Name: Burnaby Blacktop LTD
Address: 4641 Byrne Rd, Burnaby, BC, V5J 3H6, CA
Telephone: 778.855.0513

Jul 22, 2022

What is Concrete?

Concrete is a composite material most often comprising a mix of fine and coarse aggregate bonded with a fluid cement (lime-based) that hardens over time. Most concrete that experienced concrete contractors use are lime-based such as Portland cement although some concrete is made with other hydraulic cement, such as cement fondu the world’s first commercially manufactured calcium aluminate cement.

How is Concrete Made?

The concrete is proportioned (mixed) to have certain materials in specific ratios. Concrete is composed of four main ingredients: water, aggregate (sand, gravel, or crushed stone), Portland cement, and chemical admixtures. . The dry ingredients are first placed into a concrete mixer. Then, clean water is slowly added until the desired consistency is achieved. Once mixed, concrete is transported to the job site where the concrete is mixed with water to form a slurry, which is then poured into moulds or forms. The concrete hardens as it dries, and the resulting product is a strong, durable material that can serve a variety of purposes.

Concrete is Versatile

One of the beneficial features of concrete is that it can be customized to suit the specific needs of a project. For example, concrete can be adjusted to be more or less porous, depending on the application. Concrete can also be made in various colours and textures to meet the aesthetic requirements of a project. In addition, concrete can be cast into a variety of shapes and sizes, making it a highly versatile material that is suitable for a wide range of applications.

The Use of Architectural Concrete in finished walls

Concrete is durable

Another benefit of concrete is that it is a durable material that can withstand a variety of weather conditions. Concrete is not affected by rot, insects, or water, and it does not corrode like other materials. In addition, concrete can last for centuries with proper maintenance.

Concrete is an Affordable Choice

Concrete and asphalt are the most popular driveway resurfacing materials, according to a recent survey. While asphalt is less expensive in the beginning, the two products are now more competitive on price than ever before. It’s also worth considering the long-term benefits rather than just the immediate expenses.

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Concrete is Environmentally Friendly

Concrete is a natural material that is made from locally sourced materials. It can be recycled and reused, making it an environmentally responsible choice for many projects.

Concrete is made of naturally occurring substances that produce no emissions and require no toxic preservatives. Concrete does not emit Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) or Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), two pollutants that are detrimental to plant growth and soil bacterial communities.

Concrete does cause CO2 to be produced during manufacturing and when using heavy equipment to mix, pour and pump concrete but compared to many options the per-unit amount of CO2 is relatively small. Concrete actually absorbs CO2 throughout its lifetime, helping to reduce its carbon footprint.

Concrete is an Urban-Friendly Construction Material

Heat islands are produced when land is filled in with structures, roads, and other infrastructures to take the place of open ground and vegetation. These paved surfaces absorb rather than reflect heat because they attract the sun and radiate it. Tall buildings trap heat and block airflow.

Concrete minimizes heat islands by playing a large part in the removal of heat. Concrete is lighter in colour and absorbs less heat, reflecting more light than dark-coloured materials, allowing it to maintain a low surface temperature.

Looked at with a long-term view, concrete is an affordable option. When compared to other materials, concrete is a long-term cost-effective solution for both residential and commercial paving projects. Furthermore, concrete requires less maintenance than other materials, which can save even more money over time.

Looking for the best concrete contractor in Vancouver?

There are many reasons to choose concrete for your next construction project. Whether you’re looking for a durable, versatile, or environmentally friendly material, concrete is a great choice. So if after all that you are now looking to talk with a top concrete paving contractor, contact Burnaby Blacktop in Vancouver to get started on your next project! Give us a call at 7788550513!

COVID-19 Pandemic: Your Safety is Our Priority

To our valued customers

As a company, we prioritise health and safety for our employees and most importantly, our customers. We would like to assure you that we work under strict compliance with the BC Centre of Disease Control (CDC) and adheres to the guidelines provided by Health Canada and the World Health Organization regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.

Our business procedures, including estimating, collections, on site work procedures and overall customer interaction have been adjusted to ensure a healthy interaction between our employees and customers:

All our estimators are being cleared daily via a health check to see if they are showing flu like symptoms (dry cough, fever, headache, etc.)
Anyone who have travelled outside the country or had any interaction with anyone who came from an overseas trip within the last 14 days are requested to complete a home quarantine procedure to ensure that they have not contracted the virus
When estimating a project, physical interaction is not necessary. Our estimator can visit the site if needed or look at the site plan, measure and calculate costs without a face to face contact with the customer. The quote will be sent via email and further questions or requests can be discussed over the phone
Our crew and clients must pass a health check before starting any project. Face to face interaction is limited as we practice social distancing on job sites. We maintain at least 6 feet distance from each other

Our employees have been educated with regards to the health and safety requirements amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. We make sure that they strictly adhere to the following:

Regularly and thoroughly wash their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
Avoid touching their eyes, nose, and mouth with unclean hands
Cover their mouth and nose with the bend of the elbow or use tissue when coughing or sneezing
Properly and immediately dispose tissues in a garbage can and wash hands and bend of the elbow after coughing or sneezing
Adhere to social distancing guidelines (at least be 6 feet away from others), refrain from going to gatherings, parties and public events
Frequently disinfect touched objects and surfaces such as door handles, computers, phones, remotes, toilets, tools, equipment surfaces, etc.
Refrain from greeting people with a handshake or via any physical contact like embracing
If a staff member has or will be travelling outside of Canada, they will not be allowed on-site until the recommended 14-day quarantine period has lapsed
Employees who have flu like symptoms or have been exposed to someone who have flu like symptoms are requested to stay at home to recover and monitor themselves carefully
Team members who have flu like symptoms or taking care of someone who have flu like symptoms are reminded to wear a mask to avoid spreading the virus
If a staff member suspects they have Covid-19 Symptoms, they should contact Health Link at 811 to obtain professional advice and testing if deemed necessary

Our company representative will contact the customer before starting the project to ensure a safe environment for our workers:

If the customer has travelled outside the country within the last 14 days, we will reschedule the job after they have completed the quarantine period
We will reschedule the job start date if any person in the household is displaying flu like symptoms

We will continue to monitor this situation closely and will ensure that all policies and preventive measures are adhered to. We also would like to encourage you to be up to date with COVID-19 pandemic by visiting the Health Canada’s website and watching the daily news.

If you have queries and concerns regarding the above practice, please feel free to contact us at 778.855.0513 or send an email to [email protected]. Be assured that we will continue to be at our best in providing a safe and healthy work environment.

Thank you.

Burnaby Blacktop Ltd.

A Primer on Concrete: What is Concrete?