As Americans, we sometimes assign unintended meanings to words. For example, Jacuzzi is a brand of hot tub. Yet many people still refer to all hot tubs as Jacuzzis. Then you have Xerox, a document management company that gained fame for their copiers. Eventually, many Americans referred to all copiers or even copies as Xeroxes. And these are just a few of the many examples we could have chosen. However, one of the biggest misappropriations in the English language has to be the use of cement and concrete as synonyms.
Cement and concrete: two completely different materials, yet people use the two terms synonymously. Do you know the difference between cement and concrete? If not, don’t worry; you are not alone.
The Difference between Cement and Concrete
Did you know that cement is actually one of the ingredients in concrete? In fact, concrete is comprised of 10-15% cement.
Cement
Cement is made from a mixture of limestone, calcium, silicon, aluminum, and other ingredients, which are then heated to roughly 2,700 degrees Fahrenheit. This process forms a marble-like product known as clinkers. This is ground into a powder, mixed with gypsum, and – voila! – you have cement.
Concrete
Concrete is made when sand and gravel (or crushed stone) are mixed with paste – water and cement – which hardens, binding the aggregate through a process known as hydration. This durable material is excellent for sidewalks, curbs, dumpster pads, and similar structures because of its strength and its ability to hold up well to the elements.
Concrete Contractor in Baltimore
If you have a commercial concrete project you need completed, then pick up the phone and call PTG Enterprises. Our crews are highly skilled and extremely familiar with all types of concrete paving. You can be rest assured that the end result will look professional and last for years to come.
If you have any questions about Concrete Paving, please contact PTG Enterprises today by calling 410-636-8777, or click here today! Unlike those other asphalt contractors, we care about you and your business. In fact, when you hire PTG, you’ll work with owner Patrick Gillen from start to finish, from the initial site visit and pre-construction meeting to the final walk-through.
