Find out the truth about concrete and how it’s used in foundations

The term “concrete” is sometimes misunderstood. We wish to expose lies and replace false information with the truth. There’s a lot to learn from the distinction between concrete and cement to whether concrete is impermeable. Here’s at Fence Company San Antonio, where you can learn the truth.

Contrary to popular belief, “concrete” and “cement” are the same thing.

Although these names are often used interchangeably, concrete and cement are not the same things. Cement (or, to be more precise, Portland cement) is a component of concrete. Although additives are occasionally used to change the handling, curing, or strength qualities of concrete, the essential elements remain the same:

• Cement with a percentage of 1.7% to 15% Portland
• Air with a concentration of 2.8% or less
• Coarse and fine aggregates, 60-75 percent (gravel & sand)
• Water (14%)
• Curing concrete entails allowing it to dry.

• Correction:The “hydration” part of the concrete curing process is more involved than simply letting the liquid mix dry into a solid. Hydration is a chemical reaction that joins two or more elements. When concrete is allowed to dry out too quickly, the bonding action suffers, as does the concrete’s strength. That’s why most contractors find a means to keep concrete damp while it dries to ensure maximum hydration. Concrete that has been reinforced will not crack.
• Correction:Concrete is reinforced using a variety of materials. For poured concrete footings and walls, steel reinforcing bars (often known as “rebar”) are installed. Between concrete block courses, strong steel wire is embedded in the mortar. Welded wire mesh that looks like screen fencing material is used to support poured concrete slabs.
• Correct: A concrete bowl, cellar, or swimming pool will hold water. However, water will be absorbed by the concrete. Even if there are no obvious leaks, when the soil outside a concrete foundation becomes increasingly saturated with moisture, the foundation will become saturated and convey this moisture to the interior. According to the argument, a poured concrete foundation will always be stronger and more resistant to cracking than a concrete block foundation.
• Correction: Assuming both foundations are built using suitable building techniques, there should be little variation in strength and crack resistance between them. After all, concrete blocks are constructed of poured concrete. A block wall can also be reinforced with steel and concrete-filled hollow block cores.

Cracks generally appear around the mortar joints when concrete block walls crack due to soil pressure or movement. Due to soil pressure, they often reveal oblique fissures that extend from the foundation corners when poured concrete walls fail. Visit Fence Company San Antonio and learn more