Choose From 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.

Following the demise of the Roman Empire, its use as a building material faded into obscurity. Then, in the eighteenth century the technology came into use once again. The modern version is poured into forms after being mixed. For structures requiring strength, such as bridges and skyscrapers, it is reinforced with steel or rebar.

Some people confuse the words concrete and cement. Concrete is a composite containing cement, along with coarse gravel, small pebbles or other aggregates and small amounts of sand. The mix is composed of different amounts of the materials used depending on the required strength of the planned structure.

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 prior to the pour, steel or rebar may be laid in place to provide extra reinforcement. This is vital when constructing bridges, viaducts or other weight bearing projects. Other examples are dams, skyscrapers and parking structures.

As the water is added to the other components, chemicals are sometimes added to either slow the rate of hardening or speed it up. Contractors with experience have the ability to judge which is appropriate when constructing a specific project.

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.




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