Concrete is by far the world’s most widely used material for construction projects, and it has many advantages when compared with other materials. If you’re unsure whether to use concrete to build your new home or office, the following points might just convince you otherwise:
- It’s ultra-economical
The production cost of concrete is very low when compared to other engineered materials, and because it’s widely available globally – unlike steel, polymers and other construction materials – it’s generally considered to be the most economic choice for construction projects of all sizes.
- Concrete can be used at ambient temperatures
Unlike some other materials, concrete sets, hardens, and gains its strength at room, or ambient temperature, meaning that it can be used whatever the weather conditions.
- It can be used to make complex shapes and configurations
When fresh, concrete takes on a liquid form and can be poured into a variety of formworks or shuttering configurations to make any number of desired shapes and sizes. Adjusting the concrete mix means that it can be cast pretty much anywhere.
- Concrete is an energy efficient choice
In comparison with steel, for example, producing concrete uses a lot less energy, in fact, typically between 3 and 10 times less than steel.
- It’s more resistant to water than other materials
While certain chemicals in water can begin to corrode concrete, when compared to other materials such as wood and steel, it’s able to withstand higher levels of water, for longer, and with minimal deterioration. This makes concrete ideal for use in buildings that may be partially submerged underwater.
- Concrete can withstand high temperatures
Performing better than wood and steel, concrete is able to withstand high temperatures for between 2 and 6 hours, which gives a greater time for rescue operations in the event of a fire. In fact, concrete is used to fireproof steel and is used in high temperature and blast applications.
- Minimal maintenance
When your construction project is handled by a professional team of contractors, the concrete structure won’t need to be coated or painted regularly for weathering in comparison to materials like wood and steel, making concrete a zero to low maintenance construction material.
- Multi-mode application
Concrete is so versatile and reliable that it can be used in a wide variety of applications, and can be hand applied, poured, pumped, sprayed, grouted and even used for more advanced applications such as shotcreting in tunnels.
Still not quite convinced that concrete should be your material of choice for your next construction project? Why not have a more detailed conversation about construction materials with a local construction company? Able to give you unbiased advice as to which material might best suit the type and size of your construction project, they are best placed to help you make an informed decision taking all factors into account, including your budget.