Concrete is a marvelous, incredibly durable material that civilizations have used for millennia — in fact, the precursor to modern-day concrete was invented in 1300 BC. Given that concrete is virtually as old as time, it should not come as a surprise that many myths and misconceptions about it have survived the passage of time. And concrete’s dominance in today’s building and construction industry has only pushed competitors to add fuel to the myth-fostering fire. The problem is that these fallacies often deprive homeowners of the ability to make informed choices about which paving and building materials will best fit their needs.

As the premier cement contractor in Cicero, Illinois, we have heard many different concrete myths over the years. We are going to dispel some of the most common myths below.

Myth #1. Concrete is only available in gray.

Concrete certainly starts gray — but it does not have to stay that way. You can easily add several different mineral colors to the concrete mixture. An experienced cement contractor in Cicero, Illinois can blend them in while the concrete is still wet so that it cures in your favorite color.

Myth #2. Adding more water to the concrete mix can never go wrong.

A widespread misconception is that the more water you add to the concrete mix, the better it will be. In fact, the proper water-to-cement ratio is critical to the result. When you add an excessive amount of water to the mixture, the likelihood of a surface fracture increases considerably. For the best results, always use the proper mix ratio.

Myth #3. Concrete with a high compressive strength lasts longer.

Although the compressive strength of concrete shows its strength, it does not indicate durability and longevity. Yes, the stronger the concrete, the better it can sustain heavy loads without fracturing. However, because concrete is porous, its strength does not help it sustain freeze-thaw cycles or sulfate attacks. A high-quality sealant will minimize the concrete’s permeability while prolonging its life.

Myth #4. Every concrete surface cracks.

That is not true. If your concrete structure is poorly installed, uses an excessive amount of water, or your Cicero cement contractor does not follow industry best practices, it is likely to crack. However, skillfully poured and mixed concrete will produce a beautiful and solid result.

Myth #5. Concrete requires no maintenance.

Many Cicero residents feel they will never have to maintain their concrete driveways or patios. While concrete is incredibly durable, routine maintenance and other preventative measures are necessary to protect it from elements. If you have any questions about concrete maintenance and repairs, you can always contact your local cement contractor in Cicero, Illinois.

Myth #6. Concrete can be poured any time of the year.

Seasons matter because concrete must be poured under the right conditions. If you pour concrete while it is too cold or too hot outside, the mixture will not cure properly. This is the reason why we generally recommend starting concrete work in the spring or fall.

Looking for the Most Trusted Cement Contractor in Cicero, Illinois?

Now that you know the facts about concrete, you are ready to make an informed decision about your next paving or construction project. The question now becomes: which contractor should you work with?

If you’re looking to partner with the most trusted cement contractor in Cicero, Illinois, look no further than Via Galante Cement Contractors. We have over three decades of experience delivering concrete services for home and business owners throughout the Cicero area, and we’re prepared to answer any questions and debunk any concrete misconceptions you may have. Call us today at (773) 589-9893 or contact us online to learn more about our concrete services.