Concrete VS The Elements: How Versatile Is Concrete?
Concrete is a material that has been around for centuries. It has changed the way we build and live in our world, and it's almost impossible to imagine modern life without concrete construction. Concrete is one of the most versatile building materials because it can be used in a variety of ways, from creating an artistic design to being poured as the foundation for a new home. But exactly how versatile is concrete when it comes to the elements? This post will discuss what makes concrete so versatile and how it fares against heat, cold, rain, and more!
Concrete VS The Elements
Hot And Cold Temperatures
The concrete that is used for building foundations, floors, and walls can withstand hot or cold temperatures because it's made from a mix of materials. This includes Portland cement which gives strength to the mixture as well water with some added aggregates like sandstone which helps prevent cracking during temperature changes. In certain extreme conditions such as heatwaves, hosing down concrete will deter any cracking which could be caused by the soil underneath contracting with the heat. If you’re thinking of pouring a concrete solution in cold conditions, this might not be the best time, as concrete is a wet mixture, and so the water within it could freeze and cause cracks to form.
Wet And Icy Conditions
So long as your concrete mixture is fully set and sealed, ice, snow, or rain should not affect the concrete. If your concrete is unsealed, it’s possible that your concrete could suffer from water intrusion, which could damage your concrete construction. Water can easily fill any unsealed joints or pours, and when this water forms into ice, it can cause the concrete to fracture and crack. When your concrete construction is sealed, however, the concrete will repel any water, liquid, or ice that may cover it.
High Winds And Hurricanes
One major perk of any concrete construction is its durability when it comes to high winds. It’s been proven that concrete is much less likely to be uprooted in high wind situations like hurricanes and storms due to its dense weight. Concrete construction is also extremely resistant to hits from any flying debris that might occur during a hurricane or storm, as its strong exterior helps to repel even the weightiest of hits. Concrete is largely used for buildings, pavements, and highways, so it’s built to withstand a lot of weight, pressure, and wear and tear.
Is Concrete Right For You?
Concrete is the key to building a strong foundation for any project. It can be used as an alternative or in conjunction with other materials like steel and wood, depending on what you want your finished product to look like, and most importantly, concrete can withstand all sorts of weather conditions when poured and laid correctly! As long as you have the right tools and know what to do, concrete can be a great choice for your next construction project!
