The Science of Concrete

You walk on it every day. It’s in our basements, our garages, around our swimming pools, and makes up our very foundations. But how much do we really know about it, and why should we know anything at all about it?

The reason we need to educate ourselves on the importance of our concrete is that it needs to be taken care of in order to continue to exist. If it makes up the very foundation of our homes, what happens if we don’t know how to care for it properly? The answer is that it will no longer support our homes. It will become unsafe to walk on our walkways. Sinking concrete driveways cause wear and tear on our vehicles.

We can avoid many of these problems and keep peace of mind by learning the science behind concrete. According to the Portland Cement Association, cement is made up of “aggregate and paste,” which is basically cement and water mixed with sand, gravel or crushed stone. It’s interesting to note that water is used in the curing process, making the concrete harder and more durable. Yet, water can also aid in the expansion and contraction of concrete slabs, causing them to crack and flake and ultimately deteriorate.

While concrete itself is one of the strongest, most durable materials, it is only as good as the soil it’s laid over. Soil that is too dry, too wet or poorly compacted will cause the concrete slab to settle unevenly. This begins a domino effect which ultimately results in cracked foundations and broken driveways and walkways.

Understanding the science of concrete and taking care of those little cracks as soon as you see them can prevent the worst form happening and give you peace of mind. More can be learned by reading our Concrete Repair Science book. Call us today for a free quote and one of these books will be mailed to you.