Concrete is the most widely used man-made material in the world. Concrete has
been in use for over one hundred years. More recently, however, the potential
creative beauty of concrete has been explored and masonry has developed with it.
The almost endless variety of colors, shapes, sizes and textures make concrete
an excellent choice for people who want beautiful and functional materials to
build with.
Where Do You See Concrete Masonry?
You literally see concrete masonry everywhere -- from residential and commercial
buildings to roads, bridges, dams and landscape projects. Usually these concrete
masonry jobs are designed by professional contractors and engineers who
understand the physical properties of concrete and the structural issues they
face for a given project. Further, they know the decorative potential of
concrete and can express their artistry through their work.
Concrete is mostly a combination of cement, gravel, sand and water. There are
often other aggregates included, sometimes minerals, to help color the concrete.
Sometimes, depending on the concrete’s purpose, steel or other reinforcements
may be used to improve its strength. There are many ways to "finish" concrete --
by painting, acid staining, stenciling or texturizing. Afterwards, the concrete
is cured for a specified time, anywhere from a day to more than a month,
depending on its purpose.
Safety First!
Remember that concrete masonry is incredibly heavy, so you need to have the
proper tools available for this kind of job. Never try to lift concrete. Make
sure you have a wheelbarrow or some other transporting device. Concrete dust can
also damage the eyes and skin so make sure when you are working with concrete
that you wear safety goggles, long sleeves and gloves. Keeping yourself safe
takes a bit of planning, but it’s important to take the time. |
