Benefits of Using Concrete for Commercial Properties
Using concrete to build commercial properties is preferable to the wide variety of other available building materials, due to its many financial and environmental benefits. Here is a list of the common reasons concrete is the most popular construction material worldwide.
Impressive Strength
Concrete is composed of three substances: water, cement and a dry aggregate such as sand. The strongest concrete has the highest density ratings, which is achieved by minimizing the water content and aggregate and increasing the proportion of cement. The material gets stronger as it dries. While it may take only a few days to a week to adequately dry for use, the remaining moisture inside the concrete continues to chemically react and bind the aggregate and cement together, resulting in a denser, more firm surface with each year that passes.
Minimal Maintenance
Both porous and non-porous concrete can be utilized, depending on the project’s needs. The non-porous type lowers the chances of any mold development. All concrete requires little maintenance, but should be regularly inspected by a repair technician. When cracks appear, simply contact a local professional and schedule concrete lifting and restoration. Compared to wood, which requires constant attention to minimize rot and splintering, concrete is the ideal building material.
Environmental Advantages
Unlike asphalt, which blocks proper water absorption in soil, porous concrete facilitates natural water retention by allowing rainwater to penetrate to the ground beneath. Stormwater runoff is a serious environmental concern, carrying pollutants and waste particles from roads and walkways into local water sources. Porous concrete helps minimize erosion and flooding near commercial buildings. Besides this helpful environmental benefit, it is also naturally fire-resistant, can withstand major hurricanes and tornadoes and is impervious to termites, co-existing in harmony with nature.
Heat Reflectivity
Concrete’s properties reflect rather than absorb heat. This characteristic reduces the urban heat island effect. When a building is surrounded with a heat-absorbent material like asphalt, the exterior as well as interior temperatures escalate and place a high demand on the cooling system in the warmer months. The heat energy is transferred by contact to rainwater, which runs across impervious asphalt surfaces to nearby ponds, streams and rivers. Elevated water temperatures are dangerous for wildlife and promote unwanted bacterial growth. Concrete is a safer, heat-reflective material that lowers the cost of cooling in summer and keeps temperatures at a manageable level.
Adaptability
The many uses for concrete include roads, walkways, patios, driveways, steps, garages and entire buildings. The flexibility of the material is a vital asset to business and commercial property owners who wish to construct long-lasting structures with a reasonably priced building material.
How Can a Professional Concrete Repair Company Help?
Even with its long list of economic and environmental advantages, concrete will require periodic maintenance throughout its existence. To ensure the structure retains its original sound configuration, an experienced professional can offer swift attention to cracks that may develop with constant use. Additionally, as it settles it increases in strength, but it may sink into soil and require lifting. A skilled lifting company will restore any surface to its previous even plane, ensuring safety and stability for years to come.
After utilizing concrete for commercial property construction, obtain a free quote from a local concrete lifting company when any signs of slight shifting develop.