5 Reasons Why Concrete is So Widely Used

Concrete is a material that’s all around us, but most of us don’t notice it in day to day life. In fact, concrete, or a form of it, has been used since Roman times, mixing sand and gravel to create a strong building material. That’s why, if you visit a quarry, you’ll still see large amounts of concrete being mixed and supplied to many different construction sites, whether they’re building a driveway for a home, or undertaking a huge new build development, and here are a few reasons why it’s still so widely used.

1.       Sustainability

In the age where everyone is concerned with protecting the environment, especially during big scale construction projects, concrete is an environmentally friendly choice. It can be made from many types of stone, although limestone is often used, which is one of the most common minerals found on Earth, and if a concrete building is torn down, the old concrete can be crushed into aggregate and made into new concrete.

2.       Easy to shape

Because concrete can be poured, it can be used in many different projects, such as:

·        Foundations

·        Driveways

·        Roads

·        Bridges

It’s a material that can be sculpted to every shape, you simply use a wooden frame to create the shape you need and pour.

3.       Cost

One of the big benefits of concrete is that it’s such a cheap material. With many projects needing to stay competitive on cost, using concrete in certain areas makes sense as it’s the cheapest option. For example, concrete can be used underneath gravel for a modern finish. Concrete can even be formed or stamped to look like natural stone for a fraction of the cost.

4.       Durability

Concrete can really stand the test of time because it doesn’t rot or rust. The oldest concrete structure in the UK is called Peterson’s Folly and was built in 1879, since converted into a home, and is still standing in excellent condition. Many of the old Roman structures that tourists visit have been built using an early form of concrete, and they are remarkably strong. While you may be looking for a structure that’ll last decades rather than centuries, it’s good to know that concrete will be there for as long as you need it.

5.       Energy efficiency

Another environmental advantage of concrete is that it has excellent thermal mass, so walls, foundations and floors will retain heat in the winter, plus stay cool in summer. Many homeowners who live in concrete-built houses report that they have lower energy bills, as they don’t have to run heaters or fans as much, and they can also have excellent sound-proofing, which is great for those newer homes that are often built on estates close to major roads.

When you need quarry services, contact the team at William Thompson & Son at our head office in Birch Road, Dumbarton, G82 2RN. You can get in touch by calling 01389 762271 or by e-mailing info@thompsonquarries.co.uk to find out more.