Uses of Concrete in 2022

Concrete is the most used synthetic substance on earth! Why? For starters, it is durable and versatile. It is also very energy-efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly. It is no wonder why concrete contractors are a part of the most vital stakeholders in the construction industry.

Interestingly, some of the world's most attractive structures are concrete. You can find it all over your neighborhood too. Do you want to learn about concrete, or do you want to use it for a project? Whatever the case, here are the most common uses of concrete in 2022.

Installing Driveways and Patios

Almost every neighborhood has at least one or two homes with a concrete driveway or patio. Concrete driveways and patios can make your home worth more when you sell it, and they are known to last longer than asphalt ones. 

You can also color or stamp concrete to give your pavement a unique look that goes with the exterior design of your home. For that, however, you may need to hire stamped concrete contractors in Orange County.

Building Sidewalks

Sidewalks offer a secure network between neighborhoods. Residents use them to get some exercise, walk their kids to school, or even run with their dogs. Many cities and towns opt for concrete sidewalks for their durability. 

Concrete is the strongest building material in use today, so these cities can be sure that the concrete sidewalks will last. They also know that these sidewalks don't need as much maintenance, which is a nice way to save money.

Building Streets

Surely, you have seen a couple of concrete streets in your town. Concrete streets are the major way people get around in cities and states. Did you know that all bridges are made of concrete? And that more than 60% of the US Interstate Highway System is also made of concrete? This is because this material lasts longer, is safer, and shines brighter at night. Also, concrete can hold more weight, which makes it a must in areas with a lot of foot traffic.

Building Construction Bridges

To buttress the previous point, there is no better material than concrete for building bridges. Aside from the little wooden sidewalks, bridges need to be strong because cars drive on them. When you use concrete, you can be sure that driving or walking on it is safe.

Parking

There are many good things about concrete parking lots. It looks much better than asphalt and can even light up better, making the parking lot safer and saving money on lighting. 

Also, if you choose concrete for your parking lot, it will be better for the environment than other lots. Remember we mentioned that concrete is environmentally friendly? Right! So the thing is, concrete is 100% recyclable. It can be broken into small pieces and mixed with other things to make aggregates. 

Now, these aggregates can be used as a base for many structures and are often used to protect shorelines. This cuts down on the amount of trash that goes to landfills, which is good for the environment and helps keep carbon footprints low.

Laying Footings/Foundation

As you can already tell, concrete has quite many benefits. Because of these benefits, concrete is the favorite for the base of many homes. For example, concrete doesn't burn or rot, so you can always be sure that the base of your house is strong and will last. 

Also, having a concrete basement can protect you from bad weather like hurricanes and tornadoes. Do you need any more convincing to contact a concrete contractor in Orange County? We bet you don't!

Building Floating Docks

Most marinas and port owners now build their floating docks out of concrete. A concrete floating dock is the best for all ports because it is stable and reliable.

Installing Ceilings in Warehouses and Rooms

Most people do prefer to use concrete ceilings in their warehouses and special rooms. They use it because they know it won't leak when it rains, and it makes it less likely that someone will steal from here.

Building Dams

Concrete is better for building dams than other materials because it is strong and has a high unit weight. We know that dams can hold water and generate electricity. That means a lot of pressure is needed. Of course, the water pressure puts a lot of weight on the dam, which is why concrete is a good material for building dams. With concrete, the dam would be very strong, and only a strong earthquake could break it.

Buildings With a Mid-Rise and a High-Rise

As we have mentioned, buildings made from concrete are safer and last longer than those made from other materials. Concrete is the right choice if you want to build your house out of something that is safer and uses less energy.

Building Sinks

Making your sinks out of concrete is never a bad idea because it's cheap and durable. Most people like to make concrete sinks and use other materials to decorate the top. Building a concrete sink is usually fun and interesting, allowing you to be creative with color and design.

Laying Floor Coverings of Our Homes

Laying concrete on the floors of our homes helps a lot, and it gives the home a sense of peace and quiet. Concrete floors are used in almost all modern homes, which makes a great deal of sense.

Commercial Buildings

When commercial buildings are made of concrete, they are safer than when they are made of most other materials. It is usually cheaper and easier to maintain than steel buildings. It is easy to control how much heat moves from the inside to the outside, which saves energy.

Building Sewers and Drains

Concrete is the best building material for sewers and other underground projects because, again, it is strong and lasts a long time. A special concrete mix is used to build culverts, piers, foundations, and abutments.

Concrete is very important to us in our time. You can see that its uses and applications make it a truly important substance. Many projects won't be in existence or won't be as useful as they are if they weren't concrete. 

No matter the project you are working on, choosing concrete is certainly a choice you won't regret. Feel free to talk to us at OC Concrete Pavers to learn more about using concrete. We are available to help with your concrete projects, so get a quote today!