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Concrete is an essential building material. It makes up our roadways, bridges, sidewalks, and even the foundation of our homes. Needless to say, the uses of concrete are vast. This is because it’s an extraordinarily durable, long-lasting, and versatile material. In fact, concrete is one of the most robust building materials available. Furthermore, since it can be poured and moulded to fit any shape, it’s a fantastic option for any construction project. For these reasons and more, you can find structural and decorative uses for concrete around your home.<\/p>\n
In this article, you can find the top 5 concrete companies in Calgary. Calgary home and business owners looking to repair existing concrete, install new concrete features, or improve their hardscaping should consider these outstanding companies.<\/p>\n
No, concrete is not the same as cement! Although you may have heard concrete and cement used interchangeably, they are different materials. In fact, cement is one component of concrete, making up 10-15% of the total concrete mix. Concrete is a ubiquitous building material, whereas pure cement is not. Roads, sidewalks, backyard patios, and driveways are made of concrete, and concrete is the material of choice because it is incredibly durable and long-lasting. Unlike pure cement, concrete can last for hundreds of years. Today, we mainly use cement for grouting and binding concrete.<\/p>\n
Concrete combines cement, water, and aggregate (sand, stone, and gravel). The aggregates make up 75% of the concrete. When water and cement mix, these aggregates bind together. The materials must be extremely clean because contamination can compromise the concrete’s strength. Generally, stronger concretes contain less water and larger aggregates.<\/p>\n
Everyone knows concrete makes up our roads, bridges, sidewalks, and parking lots. However, concrete also has many different uses inside and outside your home. Concrete countertops, sinks, and even floors have all become popular over recent years. When it comes to the exterior of your home, we associate concrete with driveways, walkways, foundations, and garage pads.<\/p>\n
But this is only the beginning! Concrete in Calgary is also used for patios, pool decks, retaining walls, and hardscaping. Moreover, decorative concrete can add a unique beauty to regular concrete features. You can be creative and enjoy something entirely custom for your home.<\/p>\n
Hardscaping is any form of landscaping that uses non-living or non-vegetative elements. This includes work done with brick, stones, gravel, and concrete. On the other hand, softscaping is landscaping that includes greenery and vegetation.<\/p>\n
Good landscape design involves an attractive combination of both hardscaping and softscaping. After all, variation and balance are critical components of a visually pleasing yard. If you choose to focus solely on softscaping, you’re missing out. Hardscaping and softscaping complement one another to create a harmonious and interesting yard.<\/p>\n
That said, hardscaping has unique benefits over softscaping. Therefore, you may want to include a bit more hardscaping in your yard.<\/p>\n
Concrete retaining walls and barriers direct water drainage. This can prevent excess water from eroding the topsoil in your flowerbeds or garden. This is good for the health of your plants and means you won’t have to replace the soil in your yard as frequently.<\/p>\n
Weeds need soil to grow. By choosing to have concrete over more of your yard, you limit where weeds can sprout. Concrete patios, pool decks, and outdoor living spaces are not conducive to weed growth, so you’ll have less weeding to do!<\/p>\n
Concrete walkways and paths let guests know where they should walk. This preserves your lawn and prevents unfortunate trampling. Additionally, these walkways provide leading eyes, guiding the eyes to different focal points in your yard.<\/p>\n
Patios, outdoor kitchens, and seating areas are all examples of hardscaping. Concrete or paving stones form the foundation for outdoor activities. They provide a place to relax, gather, and entertain friends and family. Additionally, your concrete contractor can customize these spaces. Calgary homeowners who want to spend more time outside should consider using concrete to extend the functional and liveable space on their property.<\/p>\n
Softscaping elements require a lot of maintenance. They must be watered, fertilized, weeded, mowed, and trimmed. On the other, hardscaping needs next to no maintenance. All you have to do is occasionally sweep or power wash.<\/p>\n
An outdoor concrete patio helps you get more out of your yard. It provides the perfect place to gather, entertain, and relax. This extra space increases the liveable area on your property, encouraging you to enjoy the fresh air and sunshine in the warmer months. Furthermore, you can customize your patio to suit your lifestyle. For example, add some furniture, a BBQ, or outdoor lighting.<\/p>\n
If you want to level up your entertaining, install an outdoor kitchen. It makes it much easier to enjoy spending time outdoors with friends and family. Plus, you can design the majority of your outdoor kitchen with concrete. A concrete floor, walls, and counter are durable enough to be outside.<\/p>\n
An outdoor fire pit is ideal for socializing. Additionally, it increases the usability of your concrete patio since it helps to keep you and your guests warm. Outdoor fire pits provide a useful focal point, which you can surround with outdoor sofas and bench seating. If this sounds like just your style, contact one of the listed concrete companies. Calgary summers are short; an outdoor concrete fireplace can help you spend more time outside.<\/p>\n
Pool deck<\/strong><\/p>\n Concrete is a common material for pool decks. This is because it’s budget-friendly, safe, durable, and easy to maintain. Broomed finishes and textured overlays make concrete more slip-resistant and, therefore, safer. Additionally, concrete reflects solar radiation, so it doesn’t heat up as much as other materials. Poured concrete pool decks also only need occasional cleaning.<\/p>\n