Frequently Asked Questions

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What’s the difference between concrete and cement?

Often times, people refer to concrete as cement when really; cement, a fine, manufactured powder properly known as Portland cement, is just one ingredient to a mixture that creates concrete. 

Concrete, in its most basic form, is a combination of cement powder, aggregates (sand, rock) and water.  Further elements such as fly ash and other admixtures are commonly added to the list of what makes up concrete.

What does the term “slump” mean?

Slump refers to the workability of the concrete or how “wet” the mix is.  The higher the slump, the more water is generally in the concrete.  Caution must be taken because too much water will affect the strength and overall longevity of the concrete.  For most applications, a 100mm (4 inch) slump is all you need to place and finish concrete. 

Remember, the less water added into the mix, the stronger your concrete will be.

When should I order my concrete?

It is recommended that you order your concrete at least two days in advance.  In the summer months however (May 1-Sept 30), the industry is a lot busier and the sooner you order your concrete in advance the better as a day can fill up very fast.  During the winter months (Oct 1-April 30) you can generally get away with ordering your concrete a day in advance.  Nevertheless, if you need concrete ASAP, never hesitate to call us and find out how we can service your needs. 

What does “MPA” refer to?

MPA is a term used to denote the strength of the concrete.  In layman’s terms, the higher the MPA, the stronger the concrete.  A higher MPA concrete is usually the result of adding more cement powder to the mix.  As the cement content increases, several benefits occur.  You will get a stronger, more durable, denser, concrete that is easier to pour into place.

Regular concrete can typically withstand a pressure range between 10 MPa (1450 psi) and 40 MPa (5800 psi).

Can I be environmentally “green” by building with concrete?

Building green with concrete is becoming more popular because of all the attention being given to sustainable construction these days. Using recycled materials in the concrete mix is making the term “green concrete” part of our everyday language in the concrete building industry.

When most people think of concrete, they think of cement, sand, aggregate (rocks), and water. What they don’t know is most of (if not all) these materials can be recycled or supplemented with other recycled materials to make concrete. This newer “greener” concrete doesn’t deplete our natural resources like before and is a great way to build an environmentally friendly home without compromising strength or beauty. 



Find out more about concrete at Wikipedia.