When it comes to home renovation projects, there are many materials to work with. You have options such as wood, brick, stone, clay, glass, marble, and more. While all these substances have their share of positive characteristics, they aren’t nearly as popular as concrete.
Here are a few reasons why you should use concrete for your home renovation project:
#1 It’s Cheap and Readily Available
While certain construction materials look fancier, they can be difficult to find. Concrete is made of water, cement, and aggregate. All three items are easy and inexpensive to acquire. What’s more, concrete is easy to use. Unlike other materials that require special tools and contractors to work with, concrete can be easily shaped to serve your needs.
Concrete also requires little maintenance. For example, just to clean a marble floor you need to mop it frequently with a cloth that won’t scratch, use a formulated cleaner, protect it with special fabric, and clean certain spills instantly. You can’t even vacuum a marble floor because it may get damaged.
On the other hand, concrete floors are easier to clean and repair. A good sealer and some wax can be enough to protect your concrete floor.
#2 It’s a Strong Material
Concrete is one of the strongest building materials, especially when its cost is considered. Concrete buildings are often left standing in areas affected by extreme weather. Many concrete buildings are known to last anywhere from 50 to 100 years, depending upon the climate and the quality of the construction. Historically, ancient concrete structures have lasted for over a millennium.
Likewise, concrete driveways are very durable. A typical concrete driveway that’s well-maintained can last for over three decades. However, concrete’s durability can be a double-edged sword. When concrete starts to develop problems, it must be removed. Unfortunately, this isn’t an easy proposition for homeowners.
Concrete cutting tools are powerful and should be handled by an experienced, professional, and skilled contractor. Sometimes, demolitions are required for more challenging concrete cutting projects. Here, it’s advisable to use the residential concrete demolition services of a professional contractor that’s been serving the local community for many years and is known for excellent customer service. Such a contractor will not only complete the work to your satisfaction but will remove the waste and recycle the harmful by-products.
#3 It’s Safe to Use at Home
Concrete’s durability and strength make it very secure. Your concrete walls are unlikely to be damaged during blizzards, thunderstorms, and windstorms. Your concrete driveway won’t crack easily during hot summer days or when you’ve parked your large SUVs and pickups. What’s more, concrete doesn’t rust, rot, or mold. Also, unlike substances such as wood, concrete doesn’t catch fire.
These characteristics make concrete a good choice for homeowners who are worried about the safety of their family. Yet, concrete can look just as stylish as other materials. Architectural concrete finishes such as stamped concrete or limestone can make your home project look stylish. So stylish, that your friends may not guess that they’re looking at concrete.
These are a few reasons why you should use concrete for your home renovation project. Remember to use the services of a professional for the best experience. Mistakes made during DIY projects can be frustrating and costly.