Often people use the two terms cement and concrete interchangeably, believing there is no difference between the two.
However, cement is actually an ingredient of concrete. Concrete is essentially a blend of aggregates and paste. The aggregates consist of sand gravel and/or crushed stone; the paste is water and cement. Cement comprises 10 to 15 percent of the concrete mix. Over many years the cement and water harden bringing the aggregates closer together, making the concrete stronger, a process known as hydration.
This process continues on for a very long time, therefore concrete keeps getting stronger over many years.
WHY DOES CONCRETE CRACK?
Hence why we call them Control Joints, they are employed to help control where the concrete will inevitably crack.
WHY DOES CONCRETE FLAKE/SPALL?
In Ontario concrete needs to be air-entrained to have a stronger resistance to flaking and spalling of its surface.
HOW DOES TEMPERATURE EFFECT CONCRETE?
This is why we always recommend using a wet-curing method, call to ask us more about the methods we employ to protect new concrete from summer heat.
WHAT IS AIR ENTRAINED CONCRETE?
The primary benefit of entrained air in hardened concrete is the resistance it offers to scaling caused by de-icing salts or chemicals and freeze-thaw damage.