Did you know that to build bridges, builders pour concrete foundations into a river or the bottom of the ocean? A mix of sand or gravel, water, and cement forms concrete, and cement is the component that holds this mixture…
Articles
Do Ceiling Tiles Need to Be Fire Rated?
Knowing the fire rating requirements of ceiling tiles in both commercial and residential settings is essential before you begin to build. Not only will this keep your building safe, but it can also be a determining factor in your ability…
Ever Wonder Why Ceiling Tiles are Perforated? Here’s Why
Perforations in ceiling tiles give them a special appearance that we’ve come to associate with their unique look. If you’ve ever studied them more closely, you might have wondered about the holes punched into the ceiling tiles. Too many to…
8 Common Sources of Construction Financing
Access to financing is important for any construction company. For this reason, it’s important to understand the various types of lenders that are out there. From heavy equipment to crew wages to insurance, major construction projects require serious financing to get off…
Blacktop vs. Asphalt: 3 Essential Differences
We often hear the words blacktop and asphalt used interchangeably. There are, however, some significant differences between the two. This article will cover the ways they differ in order to clear up some of the confusion surrounding these paving surfaces.…
Do Acoustic Ceiling Tiles Absorb Sound?
Acoustic ceiling tiles are panels that are attached directly to a ceiling or placed into a supportive drop ceiling grid assembly. These types of ceilings are commonly found in commercial office spaces and less commonly in residential construction. They are easy to install, cost-effective,…
Why Concrete is Reinforced with Steel: The Complete Guide
Reinforced concrete is one of the most ubiquitous building materials in the world. On its own, however, concrete is actually much more brittle than you might expect, and hardly useful in any but a very few limited applications. When reinforced…
Why is Concrete and Concrete Work so Expensive?
Concrete is one of the most versatile and widely used materials around the world, especially in the construction industry. It is not only durable, but its flexibility when mixed early on makes it the ideal choice for building projects, both…
What to Do When Contractors Go Over Budget: Ultimate Guide
Dealing in real estate involves vision, hard work, and patience. If you have the ability to look at a project, figure out how much it will cost to make improvements, and wait for your vision to become a reality, you…
Ever Wonder Why Concrete Gets Hot? Here’s Why
Have you ever walked barefoot on concrete under a scorching summer sun? It can get quite hot. That’s because a great amount of energy is created by the ground as the sunlight shines onto it. When our bare skin comes…
7 Types of Sand Used in Construction
Sand is widely used in construction, often providing strength, bulk, and stability to materials like concrete, mortar, asphalt, and cement. But not all sand is the same as some have rocks and impurities that make them less resistant and stable…
Why Admixtures are Used in Concrete
Ingredients added to concrete, other than Portland cement, aggregates, or water, are referred to as admixtures. While not required, they are sometimes used selectively to improve the concrete mix. Admixtures are used in concrete to alter its properties in various ways.…
