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The Pros And Cons Of Using Ready-Mixed Concrete
Learning about the benefit of using ready mix concrete whill help you to consider each option will help you make decision as to which is ideal for your situation. Here are some of the benefits of using a ready-mixed concrete for your home construction project.
Benefits of Using Ready-Mixed Concrete
Ready-Mixed Concrete is a Stronger Grade of Concrete
One of the biggest advantages to use a ready-mixed concrete is that most ready-mixed concretes are a stronger grade of concrete compared to those you mix yourself. There are many different types and grades of concrete based on the water-to-sediment ratio and the types of sediment and aggregate used. However, a concrete mixing truck can mix stronger sediment than small concrete mixers that are used to mix on-site concrete mixes. As such, you can get a stronger grade of concrete, which ultimately has a longer lifespan and is more durable, if you go with a ready-mixed concrete.
Ready-Mixed Concrete Will Cure Faster
The other advantage to a ready-mixed concrete is that it will cure faster. As was discussed in the disadvantages section, ready-mixed concrete is mixing while it is being transported. This can be a negative thing if you aren’t quick to lay out and smooth your concrete. But if you know what you are doing and are prepared, having concrete that cures fast can also be beneficial. If the weather is not ideal for concrete laying, such as when it is cold or rainy, you will want your concrete to harden quickly. If there are concerns that children or animals may walk through the concrete, you will want it to harden quickly. Therefore, concrete that is already mixing and ready to enter the curing stage in a brief amount of time can be beneficial in those circumstances.
Disadvantages of Using Ready-Mixed Concrete
You Have to Work Fast When Using Ready-Mixed Concrete
One of the biggest downsides to using a ready-mixed concrete is that you have to work fast when laying this type of concrete. This type of concrete begins mixing when it is loaded into the concrete mixing truck. It continues mixing while it is en-route to your home on construction site for delivery. There are many factors that affect how long it takes for concrete to begin to cure, or harden, including the sediment to water ratio of the mix and weather conditions. However, since ready-mixed concrete is mixing while it is being transported, you have less time to spread it before it begins to cure compared with concretes that you mix on-site. As such, you need to either be quick to spread, level and smooth ready-mixed concrete or have helpers on hand. Otherwise, this type of concrete can harden before you can complete your project.
You Have to Have an Accessible Area for the Concrete Mixing Truck
The other disadvantage to ready-mixed concrete is that your concrete is delivered in a large, concrete mixing truck. In order for this truck to deliver the concrete, you need an accessible area for it. If you live in a residential neighborhood, with small streets, this can be challenging. Before you decide to go this route, make sure there is enough space for a truck of this size to get to your construction site.
