Imagine what society might look like without concrete. For one thing, we wouldn’t have the convenience of highways and sidewalks. It would also be incredibly difficult to construct some of today’s skyscrapers without such important man-made materials.
Concrete is one of those things we rarely think about, yet rely on every single day. Here are some interesting, little-known facts about concrete:
- There’s no better material for road construction – Some of us spend several hours a day on the highway. But did you know that nearly 30 percent of interstate highways in the U.S. are built using concrete? It’s not surprising, especially when you consider concrete roads last longer and require significantly less maintenance compared to asphalt roads. No other material offers anywhere close to the same reliability as concrete for road construction.
- The first concrete highway was built in 1909 – The mile-long road on Woodward Avenue between Six and Seven Mile Roads in Detroit cost nearly $14,000 to build. Prior to 1909, drivers endured bumpy rides on roads built using bricks or cobblestones. Our highways have certainly come a long way since then.
- The British Army used concrete to detect enemy aircraft – Since radar had not been developed yet, the British had to get creative with detecting incoming aircraft. So they built giant concrete sound reflectors, often referred to as “listening ears,” to assist them during World War II.
- Cement and concrete are not the same things – These two are often incorrectly interchanged. Here’s the deal: Concrete is mainly comprised of sand, gravel, and crushed stone. It’s also about 20% water and only 10 to 15 % cement. What folks don’t realize is that the cement and water harden when mixed, binding everything into the solid mass we call concrete.
- Concrete is becoming more popular for countertops, sinks, fireplaces, and floors – Concrete doesn’t just need to be reserved for outdoor areas. The material’s unmatched versatility and durability make it ideal for custom countertops, sinks, and fireplaces. If you’re ready to give your home a much-needed contemporary facelift, then you may want to consider concrete for your next project.
Concrete Leveling in Austin
Now that you know more about concrete, what’s your familiarity with concrete repair? There’s no question that sinking concrete can spell disaster for your property. Fortunately, the professionals at Concrete Leveling Technologies can help.
For years, residents in Austin and throughout central Texas have relied on our expertise when it comes to concrete leveling and repair services. You can count on us to walk you through the concrete leveling process and answer any questions you may have.
What sets us apart, though, is our concrete repair method. Unlike other local concrete contractors who depend on invasive tactics such as mudjacking, we use polyurethane foam. Basically, as the foam reacts and expands, the concrete slabs are raised back to their proper position.
There’s no mess to worry about and, once you’re done, you will have a level surface you always wanted.
Don’t let sinking concrete keep you up at night. Call Concrete Leveling Technologies today.
