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Frequently-Asked Questions
What is concrete made of?
Concrete is a mixture of cement, water, sand, and crushed stone or gravel. The cement acts as a binding agent when mixed with water, creating a paste that coats the sand and gravel. As this mixture dries and hardens through a chemical process called hydration, it forms the solid material we know as concrete. Different ratios of these ingredients create concrete with varying strengths and properties depending on the specific application.
How long does concrete take to dry?
Concrete doesn’t actually “dry” – it cures through a chemical reaction. While concrete typically takes 24-48 hours to set enough to walk on, it continues to cure and gain strength for much longer. Most concrete reaches about 70% of its full strength after 7 days and around 90% after 28 days. Complete curing can take months under ideal conditions. Factors like temperature, humidity, and mix design all affect curing time.
What’s the difference between concrete and cement?
Cement is just one ingredient in concrete – like flour in a cake. Portland cement is the most common type used today and acts as the binding agent. Concrete is the final product created when cement is mixed with water, sand, and aggregates. Using cement alone would create a product too brittle for construction purposes, while properly mixed concrete has excellent compressive strength.
What is stamped concrete?
Stamped concrete is a decorative technique that textures and patterns freshly poured concrete to mimic other materials like brick, slate, flagstone, tile, wood, and even seashells.