Top Five Reasons Why Concrete is the Best Choice

When building a structure or replacing a driveway, you are given multiple choices of materials to complete the job. Concrete is the premier material for plenty of reasons but we have narrowed it down to the TOP FIVE for you.

1. energy efficiency 

Homes built with concrete walls, foundations, and floors are highly energy efficient because they take advantage of concrete’s inherent thermal mass or ability to absorb and retain heat. This means homeowners can significantly cut their heating and cooling bills and install smaller-capacity H-VAC equipment.

2. Durability

With little to no organic content, concrete is resistant to deterioration due to rot or rusting by in hot,humid climates. Moisture can only enter a building through joints between concrete elements. Annual inspection and repair of joints will minimize this potential. More importantly, if moisture does enter through joints, it will not damage the concrete. Walls need to breathe or concrete will dry out if not covered by impermeable membranes. Concrete can also withstand high temperatures better than wood and steel. Calcium silicate hydrate, C-S-H, which is the main binder in concrete can withstand until 910 degrees C.

3. Low MAINTENANCE

Concrete structures do not require coating or painting for regular applications as protection for weathering compared to steel or wooden structures where it is inevitable. Coatings are to be replaced and redone on a routine basis making the maintenance cost for concrete much lower than that for steel or wood. Concrete does not attract mold or lose its key properties over time. Therefore, it doesn’t need to be fixed often, but when it does they’re usually easy, cheap fixes.

4. strength

Concrete hardens over time, gaining 10% in strength during its life. It’s not weakened by moisture, mold or pests. Concrete is strong enough to withstand natural disasters. Concrete sets, hardens, gain its strength at regular room temperature or ambient temperature.

5. longevity

In general, if installed properly in a suitable climate and maintained regularly, your concrete driveway should last 30 to 40 years, while an asphalt driveway is generally good for 10 to 20 years.