FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Answers for All Your Inquiries

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CEMENT AND CONCRETE?

Often times the word cement and concrete are used interchangeably. Cement is actually an ingredient of concrete. Concrete is a mixture comprised of aggregates and paste. Aggregates used vary by the purpose but is a ratio of sand and gravel.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO "CURE" CONCRETE?

One of the most important steps in concrete construction is curing. When done properly the strength of concrete is determined as well as the durability.

CAN IT BE TOO HOT OR TOO COLD TO PLACE NEW CONCRETE?

Hydration is an important factor for proper curing. Therefore extreme temperatures can impact your new concrete's ability to cure adequately for the ideal strength and desirable durability.

WHY DOES CONCRETE CRACK?

Concrete is susceptible to expansion and contraction due to temperature change. This can cause cracks. In addition, the strength and durability of concrete can be tested by too heavy of vehicles, causing strain and cracks.

WHY DO CONCRETE SURFACES FLAKE AND SPALL?

In Wyoming, we are subject to freezing and thawing. The concrete should be air-entrained to resist flaking and scaling of the surface.

WHAT DOES 28-DAY STRENGTH MEAN?

Concrete hardens and gains strength as it hydrates. The hydration process continues over a long period of time and is referred as curing. It happens rapidly at first and slows down as time goes by. To measure the ultimate strength of concrete would require a several year wait. This would be impractical for industry, so a time period of 28 days was selected by specification writing authorities as the age that all concrete should be tested.