Why Concrete
Concrete is one of the most versatile and oldest building materials ever used. It is environmentally and designer friendly. The ability to integrally color the concrete, use acid stain or dyes to transform the finish, and polish it from a light grind to a heavily exposed aggregate finish gives designers and clients alike numerous options.
Did you know that concrete was invented and first used by the Romans in the building of the Coliseum? They needed a ‘new’ material that would allow them to build bigger, stronger and higher structures. Concrete was the answer then, and is still the answer today, but for many more uses as well, like beautiful, and durable floors.
Economic Benefits
- Cost-effective and eco-efficient – Concrete is a budget-friendly and competitive building
material, especially when full life-cycle costs are taken into account. - Longer-lasting structures – Concrete is resistant to wear and tear, severe weather, rot,
insects and fire. Building with concrete reduces energy, labour and materials costs for
maintenance and reconstruction. - Reduced transportation costs – Concrete is a locally available product across Canada.
- Lower operating costs – Concrete’s thermal mass characteristics help to moderate
heating and cooling peaks and reduce heating ventilating and air conditioning equipment
requirements for buildings. - Lower lighting costs – Because concrete has high reflectance, less night-lighting
is necessary for concrete flooring, patios and other structures. - No need for additional interior or exterior finishes – Polished concrete floors
do not require carpeting. Exposed concrete walls need no paints or sealants.
Social and Quality of Life Benefits
- Safety and Quiet Comfort – Concrete structures are resistant to fire, wind, vibration, sound transmission and seismic tremors. Concrete does not burn and therefore provides comprehensive fire protection including life safety, protection of properties and of the environment in case of fire.
- Better indoor air quality – Concrete produces no off-gassing, toxicity or volatile organic compounds (VOCs), thus reducing sick building syndrome problems.
- Cleanliness – Concrete does not sustain mould growth and can be easily cleaned.
- Aesthetically and architecturally pleasing – Concrete combines function and practicality with a contemporary appearance and the ability to express complex and dynamic forms. Concrete is the essence of permanence and performance – a material with limitless possibilities.
