Common FAQs About Concrete: Know the Answers

When it comes to concrete, there are many questions, and there are people who are still looking for the right answers. Concrete is a versatile material used for various purposes, from driveways to sidewalks to patios.

And while it may seem like a simple material, a lot goes into ensuring the correct process of using concrete.

If you are someone who doesn’t know much about concrete, we’ve put together this list of FAQs about concrete. So whether you’re thinking about having concrete poured or already have a concrete project underway, this post is for you. Keep reading to get all the answers you need.

1. What makes concrete grey?

According to experts, concrete can be processed in various colours. Concrete’s natural colour is grey since the cement used to manufacture it is often grey. The grey colour of the cement is due to the cement manufacturing process.

The concreters use iron ore as one of the key ingredients in cement making. Because iron ore is black, it shades cement grey when mixed and melted with the other materials.

2. What Is concrete made of? 

Concrete comprises four essential ingredients: water, sand, gravel, and cement. The water is used to hydrate the cement and make the concrete workable—the sand and gravel act as aggregates, providing structure and strength. And finally, the cement binds everything together and hardens once the concrete sets. 

3. How do I clean my concrete driveway? 

Cleaning your concrete driveway is simple; you only need soap, water, and a stiff-bristled brush. Just wet your driveway with a hose, apply soap or mild cleanser, scrub away any dirt or debris, and then rinse everything with clean water.

For tougher stains, you can use a power washer, but in most cases, soap and water will do the trick just fine. Now that you know how easy it is to keep your driveway clean, there’s no excuse not to do it regularly! 

4. Does drying out concrete increase its strength?

No, concrete is made by combining cement, particles, and water. When the water touches the cement, a chemical reaction begins. Hydration is the name given to this chemical process.

The reaction between the chemicals in water and the compounds in cement is known as hydration. This reaction produces new chemicals and crystals that interlock with one other and the aggregates.

Most of this response occurs within the first month of pouring the concrete. Small quantities of different response and strength improvements may occur for years as long as moisture is present to produce more hydration. When the concrete eventually dries out, it stops developing strength.

5. What is fly ash?

Fly ash is the byproduct of coal burning. Most of the time, the material is produced by coal-fired power plants. Fly ash is a cementitious substance, which means it possesses qualities that allow it to solidify when exposed to water. Fly ash does not often acquire significant compressive strength on its own.

In the presence of cement, however, fly ash can have strength qualities that are incredibly comparable to cement. The fly ash combines with calcium hydroxide -CaOH-, a chemical byproduct of the cement hydration cycle.

CaOH can have a negative impact on concrete by increasing porosity and causing efflorescence (the production of calcium carbonate crystals on the concrete or mortar surface).

Because fly ash combines with calcium hydroxide to generate additional calcium silicate hydrate – the cement binder derivative- fly ash strengthens the concrete and helps eliminate all dangerous components. Fly ash is also beneficial in hot weather because it slows the formation of heat in the concrete.

6. My concrete is stained with oil/grease. What can I do to get rid of it?

■ Commercial products are available in paint and hardware stores. It can help you remove stains.

■ Season with trisodium phosphate. Allow for 30 minutes before scrubbing with a firm brush and hot water. Rinse well with clean water.

■ Using a stiff brush, scrub the stain with a strong detergent. Rinse well with water. If necessary, dry and repeat.

■ On damp concrete, sprinkle dishwashing detergent. Allow it to stand for a few minutes before splattering it with hot water. Rinse and scrub.

■ One gallon of boiling water + 1 cup of tri-sodium phosphate. Allow it to soak for 25 minutes, and scrub the floor with a firm brush. Rinse with clean water and if necessary, repeat.

7. My concrete is crumbling after only a few days. Is there a problem with it, and can it be repaired?

Concrete breaks because it compresses throughout the drying, curing, and hardening processes and the link between the cement paste and aggregates is insufficient to bear that stress. The easiest technique to minimize unsightly cracking is to install joints at regular intervals in your concrete.

A decent rule of thumb is to double the depth of your building by three. Use this quantity to calculate the approximate distance between joints. For example, a 4-inch concrete slab in Melbourne should have joints every 10 to 12 feet. Cracking is caused by the variable displacement of the substructure or subgrade.

It is a structural breakdown, unlike the previously described incorrect curing or jointing. Determine the source of the cracking and address it as soon as possible. Epoxy grout is an excellent crack filler.

Schedule an Appointment to Get More Answers

Asking questions is the best way to learn—and we hope we answered all your questions. So whether you’re planning to get concrete services in Melbourne or want to know more about this versatile material, we hope this post has been helpful; else, our professionals at Excon Group remain just a call away from helping you clear your queries.

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