Concrete is a versatile and durable material used in construction for a wide range of applications. It is essential to choose the right type of concrete for each project, as different formulations have different properties and strengths. Two commonly used types of concrete are Type II and Type IV. In this blog post, we will explore the differences between these two types and their respective uses in construction. 1. Definition and Composition Type II concrete is a general-purpose cement that is resistant to moderate sulfate attack. It contains a moderate amount of tricalcium aluminate (C3A) and is suitable for use... View Article
Effects of Hot & Cold Weather When Curing in Concrete Curing is a critical process in concrete construction that involves maintaining adequate moisture and temperature conditions for the concrete to develop its desired strength and durability. However, extreme weather conditions, such as hot and cold temperatures, can significantly impact the curing process and potentially compromise the strength and quality of the concrete. In this blog post, we will explore the effects of hot and cold weather when curing in concrete and discuss measures that can be taken to mitigate these effects. Effects of Hot Weather: 1. Increased Water Evaporation: One... View Article
The Effects Of Sulfate In Concrete Sulfate is one of the most dangerous forms of deterioration that concrete faces. It infiltrates the concrete through cracks and begins to destroy the cement paste that holds it together. Once in the concrete, sulfate dissolves into water that is present and begins to draw it in. This excess water corrodes the anchor bolts that hold your home’s foundation in place, which can cause significant damage and loss of value. How Sulfate Damages Concrete Sulphate attacks concrete by chemically breaking down cement paste, causing it to expand and crumble. Sulfate-containing salts like sodium sulfate and... View Article
We all know the devastation fires cause on siding, roofs, walls and other wooden parts of a home, but we don’t always think of what those flames can do to a concrete foundation or a concrete structure in general. After all, concrete should be tough enough to handle anything, right? Unfortunately, that’s not the case. This post will cover what fire does to concrete and how we conduct a fire-damaged concrete assessment: Spalling: Concrete contains water, and that water turns to steam as the temperature of concrete rises in a fire. If the evaporation rate is high enough and the... View Article
Pouring concrete is particularly difficult in cold weather, but it’s not impossible. The key is to prevent the concrete from freezing before it cures. In cold temperatures, the water content in the concrete will freeze and damage its structural integrity. You can pour concrete at temperatures as low as 40 degrees Fahrenheit, but once the temperature starts dropping below 20 degrees, it’s best to wait until the weather warms back up. Temperatures of 20 degrees and below are too cold to keep the concrete warm enough to cure properly, even with insulation and other techniques. Here’s what you need to... View Article
