Concrete is a mixture of cement, sand, rocks, ash and water.
Have you ever wondered about the difference between cement and concrete? People often use the terms cement and concrete interchangeably, which may have led you to believe that they were the same thing. However, they are actually different substances (though there is cement in concrete). Let’s talk about the difference between concrete and cement.
Differences
If you have ever referred to a parking lot or a wall as being made of cement, you were likely mistaken and confusing the concrete for cement. Concrete parking lots and concrete walls are very common. Portland cement, the most popular variety of cement, is made of gypsum, silicates and metal oxides. It is superheated and ground into an extremely fine powder. Whereas concrete is a durable building material composed of different mixtures of cement, sand, rocks, ash and water. That’s right, there is cement in concrete (anywhere from 10-15% by mass) – but it is not entirely made of cement. When mixed with water, the cement actually serves as the bonding agent that holds the other elements of the concrete together to form its hard surface.
Factors to Consider
When you are making concrete, you have to consider several factors – mixing in the proper amount of cement is just one of them. You should also consider the weather. Based on the climate and thickness of the concrete, it may require the addition of different chemicals for proper drying and setting. If you know the concrete is going to be fully submerged in water upon completion or be subject to structural stress, consult a professional to find out what other ingredients can be added to increase the strength.
PTG Enterprises: A Commercial Concrete Contractor in Baltimore
PTG Enterprises has been in the asphalt paving, concrete, and masonry business for more than a decade. We have seen it all before and we know the telltale warning signs of asphalt and pavement failure. And as a member of the Community Association Institute (CAI), National Facilities Management and Technology (NFMT), and Maryland Multi-Housing Association (MMHA) we are well-positioned to help you make the right financial decisions for your property or community association.
PTG stands out as an industry leader due to our methodology of pavement management planning: a systematic, long-term approach to managing and extending the life of your pavement. We will work with you to develop a comprehensive strategy to extend and maximize the lifespan of your asphalt and concrete surfaces.
If you have any questions about winter asphalt maintenance, please contact PTG Enterprises today by calling 410-636-8777, or click here today! You can also check us out on Facebook and Twitter.
Tags: Cement, Concrete, Concrete Contractor in Baltimore, pavement
