability to be molded to specific shapes makes it an ideal material for structural projects of all kinds. While it is most commonly used for foundations, walls and floors, its versatility allows it to be adapted in unique ways. It is incredibly long-lasting and resistant to cracking, chipping and weathering. Additionally, it can be stained or colored to achieve a variety of aesthetic effects.
Decorative concrete offers limitless opportunities for homeowners and business owners. With advanced tools, concrete stains and dyes, textures and finishes, it is possible to create anything from classic gray sidewalks to sleek countertops. It’s also possible to add pebbles, glass or metals to the concrete mix before it hardens to give the surface a unique look.
Staining concrete can add color in a range of hues, from ocean teals to brick red. Stamped concrete can imitate the look of stone, wood or brick at a fraction of the cost, while adding durability. It is also possible to embed personal mementos into the concrete, creating a personalized touch that will stand out.
More traditional attributes of concrete have seen a resurgence in popularity as well. For example, concrete has always been able to incorporate recycled materials, such as crushed bricks and coke breeze, as aggregate. More recently, this has expanded to include items like oyster shells and broken crockery.
In addition, it is possible to shape concrete into unique and detailed designs using a technique known as form liners. This process starts with a sculptor who creates the design to be cast in concrete, which is then covered by a layer of clay or polyurethane. The result is a strong and durable concrete structure that can be customized to fit the needs of the client.
A growing number of wineries, breweries and distilleries are choosing custom concrete to enhance their establishments. Craft breweries are often located in scenic and rustic settings, and their owners want to make the most of these surroundings without sacrificing durability. For these businesses, concrete is an ideal option for tasting rooms and bars. Dueck has helped many local breweries, such as Barn Owl Brewing, Urban Distilleries and Crown & Thieves, express their identity through the use of custom concrete elements, including tasting tables and bar tops.
Aesthetics
Concrete is a utilitarian building material that also serves as an aesthetic enhancement to structures. It is one of the most versatile and affordable materials available, and it can be molded to create a variety of shapes and textures. There are several ways to enhance the aesthetics of concrete, including staining, stamping, polished concrete and decorative overlays.
Staining is an economical way to change the appearance of concrete, and it can be done in a wide range of colors. It can be used to make surfaces look like stone, wood or tile, and it can also be etched to create patterns. The most popular type of staining is acid-based, but there are also water based stains that offer similar effects without the risk of damaging the concrete.
Stamped concrete is a process of pressing pre-made molds into wet concrete to achieve the desired pattern. It can be stamped to resemble tile, brick, cobblestone, slate and more. This technique is great for patios, driveways and commercial roads and parking lots. It can also be textured to imitate the look of flagstones, pebbles or bricks. The color of the stamped concrete can be changed by using dry shakes, powder or liquid releases, integral color and acid stains.
Integrally colored concrete is a cost-effective alternative to stained concrete, and it does not require periodic reapplication. This type of coloring is added to the concrete during the pouring process, so it will last for the life of the structure. It is also resistant to fading caused by sunlight or other sources of UV light.
While most people think of concrete as a gray, bland material, it is actually a highly adaptable and aesthetically pleasing material that can be transformed into nearly any type of surface. Aside from its versatility, concrete is durable and affordable, making it the ideal choice for projects of all sizes.
The Grove at Grand Bay in Miami is a stunning example of how concrete can be used for high-end architectural applications. The soaring towers, designed by Bjarke Ingels, required a special concrete blend with high modulus of elasticity, which CEMEX was able to provide. The result is a unique structure that has captivated the city.
Maintenance
Decorative concrete offers versatility, durability and aesthetic appeal and can be installed in a relatively short amount of time. It is also less expensive than many natural stone options and can be made to resemble flagstone, tile, cobblestone and more. However, the concrete still must be properly maintained to preserve its appearance. This maintenance includes periodic cleaning, resealing and evaluating for damage.
Sweeping or blowing away debris regularly, avoiding long exposure to stains, and periodically power washing the surface will help keep it clean and free of damage. In some cases, a combination of water and stronger cleaning chemicals may be needed to remove tougher stains such as grease spots or oil spills.
Pervious concrete, a growing trend in parking lots and other commercial paving, requires regular cleaning and resealing to protect it from moisture penetration that can cause freeze-thaw conditions and cracking. The small spaces incorporated into the paving product are designed to allow water to disburse and pass through, so the area should be kept free of debris such as leaves, pine needles, mulch, sand and dirt.
The sun’s UV rays can also degrade sealers, dull the glossy finish and fade integrally colored concrete. Borum says a contractor can make life easier for themselves and the customer by building a maintenance program into their initial bid. For example, he suggests a contractor might send the client a postcard reminder when it’s time for resealing, much like a dentist might do with their patients.
Concrete floors can be a sleek and modern addition to any facility. They offer a great deal of customization and are extremely durable, but they must be regularly cleaned, refreshed, revitalized, resealed and evaluated to prevent damage and extend their life.
