Why Concrete is Such a Popular Building Material

Have you ever wondered why concrete is used so often in construction projects? Concrete manufacturing is a multi-billion-dollar industry, employing more than 2 million people in the U.S. alone. Concrete is used in everything from countertops to interstate highways. In fact, concrete is one of the most commonly used manmade products in the world, and with good reason. Just consider all of the benefits of concrete:

  • Concrete doesn’t degrade. Unlike other building materials – such as wood, for example — concrete can easily endure exposure to the elements without weakening. In fact, concrete is a good choice for any climate. In the long run, this saves a builder money since a concrete structure won’t need to be rebuilt anytime soon.
  • Concrete is fireproof. But that’s not all — concrete is resistant to not only heat and flame, but also to rot and mildew.
  • Concrete structures protect occupants. In fact, not only is concrete fireproof and rot-resistant, it also protects against extremes in weather, such as heat and cold, and effectively maintains a more consistent temperature inside a structure than other building materials can provide.
  • Concrete has more structural integrity than other options, making it much more likely to survive earthquakes and natural disasters such as hurricanes, for example.
  • Concrete is sustainable. It is produced from readily available materials and leaves a relatively small environmental footprint.
  • Concrete doesn’t release volatile organic compounds (or VOCs) into the air. These compounds are often found in carpeting, cleaners, paint, sealers, etc., and release gases into the air inside homes and businesses. People who are sensitive to these compounds can experience health issues.
  • Concrete doesn’t attract rodents or insects – unlike wood, for example. And it’s impossible for any creature to burrow into a concrete surface, much less for insects like termites and carpenter ants to cause damage.
  • Concrete is low maintenance. When used for walls, you simply need to keep the surface clean by washing it occasionally. And even concrete that is exposed to heavy traffic – such as in a parking lot or a roadway – needs only to be sealcoated on occasion to maintain it.

Considering all the advantages of concrete, it’s no wonder that it’s one of the most commonly used of all manmade materials. To find out more about the benefits of concrete, and for help deciding whether or not this material is the right choice for your project, contact a local reputable concrete contractor today and ask for an estimate.