The World’s Most Impressive Concrete Structures

July 28, 2016

Concrete is one of the world’s most useful and popular building materials; it has been used for centuries in the construction of many a building, statue and landmark. This month, we’re taking a look at the most impressive concrete structures on earth, showing off the material’s versatility and timeless appeal. The Pantheon – Rome, Italy A testament to the sheer quality of concrete, Rome’s Pantheon was completed around 126 AD and remains today as one of the most beautiful and awe inspiring architectural feats in history. The Romans didn’t have reinforced concrete – strengthened with steel – but they were able…

Concrete Countertops for Your kitchen

June 21, 2016

When you think of countertops for your kitchen, you probably think of glass, granite or marble. However, you might be amazed at the results you can get by using concrete, that’s why we here at Roadmaster Concrete Mixers have put together this guide to brief you on why you should consider using concrete for your kitchen countertops. Durability As you might expect concrete offers unrivalled durability. You won’t want to put the effort into designing and installing a whole new countertop to have it wear down quickly, and concrete will make sure all your hard work will last. Concrete is designed…

What is self-healing concrete?

May 25, 2016

When we first looked at the innovative creation of self-healing concrete over a year ago, it was still being developed by Bath University. There has since been significant progress with the concrete substance that, essentially, heals itself. So in this month’s article we’ve looked at the recent developments. What actually is self-healing concrete? Self-healing concrete tackles the problem standard concrete has in that it can be vulnerable to cracking, which can quickly lead to major damage in need of costly repairs. The concept focuses on using substances that can change shape when a reaction is triggered – for example, when mixed…

What are the advantages of a concrete driveway?

April 25, 2016

Using concrete for the driveway is a popular choice, providing a long lasting base for cars to be parked without ruining the aesthetics of the house. However, what is it exactly that sets concrete driveways apart from those using other materials? We’ve listed some of the biggest benefits to having a concrete driveway below. Durable For a driveway that can withstand constant use, and bear the weight of heavy cars, using concrete is the ideal solution. Concrete is one of the most functional materials available, providing a long-lasting and strong option that can withstand daily use for generations before showing…

What is Concrete Curing?

March 21, 2016

Curing concrete is the process of maintaining the moisture on concrete once it has been poured and is in the process of setting. It is essential to cure your concrete to enable it to gain strength properly – uncured concrete will most likely result in cracks and weak patches. Why do you need to cure concrete? Concrete needs to retain moisture while setting in order to allow the ingredients in the mix to bond – if it sets too quickly, it will be weaker in certain areas and may crack or break under strain. How do you do it? There are…

What are the different types of concrete pumps?

February 21, 2016

When your construction project involves pumping concrete at some stage, it’s important to know which concrete pump is most suited to your requirements. Concrete pumps are the ideal option for placing concrete at a faster rate, and are useful for areas that may have limited access or restricted areas in which concrete needs to be poured. Here at Roadmaster Concrete Mixers, we’ve been supply concrete pumps for years, so we know the high quality work a pump can deliver, not to mention the valuable time saved. In this article, we’ve outlined the main differences between concrete pumps, and their popular uses….

Permeable Concrete and it’s advantages

January 15, 2016

Here at Roadmaster Concrete Mixers, we’re always interested in the advancing technology when it comes to concrete. With an increased focus on convenience and eco-friendly solutions, permeable concrete has been hailed as the ideal solution for some serious problems. Permeable concrete is composed of several layers, designed to channel water rather than simply letting it pile up on top. It therefore has a permeable surface layer made up of large pebbles which water can quickly drain through. This layer tops an attenuation layer which feeds the water into a drainage system, meaning the water can be recycled. Often, extreme flooding can…

Top Tips for Pumping Concrete in Winter

December 14, 2015

Pumping concrete in cold temperatures can present a number of problems: the biggest potential problem being that concrete could freeze during the process and thus stop the flow of concrete through the pipes. To achieve the perfect pour, and prevent delays and additional costs, it’s important to take steps to ensure concrete does not freeze whilst being pumped. We’ve listed a few of our top tips to ensure this doesn’t happen. Mix concrete with hot water Mixing concrete with hot water is one of the most effective ways to ensure it doesn’t freeze whilst being pumped through the pipeline. The water…

Repair or Replace; Which is Best for Concrete?

November 12, 2015

Concrete can be damaged with everyday use, and the common question is whether it is easier to repair a cracked surface or to replace it altogether. Often, for small cracks or an isolated damaged surface, repairing those areas of damage will suffice. Technology now means that repair options are less-expensive, faster drying and stronger than previous products. However, there are some specific circumstances where replacing the concrete is necessary, as repairs will only be a short term fix to a wider problem. Our experts here at Roadmaster Concrete Mixers have listed those scenarios below. Sunken Concrete Sunken concrete can occur if…

How to Create Non-Slip Concrete Flooring

October 15, 2015

With the arrival of the winter months, it’s important to remember that concrete can become slippery in the cold and wet. It’s easy for an accident to occur due to the reduced friction, especially on hilly surfaces or steps, so taking a precaution to increase the grip on your concrete now is wise. There are a range of options available that can remedy a slippery concrete surface, whether it’s for a domestic or commercial property, and we’ve listed some of these below. The list is split into two sections: one of when your concrete has not yet been poured, and one…