It is very common for people to believe they know concrete. After all, concrete has been around for centuries and was invented by the ancient Romans, who still are known as some of history’s greatest engineers. They created concrete structures that lasted thousands of years!
However, advancing technology is making concrete one of the most advanced construction materials available today. And with new advancements come new myths about concrete. It is a good idea to separate concrete fact from fiction so you can make the best decisions when it comes time to hire a concrete contractor or use concrete yourself.
Here are five common concrete myths debunked:
Myth #1: Cement and concrete are the same things.
This isn’t true at all! C powder is just one ingredient used to make concrete. The main component of concrete is aggregate – crushed stone, gravel, sand, or a combination of these.
Myth #2: Concrete is heavy and difficult to work with.
Not only is concrete strong and durable, but it is also lightweight. A cubic foot of concrete weighs just 50 pounds – much lighter than most other building materials. And while concrete may be thick when wet, it dries very quickly and can be easily worked with.
Myth #3: Concrete takes a long time to cure.
This isn’t true either! Concrete typically cures within 28 days, although you can walk on it after just 3-5 days.
Myth #4: You need a lot of special equipment to work with concrete.
This concrete myth couldn’t be further from the truth. Concrete is very versatile and can be poured into a mold, sprayed onto a surface, or even fed through a machine designed for concrete.
Myth #5: It’s impossible to remove concrete once it has hardened.
Actually, concrete can be broken up and removed fairly easily by using an angle grinder with a diamond blade! All you have to do is cut around the perimeter of the concrete slab to break it into pieces that are easy to handle and transport away from your job site.
