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Concrete Division
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Concrete’s history dates back to the Roman Empire, and while the basic of concrete have largely remained the same, technological advances of today have made this product into one of the most versatile and used building materials available throughout the world.
The words “concrete” and “cement” are often confused. Cement is the gray powder that, when mixed with water, binds the sand and rock together to create concrete. Concrete is the world’s most prolific building material. This “liquid stone” can be shaped to make roads, bridges, dams, hospitals, and homes. It is extremely strong and durable. The longevity of concrete means less maintenance and replacement when compared to other building products. These properties contribute to the environmental value of concrete versus most any other building material available today.
Concrete consists of a mixture of aggregate (sand and gravel), cement and water. Concrete can be cast in almost any shape desired and once hardened it becomes a structural element. “Ready-mix” concrete is a prescribed mix of aggregate, cement, water and often other admixtures and products that enhance the properties and characteristics of concrete.
Ready Mix Concrete is sold by volume, not weight. The measurement standard for Ready Mix Concrete is the cubic yard. A ready mix plant makes concrete with a computerized batching system. As the ready mix plant weighs the dry materials (aggregate and cement), it begins to meter in the liquid materials (water and admixtures) into the mixer. Once the system achieves the correct weights for the dry materials, the plant discharges the dry materials into the mixer where they are blended with the liquid ingredients into a homogenous mix.
Ready Mix Concrete is typically delivered from a plant to the construction location with a specialty vehicle called a mixer truck. The most noticeable feature of a mixer truck is the large drum that houses the concrete. The inside of these drums are fitted with spiral blades. When the drum is rotated in one direction, the concrete is pushed deeper into the drum, agitating the mix and keeping it in its plastic state. When the drum rotates in the other direction, blades force the concrete out of the drum. Chutes are often used to guide the viscous concrete into place. A Mixer truck typically weights approximately 30,000 pounds and can carry roughly 40,000 pounds of concrete (10 cubic yards)
Here at Ferndale Ready Mix & Gravel, we have three primary concrete divisions:
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Residential Concrete
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Ferndale Ready Mix & Gravel continues to be an innovative leader in residential concrete. No matter what your concrete needs are, we have the mix designs which can provide you with a warm, attractive, and inviting home. There are a number of local concrete contractors we can recommend to provide you excellent workmanship and a beautifully finished product.
THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN SELECTING YOUR CONCRETE: |
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Integral Colored Concrete is used for hard landscaping and floors. Our line of Davis concrete colors gives you the opportunity to blend your concrete with your home’s surroundings providing a warm and attractive environment. Integral Colored Concrete is often looked at as a way to extend the living space of your home and increase its value. Outside the home, slopes, curves and changes in the grade can be readily accommodated by cast-in-place concrete. Inside the home, entryways, hallways, utility areas, kitchens, recreation areas all can be enhanced and complimented by an Integrally Colored Concrete. Easy to care for and maintain, Integral Colored Concrete is a wise investment for any residential use.
The popular Cascade Pea exposed mix creates a beautiful surface for patios, sidewalks, walls, or driveways. Slopes, curves and changes in the grade can be readily accommodated. A Cascade Pea mix along with a black concrete color brings out the beauty of the rock, especially with the contrasting white rock found in the Cascade Pea. With the annual application of an acrylic sealer, the beauty and depth of the Cascade Pea mix will continue to give value and warmth around your home. | |
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Stamped Concrete is yet another option that gives your home a very attractive appearance and gives you the look of a laid in place stone. The use of Integral Colors is very common with Stamped Concrete and can tie in your exterior landscaping décor. This hard landscaping technique can set apart your home from others and increase its value significantly with its warm appeal. As with other concrete, the annual application of an acrylic sealer will retain the beauty and depth of the Stamped Concrete and will continue to give value and warmth around your home.
 
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Synthetic Fibers such as Fibermesh 300 (Regular) when added to concrete can eliminate the need for wire mesh. Fibermesh 150 (Stealth) helps controls plastic shrinkage cracking that can occur during the concrete curing process. Both of these products reduce the square foot cost of your area compared to traditional welded wire fabric reinforcement. Synthetic Fibers also provide better impact resistance, abrasion resistance, reduces cracking, and provides an increase in flexural strength.
Our concrete has proven to be consistent, durable, and of high strength and we would encourage you to contact us to see what can be done to give your home that warm and attractive appearance when you drive in. For those who are in an area where impervious restrictions are keeping you from having a permanent driving surface, check out the possibility of using Pervious Concrete as a way to create a permanent driveway or sidewalk.
If you are in needed of a potential concrete finisher or concrete foundation contractor, please feel free to contact us for a recommendation or references. Check our common flatwork questions page to provide answers and information on frequent concrete flatwork questions.
If you have questions concerning our mix designs, you may contract us at 360-354-1400, or by e-mail at concretesales@ferndalermg.com.
 
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