FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Concrete FAQ
Cement is an ingredient in concrete. Cement is manufactured through a process where numerous products are ground, mixed and then heated to very high temperatures to create the finished product. Concrete utilizes cement as a glue to hold together a mixture of stone, sand, water and cement.
Yes. Concrete is an excellent material for overlaying old or worn asphalt drives. This process is often called "white topping."
Yes. Sealers, applied correctly, help concrete reach its maximum strength and become more durable. Sealers also keep the concrete looking new and makes cleanup and maintenance a breeze. Sealers are recommended for all exterior concrete, especially exposed or color treated concrete.
Concrete has the same characteristics of a sponge. Concrete is just like the sponge that you leave on the edge of the sink after you cleaned your dishes. When the water leaves the sponge, the corners curl towards each other. Concrete goes through the same process as the sponge, but the sponge does not have the weight the concrete does. The concrete dries and gravity takes over. The concrete cracks where it needs relief from the stresses of the drying. To help alleviate this problem, use Confilm during finishing and have your cut joints at the proper depth and widths to try to control cracking. Ask dispatch or sales about Confilm and proper curing and sealing products after placement.
In 1794, Englishman Joseph Aspdin made the first modern-day cement by heating a mixture of limestone, clay, iron ore and sand. When combined with water, rock and sand, his invention made concrete that reminded him of the valued stone that was mined on the Isle of Portland, in England.
Never completely. There is always moisture in concrete, even interior concrete.
The initial cost to pave with concrete is slightly higher than asphalt, however, concrete has dramatically lower life cycle maintenance and repair costs. Properly constructed roads and streets can last 50 years or more with very little maintenance.
Yes. Concrete's mass increases energy efficiency because concrete walls respond to changes in temperature very slowly. Add polystyrene foam on both sides, and the efficiency climbs to the equivalent of an R-40 to R-50 stud wall. For example, it may take 4 to 8 hours for a temperature change to migrate through a concrete wall (minus the foam), yet only 1 hour through a fully insulated wood frame wall. Air leaks are responsible for one-third of the energy loss in homes. Due to its solid wall system, there are far fewer air leaks in a ICF concrete home.
Yes. Concrete is chemically inert and has no components made from petroleum products or other chemicals that might have an effect on our water supply due to rainwater run-off. Pervious concrete is a porous mix that allows water to drain through it. This allows the water to filter back into the ground in a natural fashion, acting as a bio-swale.
The typical wood-frame home requires 41 trees to provide all the materials needed. Concrete products can replace many, if not all, of the wood products. These replacements can include the walls, floors, counter-tops, and roof.
A. Yes. Today's cities are "heat islands" that are several degrees hotter than the surrounding countryside. By planting trees and building homes and pavements with light colored surfaces, air temperatures can be lowered by up to 10 degrees.
No. Concrete is similar to cookies or cakes. Many look the same, but because of different ingredients, all taste a little different. In other words, concrete can be different from mix to mix depending upon the specifications of the job or what the owner desires. Your dispatcher or sales representative at SPC or SRM can help provide you with the best mix to suit your needs.
Availability changes daily from plant to plant. Some days no notice is necessary, but most days you could need several in advance. For more information, please call your dispatcher to determine a delivery schedule.
Concrete has tiny air bubbles like a soda pop. They must be allowed to escape. If not, the air will become trapped and push the surface layer loose. Improper finishing or curing can also contribute to a less durable surface, leading to eventual failure.
Just like your teeth, concrete needs to be cleaned regularly too. Every 2-3 years pressure wash your concrete and seal the surface with a non-yellowing, high solid sealer and your driveway will give you a lifetime of service. SPC/SRM carries the best sealers for your driveway and will help you decide which the best choice is for you.
Yes! Concrete can be colored in a variety of ways to give a beautiful and unique look to your home or project. At SPC/SRM, we are the suppliers of the INCRETE Systems full line of decorative products to beautify and enhance any project, both residential and commercial. Please call one of our helpful representatives to find out how you can add color to your world!
Aggregates FAQ
We deliver to Snohomish, Island, and Skagit Counties.
- For delivery in Snohomish or Island County please call (360) 435-5791
- For delivery in Skagit County please call (360) 856-0422
We do deliver on Saturdays. Remember to plan ahead.
You do not need to be onsite when we deliver your aggregate. The dump location will need to be clearly marked and payment arrangements made ahead of time. Please tell us if you do not plan on being there.
You can either pay cash, check, or credit card (we accept Visa, Mastercard, or Discover) to the driver or call us with your credit card information prior to delivery.
Providing there are no overhead branches or wires and it is safe to do so, we will spread the gravel. A "spread" is when the driver dumps the rock out while moving forward using the tailgate to help control the flow of the rock. This is a courtesy we provide for our customers.
The pricing is based upon the location, product tonnage, and fees. We can give you an estimate and approximate dollar amount.