Uniqueness of Concrete Slabs and Its Advantages

admin — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 04:57:35 +0000

Concrete – ugly, gray, dull, drab, boring. There are so many negative words that you can use to describe concrete. But did you know that for every word you find, I can give you a reason to start loving this coarse construction material. Concrete is one of the most underrated construction materials out there. People dismiss it easily because it’s so commonly seen everywhere, leading us to take it for granted. But once in a while, we just have to be reminded that concrete is the stuff of skyscrapers – man’s own masterpieces – the living embodiments of their dreams and aspirations.

What are Concrete Slabs?

Concrete slabs are used for the foundations of houses and other buildings. For skyscrapers, they are reinforced by the steel framework, but for simple houses, they’re enough to serve as a foundation. Thick slabs that are about 10 to 50 centimeters thick are usually used for the flooring of buildings and also for the roof or the ceiling. Thinner slabs can be used for the pavement of walkways and driveways.

There are three types of concrete slabs, and these are corrugated, ribbed slab, and waffle slab.

What Makes Concrete Slabs so Awesome?

What makes concrete slabs so great is because they are so durable. Concrete is made of cement mixed with water and other aggregate materials such as gravel, sand, limestone, and other chemicals that are bonded together in such a way that creates one of the best building materials in the world. Not only that, concrete is also hailed as the most popular building material due to its durability, workability and affordability.

Indeed, concrete is priced at a reasonable rate for all the advantages that it gives. For the standard concrete slab that is used for patios, walkways, and driveways, the cost would just be about $3 per square foot.

Other Advantages of Concrete Slabs

A great thing about concrete slabs is that they are great thermal conductors. While this may not be so great in the cooler areas, this is actually pretty useful for places that are too warm or places that have shifting temperatures throughout the day. You see, concrete has a high thermal mass. This does pose a disadvantage because it delays the heating of a house using an electric heater during cold days. However, when the climate’s just fine and the sun is up, the concrete will absorb the heat of the day and release it at night when it’s cooler.

Posted by Paving Land

Introduction to the Different Types of Slabs

admin — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 04:54:31 +0000

The moment you enter the premises of any building, whether it’s a house or a skyscraper, look down. You will probably see…the floor. Before you throw rotten tomatoes at me for stating the painfully obvious, hear me out first. You see, there is a lot that you can tell about a person or a company based on their choice of flooring. Just look at the slabs they used, and you’ll instantly have an idea of what their personalities, their values, and their ideals are.

Granite Slabs

granite slabs are simply slabs made out of granite, whether it’s natural or synthetic. People who use granite slabs are generally no-nonsense people who have a penchant for simple elegance. You see, granite slabs give off an elegant vibe that makes them great materials for flooring. Not just that, granite slabs are also very durable and long-lasting.

Marble Slabs

Anything that’s made of pure marble is beautiful, thereby inviting awe from almost everyone. So, if you see a person whose home or company has marble flooring, expect that that person is rich and is out to impress. The person might also have a thing for extravagant beauty. Let’s face it. Anyone who is perfectly willing to spend a considerable amount of money on marble slabs must place beauty and aesthetics at a high value. But that’s not to say that the only thing that’s good about marble is its impressiveness and its beauty. On the contrary, marble slabs are also very hard and therefore very durable. They do not crack easily, even after countless earthquakes.

Concrete Slabs

People who use concrete slabs for their homes or their companies are generally practical people who place little emphasis on outside appearances. But that’s not to say that concrete slabs do not look beautiful. Actually, if applied properly, concrete slabs can be made to look elegant and austere in a sleek industrial manner. What’s so great about concrete slabs is that they’re great materials for foundations.

Wood Slabs

When anyone sees wooden slabs, the first thing that would probably come to their mind is ‘nature.’ Wooden slabs are rarely seen in the flooring of skyscrapers or any other big buildings, but they’re relatively common in the domestic setting (i.e. the home). Wooden slabs generally speak of a love for the simple things in life. However, wooden slabs are also quite hard to maintain, so whoever chooses them over the other materials probably has a lot of patience.

So, whenever you enter an establishment, look down and analyze the floor the way a psychiatrist might, or you could simply admire the slabs for what they are – beautiful.