When it comes to paving, one of the most widely used materials is concrete. There are many good reasons for this. Concrete is used not only for paving but for a variety of other purposes in both commercial and residential buildings. It is used commercially for bridges, highways, dams, and as a foundation for most homes and other buildings. Concrete basements are particularly advantageous in areas prone to weather phenomenon such as hurricanes and tornadoes. So, why is concrete so popular? What makes it the material of choice for paving?
What is Concrete?
Concrete is perhaps the most regularly used man-made substance on Earth. It is typically made from a combination of cement, water, and an aggregate composed of sand, rock, or gravel. The mix of these materials creates a paste that can be worked into various shapes and forms, which will then harden in the air over time.
The Benefits of Concrete
Concrete is strong and durable, which is important for paving that will need to withstand quite a bit of traffic during its lifetime. It is a weatherproof material resistant to wind and rain, making it ideal for long term use.
Concrete is cost-effective and easy to make, and it is recyclable, so it is environmentally friendly. It is made from widely available materials such as limestone, which is one of the most plentiful materials on the planet.
It can be easily made from waste products from the construction industry and, because it can be crushed and reused, is good for the environment.
Pavement services providers Parking Lot Pros say that another benefit of concrete for paving is the fact that it is extremely easy to maintain. It can be quickly cleaned with a stiff brush and a hose. You can also use weed killer sprays without worrying about damaging it.
Concrete also has a high load-bearing capacity, which makes it the ideal choice for commercial properties with a high level of traffic.
In terms of aesthetics, there is certainly plenty of choice when it comes to concrete paving. In fact, it is easy for manufacturers to create paving in a variety of colors and designs, depending on the raw materials used and the preferences of individuals.
Are there Downsides of Using Concrete for Paving?
Those who use concrete for paving might tell you that one of the biggest problems is that while it is resistant to water, it is not resistant to stains from other liquids, namely oil. Furthermore, concrete paving can become discolored over time if not cleaned regularly. There is also the issue of surface erosion. Although this occurs gradually, it is not uncommon for the top layer of concrete paving to wear away, with the aggregate underneath becoming exposed.
Concrete paving is also more difficult to repair than other types of paving. While cracks can be filled in, it is awfully hard to ensure the new finish matches the original, which makes it look less aesthetically pleasing.
Conclusion
Because of the readily available raw materials used to make concrete, it is commonly used for a variety of purposes, including paving. It is hard wearing and durable and able to withstand heavy loads. Additionally, concrete is low maintenance, which is appealing to many people. Furthermore, because it can be easily customized, it is possible to create unique designs. However, concrete is hard to repair and may become discolored over time, which can be off-putting for some people.
When compared with other materials, concrete definitely has the edge in terms of affordability, ease of maintenance, and being better for the environment.