How often have you been dealing with a qualified contractor and when they explain their proposal, you quickly realize you have no idea what they are talking about because what is basic knowledge to them is not basic to you. Sometimes it is the most common of items that we just take for granted or have given little thought to until a problem arises and then we realize that there is a serious gap in our understanding. Concrete is one of those items that we see all the time but many people have no idea what it is made of or how it is made.

The contractor starts throwing words out there like aggregate, blistering, and efflorescence as if these are words on a grade two spelling test and you are too embarrassed to say anything so instead you smile and nod. Concrete comes in all kinds of varieties depending on its application.  Here is a brief explanation of what concrete is all about so hopefully it will add to your toolbox of knowledge when dealing with maintenance items. (more…)