Q. Is there a difference between cement and concrete?

A. Yes, there is a difference. Cement, or portland cement, is a finely ground powder made from limestone and other raw materials. The materials are blended together and fired in a kiln at extreme temperatures. The resulting stone sized pieces, called clinker, are then ground into a fine powder that we call portland cement. Portland cement is the active ingredient in concrete. Concrete is a mixture of portland cement, water, aggregate (sand and stone), and miscellaneous chemical admixtures. Mixed at a concrete plant facility and delivered to customers in revolving drum truck mixers, also referred to as concrete trucks or mixer trucks, concrete is sometimes generically referred to as ready-mix. It is ready to use or already mixed upon arrival at the project location and ready to be put to use for whatever concrete services are necessary.

Q. Can concrete be placed in extremely hot or cold weather?

A. Concrete services can be performed at various temperatures if precautionary measures are taken. In extremely cold weather, concrete should not be allowed to freeze until it has gained sufficient strength to withstand the damaging effects of freezing. Concrete will lose its workability and set up considerably faster in hot weather.

Q. What causes concrete to crack?

A. There are different types of concrete cracks. The most common of these is related to the natural shrinkage of concrete as it cures and dries. Shrinkage concrete cracking can be controlled or hidden by following proper jointing techniques. Different factors and conditions can contribute to each type of concrete cracks. It is important to understand these potential causes and take appropriate action to prevent cracking and the subsequent need concrete crack filler or concrete crack repair.

Q. How soon can new concrete be put into use?

A. During periods of moderate to warm weather, new concrete could be opened for pedestrian traffic in twelve to twenty-four hours, or when the surface becomes scuff resistant. A general guideline is that new concrete should not be opened for vehicular traffic for a minimum of seven days. This seven-day period can be significantly reduced by using a faster setting, stronger concrete mix. Please note that concrete gains strength more slowly in colder weather so more time may be needed before putting your new concrete into use.