Concrete can
deteriorate over time, but one of the reasons it’s such a great
material is that you can have it fixed almost seamlessly. Most
repair projects are simple, using some specially-mixed concrete for
patches and repairs. What’s the best type of concrete mix for
repairs?
What Kinds Of Concrete Are There?
Concrete is made by mixing
four ingredients: portland cement, an aggregate like sand, crushed
stone or gravel, and water. The cement becomes a glue that holds
the sand and gravel together. The proportions of these four
ingredients can change the properties of the concrete, affecting
the strength, durability, workability, and resistance to heat or
radiation.
Because there are many different ratios of the above
ingredients, there are many kinds of concrete. Some of the more
common mixes you’ll find include:
Normal-strength concrete combines the basic dry
ingredients – concrete, sand and aggregate – at a 1:2:4 ratio.
This mix is ideal for pavement, and because it doesn’t withstand
wind stresses or vibrations, it should only be used to construct
buildings that don’t need high tensile strength.
Fast-setting or quick-setting concrete is for
smaller projects around the home. This concrete is ideal for
supporting a fence or deck posts or creating a small concrete
slab.
High-strength concrete is for projects where durability
is needed. This type of concrete is made using a high cement/low
water mix, making it sticky and difficult for amateurs to work.
It’s an ideal mix for foundations, footers and heavy equipment
bases, as it has low permeability.
Whatâs The Ideal Concrete Mix For Repair Work?
When you want to repair
something, you should use fast-setting concrete. You can
use it to fix projects ranging from concrete pavement, curbs,
floors, steps, retaining walls, swimming pools, and so much more.
Despite the quickness, fast-setting concrete is strong and durable,
too; it can reach 4000 pounds of force per square inch (PSI) after
a month. This makes the various options of this concrete mix ideal
for installing patios, walkways, and a variety of indoor and
outdoor projects.
For repair purposes,
youâll find that there are many premixes of fast-setting
concrete. While these companies have taken care of the dry
ingredients, the homeowner or concrete contractor must add the
water. A little extra water increases the amount of time it takes
the concrete to set.
When mixing repair concrete, our team mustnât add too
much water to the mix. When the proportions are too heavy with
water, the concrete will have reduced strength and durability while
being more prone to cracking and many other surface problems. We
avoid using hot water in the mix, too; it will set much faster,
making the concrete harder to work.
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The Best Types Of Concrete Mix For Repairs appeared first on
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