If you want to get the best results when using concrete, using the right type of mix is essential to produce high quality results while reducing your costs. Here are some aspects to consider to help you make the concrete order you need.
What Do You Need the Concrete for?
The type of concrete you require will often depend on its intended use. For most types of project, ready mixed concrete is the most common type required, delivered exactly how you need it. It’s fast and easy to order, so great if on a tight schedule. If you have multiple project requirements, volumetric concrete which is mixed onsite is a flexible option, and you’ll only pay for what you use on the day.
Concrete Strengths & Mixes
If you don’t know the strength or mix you need, speak to a concrete supplier who specialises in the use you need it for – commercial or domestic applications. They’ll understand the mixes required for the specific job, whether it’s for foundations, landscaping or house building. For example, if you need concrete for pavement construction, C30 is ideal. But if you’re looking for a mix for non-structural purposes such as trench filling, C10/Gen 1 is best. You may also require high quality screed if laying internal or external floors.
Do You Need an Admixture?
While concrete is made from water, cement and aggregate mixes, you may also want an admixture added to your concrete if you need it to behave in a specific way. Admixtures are substances which are added just before mixing to achieve desired properties such as making the concrete easier to handle. Common admixtures include fibres for enhanced strength and reinforced concrete, waterproofing agents and plasticisers which improve workability. You can also choose retarders to slow down setting rates and accelerators if you need more time before the concrete sets. There are also air entraining admixtures for creating foamed concrete. This results in a low density, strong and insulating concrete.
How Much Concrete Do You Need?
The easiest way to work out the volume of concrete required is to measure the space in which the concrete needs to be placed. Find its width, length and depth. You can use any units you like, but you will need to order concrete supplies in cubic metres, so measure in metres if possible. The easiest way to know you’ve worked the volume out correctly is by using a handy concrete calculator. Our one allows you to enter the data in a number of unit formats, so if you know what you need in yards, feet or inches, don’t worry – it will convert the amounts for you.
Speak to a Concrete Expert
Speak to the team at Concrete Southern for all your concrete needs in London and Surrey. Our knowledgeable and experienced team are happy to chat through your requirements and provide free, no obligation quotes at competitive rates for every mix you need. Contact our concrete experts now.
