Concrete is the poured material used for construction of sidewalks, driveways, parking lots, patios, pool decks, foundations, and more. It is often reinforced with steel mesh or bars to help it withstand tensile stress and environmental stress such as freezing temperatures. Careful mixing and pouring are critical to ensuring the concrete reaches the desired strength, cures evenly, and bonds properly with other materials. Concrete technicians also use vibration and leveling techniques to remove trapped air and ensure a smooth finish.
The earliest precursors of modern concrete were gypsum, lime, and other crude cements that reacted with crushed, burned limestone to form plaster-like surfaces for rubble-wall houses and underground water cisterns. As these cements were improved and augmented with various aggregate materials over thousands of years, they morphed into the concrete we know today. Today’s concrete is generally made from Portland cement, coarse and fine aggregates of stone or sand, and water. Other ingredients, called admixtures, are sometimes added to control the concrete’s setting and hardening properties.
Specialized solutions can address a variety of concrete troubles including structural compromise, erosion, cracking, and spalling. A professional concrete contractor uses precise testing and reliable techniques to solve these problems and help restore the structure to its original appearance.
Is your sunken concrete patio, walkway, or driveway becoming an eyesore? A reputable salem or concrete company can perform expert concrete leveling and lifting to raise the surface back to its original position. Request a free concrete leveling cost estimate from your local PolyLevel(r) franchise today!