What Is The Difference Between Cement And Concrete?
Learn From The Best Concrete Contractors Montgomery AL
While the terms are often used interchangeably, cement and concrete are, in fact, not the same thing. Here’s one of the main reasons cement and concrete are so often confused. When a cement mix is blended with water, it creates a paste. And when that paste is combined with aggregates like gravel and sand, the result is what we know and love as concrete. Concrete works well in larger projects, while cement is more often used in smaller jobs.
Cement is the basic ingredient of concrete. Cement is a binder manufactured from a mixture of iron, aluminum, silicon, calcium, and other substances that are found in limestone, shells, chalk, clay, iron ore, and silica sand. These ingredients, when heated at high temperatures form a rock-like substance that is ground into the fine powder that we commonly think of as cement.
In its simplest form, concrete is a mixture of paste and aggregates, or rocks. The paste, composed of cement and water, coats the surface of the fine (small) and coarse (larger) aggregates. Through a chemical reaction called hydration, the paste hardens and gains strength to form the rock-like mass known as concrete. Concrete can stand for thousands of years and gain strength as it ages, where other building materials can rot, rust, and burn.
Although the terms concrete and cement are often used interchangeably in our culture, they are not the same. Cement is one small component of concrete, whereas concrete is a building material that has become integral to our culture. Knowing the difference between cement and concrete can help you better understand one of the primary building materials in use around you every day.
It’s always important to do your research before beginning any type of construction or home improvement project, but it is particularly important when it comes to concrete and cement. If you are unsure which mixture is right for you, consult a professional like Concrete Pros of Montgomery!
We can provide you with the most advanced products and technologies on the market, affordable pricing, and the friendliest customer service. Our work is on-time, on-point, and on-budget. We will not just meet your expectations, but exceed them too! If you have a project on your mind, feel free to hire us and see why we have been number one in the area of Montgomery for years.