True or False? Debunking the Common Myths About Concrete
Concrete has a reputation for being one of the most popular construction materials on the planet. There are few places you can go these days that don't have buildings made of concrete, and for good reason. From foundations and formworks to floors and driveways, concrete offers numerous benefits to residential and commercial property owners.
With so much popularity, it's no surprise that concrete is surrounded by its fair share of fables, too. With more than 20 years of experience serving property owners throughout Phoenix and Scottsdale, Arizona, the concrete contractors at Prosperity
Construction Services are able to debunk the biggest myths about concrete. Read
on to find out what’s true and what’s false when it comes to concrete!
The Color of Concrete Is Always Gray
Most people think of the color gray when they imagine a concrete floor or ceiling. While it's true that concrete most often comes in gray, it comes in different colors, as well. Property owners can choose to add materials such as colorants to their
concrete for different, more exciting colors.
Concrete Is Impermeable
When we use the word impermeable, we're talking about a surface's ability to prevent water from passing through it. The most impermeable surfaces are actually those that are non-porous, which concrete most definitely is not. Concrete has lots
of microscopic holes that make it porous and, thus, permeable to liquids and gasses.
Concrete Is Not Eco-friendly
Cement gets a bad rap for being non-eco-friendly because of how much carbon dioxide the cement industry generates. While it's true that the cement industry produces a significant amount of greenhouse gasses, cement itself is far from being detrimental to the environment. Concrete that you add to your property during a concrete installation is not going to reduce your eco-friendliness and can even contribute to energy savings over the long term.
Concrete With Higher Strength Is More Durable
Concrete with higher strength doesn't necessarily translate to greater durability. When we refer to concrete's strength, we're actually talking about what is referred to as compressive strength. Compressive strength, while important to concrete's
durability, isn't enough on its own to constitute long-lasting durability. Concrete also needs durable reinforcing steel and reduced exposure to harsh elements to maintain a long lifespan.
Concrete Is Cold
It's a common but incorrect belief held by many that concrete is a cold surface. In reality, concrete is great at absorbing heat, retaining it, and releasing it over time. Concrete is so good at heat absorption that it's actually warmer than other surfaces such as tiled floors and ceilings. Concrete's tendency to absorb and retain heat makes it a great candidate for underfloor heating, as
well.
It’s Easy to DIY Concrete Projects
Last, but certainly not least, is the common misconception that concrete projects are easy to DIY for both beginners and experts. This belief probably stems from the fact that pre-mix concrete is easy to find at nearly any hardware store. Pair
this with the fact that the internet has spawned many DIY tutorial videos over recent years, and it's easy to see why some may think it's easy to DIY concrete jobs.
In truth, many concrete installation jobs, like driveways and pathways, require the experience of experts like those at Prosperity Construction Services. So, instead of tackling your next concrete project yourself, why not rely on a professional concrete contractor team like ours that has more than 20 years of experience serving Phoenix, AZ property owners? Learn
more about how we can help by giving us a call at 602-469-8569 and get a free quote today!





