Concrete Facts

Concrete is a composite material made from a mixture of cement, water, and aggregates such as sand and gravel. Once mixed, it hardens over time through a chemical reaction, forming a durable and strong material used in a wide range of construction applications.

Yes, you can pour concrete yourself, but it requires careful preparation and attention to detail. Ensure you have the right tools and correct concrete mix, and follow the proper techniques for pouring and finishing to achieve a durable result.

If in doubt, it's always best to consult with an expert - incorrectly poured concrete could affect the structural integrity of your project.

The strength of concrete is typically measured by its compressive strength, which is determined through a test where concrete samples are crushed to assess their ability to withstand pressure. This is usually done using a machine that applies increasing pressure to the sample until it fails, with the strength expressed in pounds per square inch (PSI) or megapascals (MPa).

Concrete is cured by maintaining adequate moisture and temperature conditions to ensure proper hydration and strength development. This is typically achieved by keeping the surface of the concrete moist with water, using curing compounds, or covering it with wet burlap or plastic sheeting for a period of time, usually 7 to 28 days.

Concrete naturally has a light gray colour, but in recent decades, it has become popular to colour it in various hues. Several techniques are available for colouring concrete, each producing different intensities of colour.

Yes, concrete can be reinforced using materials like steel rebar, mesh, or fibres to improve its strength and durability. Reinforcement helps the concrete resist tension and reduce the risk of cracking and structural failure.

To clean your tools after working with concrete, start by rinsing them with water as soon as possible to remove the majority of the wet concrete. For stubborn residue, use a wire brush or putty knife to scrub off the remaining concrete, and then wash the tools thoroughly with water and a mild detergent. For hardened concrete, consider using a specialized concrete dissolver or soaking the tools in a mixture of water and concrete remover.

SLURRYTUB is an effective tool for managing and disposing of concrete slurry, making cleanup easier, more efficient, and better for the environment.

Shop SLURRYTUB

Concrete typically takes about 28 days to reach its full strength, though this can vary based on temperature, humidity, and the concrete mix.

No, it is not essential to seal concrete. However, sealers prevent dirt, oil, grease, and chemicals from penetrating the surface and make cleaning much simpler. Additionally, sealers protect against wear and tear from heavy foot and vehicle traffic.

View Our Concrete Sealers

There are several methods to remove oil or grease stains from concrete:

1. Use commercial cleaners available at kreitmaker.

2. Sprinkle tri-sodium phosphate on the stain, let it sit for 30 minutes, then scrub with a stiff brush and hot water. Rinse with clean water.

3. Apply concentrated detergent to the stain, scrub with a stiff brush, rinse well with water, and repeat if needed.

4. Sprinkle dishwasher detergent on wet concrete, let it sit briefly, pour boiling water over the area, then scrub and rinse.

5. Dissolve a cup of tri-sodium phosphate in 1 gallon of hot water, pour over the stain, let it soak for 25 minutes, scrub with a stiff brush or broom, and rinse with clean water. Repeat if necessary.

All concrete will crack due to its natural contraction during the drying, curing, and hardening processes, as well as the bond between the cement paste and aggregates not being strong enough to handle the stress.

To minimize unsightly cracks, place joints at regular intervals. A useful guideline is to measure the depth of your concrete slab and multiply it by three to determine the spacing between joints (e.g., a 4-inch slab should have joints every 10 to 12 feet). Cracking can also result from uneven shifting of the substructure or subgrade, which indicates structural failure rather than issues with curing or joint placement. Before repairing cracks, identify and address the underlying cause first.

The terms cement and concrete are frequently used interchangeably, but they are not the same. Portland cement, a type of hydraulic cement primarily made from limestone, is just one ingredient in concrete, which also includes sand, aggregate, and water. When these elements mix, a chemical reaction known as hydration occurs, resulting in a solid material that hardens and gains strength over time.

Discover more about the basic components of concrete

Although de-icers are effective for melting snow, they can significantly damage freshly placed concrete. Avoid using de-icers on concrete that is less than a year old. Common de-icers for concrete often contain chemicals such as sodium chloride.

Volumetric concrete often offers advantages over ready-mix concrete, particularly in terms of customization and waste reduction. With volumetric concrete, you can adjust the mix proportions on-site to meet specific project needs, ensuring a precise blend and eliminating excess. This method also provides fresh concrete on demand, enhancing the quality and consistency of your project.