Concrete is Versatile
Concrete has been used for so many structures and formations throughout the history of the world, it’s difficult to imagine life without it. Since we still use it today for a long list of things, it must be a surefire solution for builders and consumers.
Roads, skyscrapers, small commercial buildings, homes, tunnels, art pieces and parks are a few examples of concrete use just in our time. The Chinese put sticky rice in their concrete to make it stronger, and the Great Wall is the result. It can be seen from space after existing for more than 2200 years. That is some good concrete.
Concrete is tough to wear out. Some of the tallest and most elegant structures in the world are made of concrete. It seems to be available almost everywhere and can be used in water and on land. More importantly, it stands up to kids and pets.
Concrete can even be cleaned up when stained with fluid from a car’s transmission, grease, oil, gas and rust. Is there a big paint spot on the concrete floor? It can be cleaned up as well. Since concrete lasts a long time, it’s a good thing that it can be cleaned when necessary. Some stains cannot be removed from wood.
The versatility of concrete includes it’s use for many different types of structures, it’s long-lasting durability and it’s ability to be cleaned. There is yet another way concrete is versatile, and that is in the world of color and design.
Numerous colors and designs can be applied to concrete to create attractive, updated spaces. Upscale restaurants, high-end homes and new office buildings use stamped and color-laden concrete on floors and walls. Some floors are highly polished and have the appearance of marble.
Concrete is fire resistant as well, so it is preferred in places where large numbers of people interact. Homeowners appreciate this quality, too, and have one less thing to worry about in regard to home safety.
You can “buy local” since concrete is usually produced and used in the same area. It has a fairly low carbon footprint as well, so the buyer experiences less environmental guilt.
It does not use up valuable resources like trees, and does not demand the kind of manufacturing that iron and steel do. You don’t usually have to send away for concrete, either, adding to its “green” attributes. Enjoy this versatile material.
