The Importance of Choosing the Right Commercial Concrete
Concrete is perhaps the most fundamental building material required for a commercial building project. Whether you’re working on a commercial property development, building a public structure like schools or hospitals, or any other kind of construction project, it’s vital that you always have the right commercial concrete mix that meets the required standards.
At Chorley Concrete, we regularly supply a wide range of commercial concrete to customers across Wigan, Chorley, Preston, Manchester and the surrounding areas. In this article, we’ll highlight why choosing the right commercial concrete is so important.
Choosing the right concrete mix
In recent years, the RAAC crisis in the UK has brought into starker focus the importance of using the right type of commercial concrete.
Reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete, commonly known as RAAC, was used in the construction of many public buildings, mainly schools, between the 1950s and 1990s.
While it was a cheaper concrete type, it has since been proven to have less structural integrity and over 150 schools across England had to temporarily close in 2023 due to collapsing ceilings.
It’s unknown how many buildings in the country still have this dangerous concrete type installed, but the crisis has shown the importance of carefully selecting a commercial concrete mix.
Types of concrete used for commercial projects
With so many different types of commercial concrete available, it can be difficult to know which type is best for your project.
At Chorley Concrete, we can supply and deliver an extensive range of commercial concrete including:
- Volumetric concrete – Mixed in specialist trucks, volumetric concrete offers precision and control over the mix. Unlike some mixes, volumetric concrete is measured by volume rather than weight which ensures greater accuracy.
- Foam concrete – Foam concrete is lightweight and flowable, and is a popular choice for insulation, filling voids or if you’re looking for concrete to be poured into a tight space. It can be used for light load-bearing areas but not for significantly heavy structures.
- Air-entrained concrete – Air-entrained concrete is a commercial mix that contains tiny air bubbles that improve the concrete’s resistance to freezing. This makes it a great choice for commercial environments that are exposed to a particularly cold climate.
- Coloured concrete – If you want to add aesthetic value to a commercial space, coloured concrete can be used to create a unique design while still maintaining strength and durability.
- Waterproof concrete – Waterproof concrete contains admixtures that help to repel water. This makes them great for underground areas, basements or water tanks.
- Fibre-reinforced concrete – If you need an especially strong concrete product for your commercial project, then fibre-reinforced concrete is the best choice. This concrete contains reinforced fibres that can be made from steel, glass or synthetics that enhance the strength of the product.
- No-fines concrete – No-fines concrete is made without fine aggregates, like sand, which enhances its strength and offers better drainage.
As the largest family-run concrete company in the North West, the team here at Chorley Concrete regularly supplies commercial organisations with the perfect mix for their needs. We’ll take the time to understand your requirements before creating tailored products of the highest quality.
With same-and next-day delivery options available, contact us today to find out more.