div class='clear'>

Successful Concrete Contractors San Jose

By Helene Norris


This durable building material is used by the concrete contractors San Jose to pour patios, driveways, porches and stairs. Its endurance over time is proven by the buildings that stand today that were constructed long ago when the Roman Empire was in power.

When the Roman Empire fell, many of the concrete structures located in the area did not. The material was not used much from then until the eighteenth century when it became popular again. It is mixed into a liquid and poured into wooden forms that hold it in place as it dries. Weight bearing structures such as bridges may be reinforced by adding rebar.

Often the words concrete and cement are thought to be interchangeable. However, cement is one of the components used to make the composite concrete. Other components are aggregates such as gravel or small pebbles and sand. Various proportions of these are used. Some structures require more strength and that is taken into consideration.

Their are famous dams and bridges that were built using this enduring material. It is popular for building foundations, bridges, highways and airport runways.

The decorative application may have color added to the mix. It can be stamped, stained, polished and colored. Using special molds, it can create statues, birdbaths or fountains. When stamped, it can take on the appearance of brick and when polished, it can mimic the mirrored finish of marble.

Joseph Aspdin created the mixture generally called Portland cement in 1824. He patented the mix. Joseph Monier invented reinforced concrete in 1849. It contained blood, which enabled it to resist damage from frost.

Just as the ingredients in a chocolate cake vary from those in a fudge cake, different proportions of cement, aggregate, sand and water are used to make the mix for different building projects. Possible aggregates are gravel, crushed limestone or pebbles. A minimal amount of sand is added.

After the water is added and before the mixture is poured, the contractor may lay rebar in place for added strength. This extra reinforcement is necessary when any weight bearing structure is built.

In addition to water, chemicals may be added. This is done to either speed up or slow down the rate at which the mixture hardens. A skilled contractor is able to judge the optimal proportions of all additives that are appropriately used to build each type of structure.

Cold climate building projects must consider the expanding and contracting that will occur due to weather changes. This is not necessary in a warm climate. However, saw cuts will still be made in flat applications because they allow for some movement without damage occurring. In case of rain, hardening projects must be covered for protection.

The concrete contractors San Jose are adept at pouring garage floors, driveways, patios, fire pits and anything that can be made of this most enduring material. The homeowner can have a matching patio and garden walk. A driveway or flower garden can be made more attractive by the addition of a border. The possibilities for practical and decorative applications are endless.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment