Concrete is a popular construction material. It is commonly used in renovations for foundations, driveways, garage floors, countertops, roof tiles and cladding. It can also be used to build entire homes or commercial buildings – often in a postmodern or brutalist style (although it is also possible to use concrete to mimic natural stone).
If you’ve been thinking of using concrete in a construction project, it could be worth weighing up some of the pros and cons first. Concrete could be the perfect material for some project, but less suitable for others. You check out some of the benefits and drawbacks of concrete below.
The pros
Durability
Concrete is able to outlast many materials. For example, an asphalt roof may only last 25 years, while a concrete tile roof has the potential to last over 100 years. This makes it a good material to invest in if you’re looking to build something that lasts. Just make sure to regularly clean and seal concrete to encourage its longevity.
Flexibility
Another benefit of concrete is that it can be molded into almost any shape. This makes it suitable for many structural applications. From polished curved contemporary walls to faux-stone brick cladding concrete can be used in both modern and traditional architectural projects. Unbeknown to many people, you can also color concrete!
Fire resistance
Concrete has a high degree of fire resistance. Now that the use of asbestos has been banned in many countries, concrete is more commonly becoming the material of choice for fireproofing in the form of fire cement boards.
Soundproofing
When it comes to muffling noise, concrete also has superior soundproofing qualities compared to many other materials. Concrete walls and fences are sometimes built facing busy roads to deflect noise. Just be wary that concrete is not the best choice for quiet flooring – concrete is good at reflecting sound, but not absorbing it, causing footsteps to echo.
The cons
Cost
While concrete is cheaper than materials like natural stone and brick, it is more expensive than materials like timber and asphalt. This is due to the high cost of cement – a key ingredient within concrete. Fortunately, it is possible to find good deals on sand delivery and help bring down the cost of concrete this way. However, make sure to not use overly cheap sand as this may affect construction quality.
Environmental impact
Those considering a green construction project may want to steer clear of using concrete. Due to the process of producing cement, concrete has a high carbon footprint. That said, there are ways to make concrete greener.
Risk of cracking
If concrete is not properly mixed, it can run the risk of cracking in places when dried. Metal reinforcement is often used to prevent concrete structures from cracking.
Aging
While new concrete structures can often look impressive, concrete can lose a lot of its aesthetic charm as it ages. It is porous and can become stained and blotchy, while small cracks can further reduce its visual appeal. Regularly cleaning and sealing concrete may help to prevent this.
Conclusion
Concrete is worthwhile considering for fire-proofing and soundproofing applications. It is also an affordable alternative to natural stone and brick that is excellent for exploring all kinds of styles. However, you may want to avoid concrete if you’re on a tight budget, looking for an eco-friendly material or looking for a material that stays looking good with little maintenance.
Tags: Building With Concrete
