The Merits and Demerits of Using Ready Mix Concrete in London for Your Projects
Have you ever seen the construction of a building being completed within a short span of time in London? Did you wonder how it’s even possible? If you said ‘yes’ to both the questions, here’s the secret. The construction involved the use of ready mix concrete London.
Ready-mix concrete is a mixture of Portland cement, fine sand, coarse aggregates and water. It’s manufactured in a batching plant or factory according to a set proportion and delivered to the construction site, ready to use. If you have never worked with this type of concrete, you have several questions crossing your mind. So, to make things easy for you to understand, we are sharing here the merits and demerits of ready-mix concrete.
Merits of Ready-Mix Concrete
Ready-mix concrete is an effective solution for those looking to complete their construction projects in a short period of time. However, it has more merits as well. Let find out!
- Saves Time
Since the concrete comes already mixed from the concrete supplier London, it takes less time for the workers to put it to use. They don’t need to spend extra time mixing the cement with other materials manually, as in the case of traditional on-site mixing. They can simply pour the ready-mix concrete mixture and start shaping the concrete immediately.
- Consistent Quality
Ready-mix concrete is manufactured in batching plants where every ingredient is measured and mixed in the required proportions. This ensures that every batch of concrete is of the highest quality and meets specific standards and specifications. This consistency in ingredients and quality is extremely important for construction projects.
- Multiple Uses
This concrete can be used for a variety of constructions, from laying foundations and erecting pillars to building roads and sidewalks. This property makes them suitable for all types of domestic and commercial projects, no matter how big the project is.
- Cost-effective
While you may find ready-mix concrete prices London a little higher than ordinary cement, it saves you money in the long run. The consistent quality ensures that the constructed structure requires few repairs in the years to come. Also, unlike traditional mixing, the amount of wastage is almost zero in the case of ready-mix concrete.
- Eco-friendly
Ready-mix concrete is an eco-friendly option because it’s mixed in a controlled environment, unlike ordinary cement, which is mixed in the open. It’s mixed after combining raw materials in the required amount, so there’s no wastage and the demand for raw materials is also reduced.
Demerits of Ready-Mix Concrete
Every material has its own plus and minus points. The same logic applies to ready-mix concrete as well. Let’s see what demerits you may have to bear when using ready-mix concrete.
- Limited Time for Use
Once the concrete is mixed in the factory, there’s limited time available to put it into use as it starts to harden quickly. That’s why it’s always a good idea to get it from a local concrete company London. This reduces the time that goes into travel and delivery.
- Requires Special Equipment
Sometimes, the construction sites are far away from the main road, or the road to the site may be too narrow for a big truck to enter. In cases like these, special equipment, such as pumps or cranes, is required. This equipment may add up to the overall cost of the project.
- Not Always Suitable for Small Projects
If you’re planning to renovate your small backyard or perform minor repairs, ready-mix concrete may not be an ideal choice. That’s because when you order the concrete in small quantities, the upfront cost and the logistics may outweigh the benefits.
- Weather Dependency
Weather conditions can cause delays in the delivery and application of ready-mix concrete. Extreme heat can cause the concrete to set too quickly, and extreme cold can delay the setting time, leading to potential problems with the construction.
- Limited Shelf Life
Ready mix concrete can be used within a certain timeframe. You can’t store it for future use if some amount is left out after the requirements are fulfilled. Its shelf life is limited to only one or two hours, depending on the temperature, humidity and composition. After this time lapses, the concrete hardens and gradually loses its effectiveness.
On a Final Note
Ready-mix concrete has many merits for construction projects. However, it also has some demerits. You can consider both characteristics while making a decision for your construction materials. If you’re looking for a reliable domestic concrete London company that supplies ready-mix concrete, we highly recommend Mixcrete.
They are a leading company that has been supplying top-quality ready-mix concrete for numerous construction projects for years. You can trust them to deliver your required materials on time in the most efficient manner. Get in touch with them to schedule your concrete delivery London now.
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