Stamping Concrete: Intricate Looks, Simple Process

Posted by & filed under Concrete Buggy, Concrete Delivery, Concrete Patio, Pouring Concrete, Uncategorized.

Laying down a brick or stone patio in your backyard will look fabulous, but it can also be quite expensive to install. That’s why many homeowners turn to a much simpler concrete patio. However, there is a solution that offers a balance between the great look of brick with the price and convenience of concrete: stamped concrete.

Stamped ConcreteUsing stamped concrete allows homeowners to make the patio in their backyard look like it is made out of stone or brick at a fraction of the cost or using the real stuff. Stamped concrete is often called textured concrete or imprinted concrete, and it is designed to replicate the appearance of expensive stone or brick. There are even some forms of stamped concrete that look just like tile or wood. If you work with a company that specializes in manipulating concrete, they will be able to use it to press different patterns into it to make it look like just about anything that you want.

Whether you desire a popular style like running bond brick or worn rock or you want to create your own pattern and work actual brick or rock into the design, your options are really limitless. You can press almost any pattern in concrete and, regardless of whether you want something complex or simple, you can transform any patio, pool deck, driveway, courtyard or entryway without breaking the bank to do it. Concrete Network reports that more and more homeowners are turning to stamped concrete because it gives off a very luxurious look and feel without costing a fortune. Since concrete is usually a lot less expensive than other materials, it’s a great, durable and affordable alternative for many homes.

Are you considering using stamped concrete for a new outdoor space at your home? Let Bergen Mobile Concrete handle the concrete delivery for you. Our on-demand, as-needed concrete mixing and delivery services offer quick and convenient service, and our metered mobile concrete mixers mean you only need to pay for the concrete that you need. Learn more about ordering concrete for your next project by giving us a call today at 201-797-7550.

Rock Salt and Concrete: A Bad Winter Combination

Posted by & filed under Concrete Delivery, Concrete Driveways, Concrete Maintenance, Pouring Concrete, Uncategorized.

Concrete and Deicing SaltIce can wreak havoc on both roadways and driveways. To combat the ice, many homeowners and trucks throw salt down to make these paved surfaces safer for cars to travel. However, for roads, sidewalks and driveways that are made of concrete, rock salt can actually cause quite a bit of damage.

Despite concrete looking like a dense, strong material, it actually absorbs water very efficiently. This means that when rock salt is spread on concrete to melt snow and ice, the salt dissolves the snow and creates mushy salt water that can soak into the concrete. If the temperature outside continues to drop afterwards and freezes this water, it will expand as it reverts back to ice, potentially forcing the concrete to crack from the strain of expansion.

Another thing working against the concrete is that salt is also hygroscopic, which is a fancy way of saying that salt naturally attracts. If salt is pulling more water than normal, the concrete could become supersaturated with water, increasing the potential damage concrete if the temperatures drop.

Freshly poured concrete is especially susceptible to damage from rock salt as well. That’s because once concrete is poured, it is still highly saturated with water during the first weeks following the initial curing process. That’s why if you are going to pour concrete late in the year, it’s important to try and time out your project to provide at least 30 days for concrete to set up before winter weather arrives. If not, you flirt with the potential of the water freezing which can cause the top surface layer of the concrete to fall off.

To prevent rock salt from damaging your concrete, try sand instead. It isn’t going to melt the ice, but it will provide better traction for driving on. Plus, clean up in the spring is as simple as hosing off your driveway – no cracking, no damage and no problems!

To order concrete for your next pour, call contact Bergen Mobile Concrete. We’re experts at delivering concrete on time and in the exact amounts that you ordered – no paying for more than you need. To find out more, call us today at 201-797-7550!

How Populated Travel Can Affect Our Roadways and Infrastructure

Posted by & filed under Concrete Buggy, Concrete Delivery, Concrete Driveways, Pouring Concrete, Uncategorized.

The United States is filled with people, but we already know that. Major cities in the country have problems with roadway congestion and traffic every single day. As we continue to fight the pandemic and limit the amount of travel we do, our minds also should be focused on how we handle our infrastructure for future generations.

smart infrastructure concrete bridges

Smart Concrete Roadways

Every year, there is consistent construction being done on bridges, roadways, and highways. As travelers and everyday folk, we forget how important safety is when it comes to infrastructure. There are plenty of bridges and highways in the country that are in dire need of updates and repairs. They were built decades and decades ago, and now they’re showing their wear and tear.

So, what’s the solution?

Well, with new technology and innovation paving the way for many industries, it is also dipping its feet into the infrastructure of this country. Researchers and developers from SMART Lab are implementing technology to make roads safer and more cost-effective. The new systems can have the ability to self-monitor the condition of the roads and bridges. Sometimes, they can even repair themselves(self-healing).

Sustainable Energy + Concrete

As we implement sustainable energy solutions when it comes to energy, we’re also working towards improving our concrete roads. Many roads in the Northeast United States go through extreme wear and tear due to cold temperatures, ice, and snow. This can have negative impact on the roads causing breaks and major cracks. If technology can be developed to help concrete roads and bridges self-repair, then our roads and bridges will be safer, cost-effective, and more reliable.

Concrete Pouring from Bergen Mobile Concrete

If you’re looking for a durable surface for sidewalks, driveways, walkways, patios, and more, don’t hesitate to reach out to Bergen Mobile Concrete. We have the equipment to precisely measure and pour concrete mix for your surfaces without costing your extra money. Contact Bergen Mobile Concrete at 201-797-7550 today or visit us online for more information!

How to Clean Concrete Surfaces

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29305947_SWhether you have a concrete patio or driveway, interior concrete floors, or any other type of concrete surfaces in and around your home, keeping them in top shape should always be a priority. And while concrete is highly durable and can look brand new for years to come, there are a few things you can do to help. Concrete can get dirty just like any other type of flooring, so cleaning it on a regular basis is always a good idea.

The first step to clean concrete surfaces is to use a broom to sweep up any debris. You should use a dust mop that can easily pick up and remove dust and other small particles that may be covering your concrete.

Once you have given your concrete floors an initial sweep, you can move on to using water. Mix a bucket of water with some dish soap to create a gentle cleaning mix. Keep in mind that you should not use substances like vinegar or ammonia on concrete because they can cause damage to the material. Next, wet your mop and start cleaning small sections of the surface at a time. Refill the bucket as needed, and repeat this process until you have covered the entire area.

You can also keep your concrete looking new by rebuffing and resealing it as needed, but a simple cleaning should do the trick in most cases. For more tips on how you should care for your concrete surfaces, keep checking back with the team at Bergen Mobile Concrete!

The Wonders of Concrete in Your Home

Posted by & filed under Concrete Buggy, Concrete Delivery, Concrete History, Concrete Maintenance, Concrete Patio, Concrete Sidewalk, Concrete Walkway, Pouring Concrete, Uncategorized.

Concrete has been incorporated in plenty of architectural designs and buildings, but it also used in many different aspects of living and way of life. Concrete is a substance that can be transformed for many uses. Your home can benefit from the use of concrete in design and structure. Also, the exterior layout of your land can benefit from concrete structures. 

Concrete pouring and delivery

Useful Ideas for Concrete

You can create many things with concrete as the material. From countertops in your home to patios in the backyard, concrete is a strong and durable structure that will last a lifetime. There’s a reason why ancient civilizations utilized concrete for their structures. We can go halfway around the world and find ancient structures made from concrete. 

  • Countertops
  • Flooring
  • Concrete Patios/Walkways
  • Furniture 
  • Bathroom Tubs/Kitchen Sinks
  • Fireplace
  • And More!

You could hypothetically incorporate concrete into many things in your home. With concrete, you don’t only get wonderful ideas and ways to design, but you also get incredible benefits with using concrete. 

The Benefits of Concrete 

Concrete is a very strong and durable material that will give you products and structures in your home to last a very long time. If you’re looking to enhance your home with design and durable materials, concrete is one of the best materials you can use. 

At Bergen Mobile Concrete, we can help deliver the concrete mix and pour it for whatever the project is. With our concrete delivery service, as a company, you won’t have to worry about cutting into your project’s time. We can mix and pour the exact amount with our delivery equipment, so you don’t have to worry about paying for extra that you don’t use. 

Contact Bergen Mobile Concrete at 201-797-7550 today or visit us online for more information! 

Why is Concrete So Strong?

Posted by & filed under Concrete Buggy, Concrete Delivery, Concrete Driveways, Concrete History, Concrete Maintenance, Concrete Patio, Concrete Sidewalk, Concrete Walkway, Pouring Concrete, Uncategorized.

Concrete has been used for thousands of years for many applications including architecture. Many concrete buildings across the world have lasted so many years because of the strength and durability they were built with. 

It’s a mystery because concrete is made from water and cement mix, so people can’t understand why concrete structures last so long because of its strength. 

concrete architecture

Concrete Has Gotten Stronger 

Over the years, many have adjusted the ratio of cement mix to water to make the concrete even stronger. This is what makes the concrete form stronger bonds for longer lasting structures. You still have to make sure there is enough water in the ratio for the hydration process. The lower the ratio of water to cement will ensure a stronger material as long as there is enough water. 

Monumental Architecture 

Throughout history, we have seen some amazing monumental structures last so many years due to concrete construction. Buildings such as the Roman Pantheon or the Colosseum have been around for thousands of years. Plenty of civilizations saw the importance of building their structures and sacred monuments with concrete, which is why concrete is still being used today. 

Bergen Mobile Concrete

At Bergen Mobile Concrete, we provide concrete delivery services for projects of all sizes. Whether you’re a homeowner or a contractor looking to get concrete delivered in a timely manner, we are here to help you. You don’t have to worry about overpaying or wasting any concrete. Our concrete mixtures and measuring systems can give you the proper concrete delivery that you need. 

Contact Bergen Mobile Concrete at 201-797-7550 today or visit us online for more information! 

The Benefits of a Concrete Driveway

Posted by & filed under Concrete Buggy, Concrete Delivery, Concrete Driveways, Pouring Concrete, Uncategorized.

Many homeowners debate on what kind of driveway is best to have regarding the material you put down. Different types of driveways like concrete or asphalt have pros and cons, but we’re here to tell you the benefits of pouring a concrete driveway. 

With a concrete driveway, you are able to increase the value of your home and possibly give a 30-year lifespan for the driveway. When or if you decide to sell the home at some point, the concrete driveway will be a benefit for the new homeowners. 

Why Choose Concrete for Your Driveway? 

  • Concrete driveways last longer than other driveways including asphalt. 
  • With concrete, you’ll be able to get creative with designs and curb appeal.
  • Concrete driveways absorb less UV radiation making them cooler in the hot sun.
  • Durable material to last long and reduce maintenance costs.

When choosing to get a concrete driveway or an asphalt driveway, many homeowners will choose to get an asphalt driveway because of its lower upfront cost, but in reality, the investment of a concrete driveway is worth it for the benefits. 

Pouring the Concrete 

Pouring a concrete driveway can be difficult, especially when it comes to measuring the amount you need. With a concrete delivery system from Bergen Mobile Concrete, you’ll be able to have the perfect, measured amount of concrete poured for your driveway. Once you determine how much you need for your driveway, we can mix the concrete and deliver it to you. When using a Mobile Concrete Mixer, you only have to pay for the material that is used, so you save money. 

Whether you’re building a concrete patio, sidewalk, or driveway, Bergen Mobile Concrete can help you get the right amount of concrete poured for your project. Contact Bergen Mobile Concrete at 201-797-7550 today! 

A Concrete Wonder: The Roman Pantheon

Posted by & filed under Concrete Buggy, Concrete Delivery, Concrete Driveways, Concrete History, Uncategorized.

Concrete has played a major role in architecture for thousands of years. Some of the Roman concrete structures have lasted over 2,000 years, but they have survived the years with a little help from preservation techniques. There is one building that has lasted without any preservation. The Pantheon in the city of Rome has been standing for 1,900 years. Of course, this 1,900-year old concrete structure went through rebuilds due to fire destruction, but this is the last standing version of it. 

Roman Pantheon concrete structure

Why is it a Mystery to Experts? 

The Roman Pantheon is a dome-shaped concrete structure. The mystery of it all is that many are still wrestling with the construction of the building. How has it held up for all these years? How did the Romans reinforce the dome structure to withstand the years? 

The Pantheon is still to this day the largest unsupported dome in the world. The dome measures 142-feet in diameter with an opening of 27-feet at the top. The question this day still consists of how long it may have taken to construct this beautiful structure. 

Concrete Structures Today

Concrete is used in many ways today. From living spaces to concrete patios and driveways, concrete has been very important to the architectural industry. One company that has been working with concrete for years is Bergen Mobile Concrete. We understand the importance of a structure to last a long time. 

With our mobile concrete delivery service, your next concrete project will run smoothly. 

What we have to offer: 

It’s stressful when you’re working on a project and you order the wrong amount of materials. This can happen often without knowing it. With us, you’ll be relieved to know that we use metered mixers that allow us to calculate the correct amount of concrete mix you’ll need for the sidewalk, patio, driveway, etc. 

Bergen Mobile Concrete 

If you’re looking for quick and accurate delivery of concrete for your next project, contact Bergen Mobile Concrete at 201-797-7550 today to learn more about how we can help! 

Some of the Coolest Concrete Structures in the World

Posted by & filed under Concrete Delivery, Concrete Driveways, Concrete History, Concrete Sidewalk, Concrete Walkway, Pouring Concrete, Uncategorized.

Concrete has been used in architecture and buildings for centuries. Around the world, there are incredible structures that were made with concrete that are still standing to this day. The fact that these structures are standing tall after going through years of wear and tear is a testament to the concrete that they were made with.

Roman Colosseum concrete structure

Concrete Throughout History

Some ancient structures made of concrete are still standing to this day. These amazing structures are known throughout the world as historical places.

The Colosseum – The Roman Colosseum in Rome, Italy was built in 80 A.D. and is one of the biggest attractions of tourism in the world. Over the years, it has gone through some damages, but it still stands from the concrete architecture.

Pantheon – The Pantheon in Rome is a dome shaped structure made of concrete. They didn’t have reinforced concrete back then that was strengthened with steel, but they still had concrete.

Christ the Redeemer – This famous statue located in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil was made from reinforced concrete in 1931. It stands 98 feet tall on top of the Corcovado Mountain.

Modern Day Concrete

Burj Khalifa – This skyscraper in Dubai was built in 2009, and it stands 2,722 feet tall. It consists of 110,000 tons of concrete and includes a hotel, restaurant, businesses, and residents.

Villa Saitan – This structure is a housing complex located in Japan. It was completed in 2006 and stands as a concrete shell with cutouts that mimic the features of a tree,

Ardmore Residence – This residential building is located in Singapore and stands over 135 meters tall. It was built in 2013, and it consists of an indoor and outdoor living space with a gym, spa room, jacuzzi, sundecks, and swimming pool shared with 58 units.

Bergen Mobile Concrete

Bergen Mobile Concrete specializes in concrete mixing and delivery in Northern New Jersey. Whatever your project is, we can deliver the perfect amount of mixed concrete to get the job done. Concrete is an amazing material for sidewalks, walkways, and patios.

Contact Bergen Mobile Concrete at 201-797-7550 today!

ISS Astronauts are Studying Concrete in Microgravity

Posted by & filed under Concrete in the News.

International Space Station“It is no longer a question of if we will need to colonize other planets, but a question of when,” says Alexandra Radlińska, assistant professor of civil engineering at Penn State University.

In order to give future space colonists a “concrete advantage,” Penn State researchers are collaborating with astronauts onboard the International Space Station (ISS) to study concrete in microgravity.

Concrete is strong and durable enough to offer protection from meteorites and cosmic radiation.

What’s more, it may actually be possible to make concrete from materials that are already available on other planets, including Mars.

In order to take advantage of concrete’s potential for use in infrastructure on other planets, the research team is studying how cement, an important ingredient in concrete, solidifies when it’s not subject to gravity.

Once the team has a better understanding of how traditional, Earth-based cement solidifies in microgravity, they’ll begin exploring how to create concrete using materials indigenous to Mars.

Ultimately, the results of these studies could help determine how to create habitable structures on Mars and other planets.

The research has Earthbound implications, too. Studying the solidification of cement could help improve the environmental sustainability of Earth-manufactured concrete. Concrete is the most widely used building material on the planet—with 10 billion tons produced each year—meaning that even small improvements in its manufacturing process can have a major impact.

If you’re looking for high-quality concrete here on Earth, look no further than Bergen Mobile Concrete. We’ve been delivering concrete to customers throughout Northern New Jersey using metered mobile mixers since 1990. Call us today at (201) 797-7550 to learn more.