8 Popular Uses For Concrete
When you think of concrete you probably just think of grey slabs and big building sites. But it is actually one of the most versatile materials we have in the world today. At Mark Bates & Sons Ltd we have been supplying concrete for over 25 years across Manchester and the north west and we see it used for all sorts of things. From massive motorways to little DIY garden paths it is the backbone of our towns.
We are a concrete supplier so we don’t do the actual digging or laying ourselves but we know exactly what mix you need for which job. Getting the right strength is everything if you want your project to last. Here is a look at some of the most common ways people use it.
Common uses of concrete in construction
One of the big ones is definitely foundations. If you are building a house or even just a small extension in Salford you need a solid base. Without a proper concrete footing the ground would shift and your walls would start cracking pretty fast. It is the first thing that goes in and probably the most important part of the build.
Then you have got driveways and paths. Lots of people choose concrete because it lasts ages and doesn’t need much looking after compared to gravel or Tarmac. You can even get it patterned or coloured now so it doesn’t have to look boring. We see a lot of local tradesmen ordering specific mixes for driveways in Bury and Rochdale because they know it stands up to the British weather.
The many uses of concrete for infrastructure
You might not notice it when you are driving but concrete is everywhere on our roads. It is used for the bridges you drive over and the tunnels you go through. It can handle massive weights which is why it is used for heavy duty areas like car parks and warehouse floors.
Dams and water systems are another huge area. Concrete is great because it is water resistant when it is mixed right. It keeps the water in the reservoirs and helps manage our sewers. We provide BSI accredited concrete from our plants in Middleton and Waterfoot which is vital for these big engineering jobs where safety is the top priority.
Residential and garden projects
It is not just for the big contractors though. Plenty of DIY fans use concrete for their gardens. If you are putting up a new fence you will need concrete to set the posts so they don’t blow over in the wind. Or maybe you are building a base for a new garden shed or a summer house.
Some people are even using it for more creative things now like outdoor kitchens or concrete fire pits. It has become quite trendy to have that industrial look in the garden. Since we offer minimix deliveries we can get smaller amounts out to home projects in Oldham or Stockport without any hassle.
Commercial and industrial applications
In the world of business concrete is used for high rise buildings and office blocks. The frames of these big towers are often reinforced concrete because it is strong and it is also very good at resisting fire. That makes it a safe choice for places where lots of people work.
It is also used for sea defences. If you go to the coast you will see big concrete walls or blocks designed to stop the waves from eroding the land. It is tough enough to take a beating from the ocean for decades.
Why choose Mark Bates & Sons Ltd
We are a family run independent concrete supplier and we pride ourselves on being reliable. We know that if we are late it costs you money on the job site. That is why all our trucks have real time tracking so we know exactly where your delivery is.
Whether you are a trade pro or just doing a bit of work on your own house we can help you pick the right mix. We have over two decades of experience and we test all our concrete in house to make sure it is top quality. If you need a hand with your next project just give us a call on 0161 653 7252 or complete our online contact form.
Here is a quick summary of those 8 popular uses of concrete:
- House foundations and footings
- Driveways and garden paths
- Roads and bridges
- Dams and water reservoirs
- Shed bases and fence posts
- High rise building frames
- Warehouse and industrial flooring
- Sea defences and retaining walls
At the end of the day concrete is just a mix of water stone and cement but it is what holds our world together. If you are looking for a trusted supplier in the north west, Mark Bates & Sons Ltd has got you covered. We make sure you get the right stuff delivered on time so you can get the job done properly.