Without realising it, many people refer to concrete as cement, even though they are both completely different. It’s the same as using a brand name for a household product instead of the correct term. On this page we explain the variances between cement, concrete, and reinforced concrete, so it’s easier to differentiate between the three building materials. Specialists in the design and installation of retaining walls, along with basement construction, our teams of basement builders and formwork contractors at South East Formwork Ltd work with each one in the range of building services we offer commercial clients in the following areas – Chobham, Cobham, Farnham, Guildford, Kingston, Richmond, Wentworth, Weybridge, Wimbledon, and Woking.
Commonly mistaken for concrete, cement is only a single component of the final result. It’s a fine material which is used in the production of concrete and mortar, but never on its own. Cement is produced by crumbling a variety of elements, such as clay, limestone, quartz, sand, and shell, and mixing them with a number of other materials which include aluminium, calcium, iron ore, and silicon. The entire mix is heated to approximately 1,500°C until hardened and then ground down to the fine powder we refer to as cement.
The most widely regarded cement mix is Portland cement, named for its resemblance to the stone which was first quarried on the Isle of Portland in Dorset in the 19th century.
The product South East Formwork is best known for, we work with concrete continuously. We use Portland cement – due to its popularity – and mix it with a concoction of sand, aggregates, and water to produce our top-quality concrete mixes. For smaller DIY projects, ready-made cement mixes can be widely purchased and activated by adding water. Our commercial projects in Weybridge, however, require precise ratios and the renowned expertise of our formwork contractors and basement builders.
Completely fire-resistant, concrete is also waterproof and the perfect solution for retaining walls and basement construction.
One of the many reasons South East Formwork is contracted for commercial building projects, reinforced concrete offers greater strength where additional weight and pressure may cause issues if not properly considered during construction. Concrete will flex as it dries, altering its volume somewhat. It will also react to temperature. As a result, the best option for larger-scale construction is to fortify the concrete during the building process. As explained, this is done by pouring wet concrete over steel bars or mesh cages.
If you think this is the best option for your Weybridge project, talk to us first. Our basement builders and formwork contractors specialise in this area.
Our family-run company has been in operation for many years, working alongside construction companies on a variety of residential homes and commercial buildings throughout the south east. From retaining walls to basement construction, we offer the support you need.