Durability Matters: Why Choose Concrete Over Other Building Materials?

Concrete is everywhere. It is used for homes, bridges, and commercial properties. When choosing a building material for a construction project, some factors to consider are durability, sustainability, and cost. Concrete ticks all these boxes. No wonder it is the most widely used construction material in the world.

Here are the top benefits of concrete.

It is Resistant to Wind and Water

Unlike many popular building materials such as wood and steel that are susceptible to water damage, concrete does not get easily damaged when exposed to water. Concrete structures can also withstand high winds and impacts from objects being hurled at them by storms.

It is Fire-Resistant

Concrete has the ability to absorb heat which is why many concrete structures are often the last buildings left standing after a fire. Also, unlike many other popular building materials, concrete does not release any toxic fumes when exposed to heat.

Low Maintenance

One of the biggest advantages of concrete is that it hardly requires any maintenance. You need not coat or paint your concrete structures in order to protect them from the damaging effects of the elements. Property owners who use concrete for their projects usually spend less on repairs and maintenance in the long run.

Durability

Concrete is known for its extraordinary durability. It can last up to 100 years or more, which is two to three times longer than many building materials. No wonder some of the oldest structures that have stood the test of time were made from concrete.

Many concrete buildings are demolished because they have become functionally obsolete, not because they are beyond repair. Concrete’s superior durability can be attributed to its different properties such as resistance to chemical attack and weathering action.

Energy Efficiency

Concrete has high thermal mass, which means it can absorb and store more heat than many other building materials. In winter, concrete can help maintain a cozy and comfortable indoor environment. As a result, your HVAC is not forced to run longer and harder in order to keep your home comfortable and warm.

Does Not Rust or Rot

Unlike building materials like wood and metal, concrete does not rust or rot. With concrete, you do not have to worry about the expense associated with rust and rot repair. This is also one of the reasons why concrete lasts longer than many other building materials.

Sustainability

The amount of energy required to produce a ton of concrete is very low compared to steel. Around 800-3,200 kWh of energy is required to produce a ton of reinforced concrete. In comparison, 8,000 kWh of energy is required to produce one ton of steel, which is 3-10 times more than concrete. Also, because concrete lasts longer, it does not end up in landfills quickly and can help reduce pressure on them.

Bayshore Materials is a reliable concrete supply center near you now supplying Vallejo. Stucco building materials, stamped concrete, landscape supplies – you name it, we’ve got it! To request a free quote, call (707) 644-0859.