Concrete is the most widely used construction material in the UK and worldwide. The basic mix of gravel aggregate, sand and water has been the building blocks of some of the most impressive constructions since the Romans, Egyptians and probably even further back. Anything can be built out of concrete; the possibilities are limitless.
The Benefits of Concrete as a Construction Material
Concrete has a number of benefits as a construction material including:
- The ability to be used to build new-build properties
- The ability to be used to imitate traditional stone motifs
- It makes projects easier
- It is aesthetically pleasing
- It is safe to use
- It is functional
- It is strong
Why is Concrete So Popular in the UK Construction Industry?
Concrete is one of the few building materials that actually gains strength over time. Not only does it remain high-quality for a long period of time, but there is little need for maintenance or reconstruction, which is why it is one of the most popular building materials used in the UK
Concrete has double the lifespan of other building materials including:
- Plastics
- Wood
- Brick
The Benefits of Concrete in Construction
Concrete has been around for hundreds of years and has been popular since it was first introduced. The concrete industry is continually growing and when you look at the benefits you can see why:
- It makes buildings more efficient
- The materials are widely available
- Concrete allows for absorption and heat retention
- Walls and foundations are more durable and stronger
- It’s cheaper to use
- It’s easier to maintain
- The material is fire resistant
- It’s stronger than other materials against natural disasters
- It has better protection against the weather
- It helps reduce allergens in the environment
- It’s rot-resistant
Is it Expensive?
The prices of most construction materials are continually changing depending on supply and demand. However, concrete continues to be one of the best and most cost-efficient building materials available. The price of concrete has remained steady even though there have been huge changes in the UK economy and changes in demand.
Construction businesses should consider using more concrete in their builds. Before doing so, you need to think about your concrete requirements:
- The grade
- The finishing costs
- Surface preparation costs
These things all need to be thought about so that you avoid unexpected expenses during the build.
Finding concrete suppliers near you can be tricky, especially if you’re not sure what you’re looking for. If you can work out exactly how much you’ll need beforehand, you’ll be able to look around for some quotes. A good place to start is using the concrete calculator on the MixIt website which allows you to calculate the cubic area of material needed. They’re London based concrete suppliers so could abe an ideal choice if you’re in the area.
Is Concrete Safe?
Many people question whether concrete is safe to use on a building project and whether it is the best option for them. Concrete is one of the safest building materials available. Unlike most other materials, concrete does not need fireproofing treatment in order to meet the UK’s fire guidelines. It is one of the most long-lasting and strongest materials available, even if hit by a man-made or natural disaster.
There are a number of benefits of using concrete in construction. Concrete is both strong and durable and is often more cost-effective than other materials. This is why concrete is the most popular building material in the UK.
