Concrete

A detailed Summary of Concrete

An ever-evolving world requires ever evolving construction methods. One of our most widely used materials is concrete. And as strong as it is, it still has weakness much like man. Preventative concrete practices or exercises, along with maintenance can delay the fatigue process.

Climate conditions can produce many problems and attack the essential core of a home through its sub-structure. Natural weathering is inevitable as homes age but preventative concrete measures can reduce the wrath of earth, fire, wind, and the onerous element, water. Water can be a contractor's worst enemy at times. Seeping through even the tinniest microscopic pores of wall, foundations, and sidewalks. In essence, the earth, at some point in time, will always dominate what we build. Therefore we must expect the unexpected.

Every structure has what can be called "danger zones". Residential structures are less likely to structure failure but quite susceptible to sub-structure failure. The sub-structure is made up of these elements; the foundation, including sidewalks and driveways, footings, and basements if applicable. Many coastal and northern region homes by code will have some form of a basement. Other homes have what could be defined as "fu

Snow and ice can be defending from the substructure, but what is the fate of the driveway and sidewalks surrounding the home. Technology once again comes to aid. These secondary slabs already fall victim to earth pressures, tree roots, and grass. Ice and ground frost can be the conclusive agent to damage costs to home properties. Snow melting systems can provide not only prevents cracking and further damage but they also provide a safe and maintenance free alternative to de-icing and plowing. The system can be installed pre or post construction. Below grade systems use hydronic or electric heat supply. Hydronic systems require a boiler and extensive piping. These systems are more efficient for expansive slabs such as parking lots. Most residential applications can use the electronic system, which uses a grid of radiant coiling. It requires minimal warm up time and almost maintenance free. The above system will have heat strips, which can be laid along the edges of the concrete slabs and grass. Today's market also sells sidewalk and driveway sealers for existing cracks as well. The chemicals penetrate beyond the surface to prevent further fracturing.

Water penetration plays the leading role in property and home damage. It will some how find a way. Water also will find a way to attack to rigidity or bearing capacity of soil, creating soil erosion. These two go hand in hand. Upon laying the foundation, the ground is assessed for loads. We can only estimate how long the soil will maintain its consistency because earth pressures are also acting on it. The ground water also creates high pressures and they act against the substructure elements. Aside from these concerns, the contractor must also be ready to address the aftermath of the water and soil dilemma. Ground frost, corrosion, cracking, and even uv rays assist the negative loads of the unpredictable water and soil.

Preventative concrete measures can help sustain foundation

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Approximate Word count = 1313
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: Miscellaneous