Understanding Why Concrete Cracks

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

Understanding Why Concrete Cracks Concrete is one of the most commonly used building materials due to its strength and durability. However, it can be very frustrating to find it starting to crack regardless of how long ago it may have been poured. The fact is there are numerous factors that are involved that can lead to concrete cracks, including soil upheaval and the climate you live in.

When it comes to upheaval, things such as plant roots can cause concrete to crack in multiple places. To avoid this happening, placing steel reinforcement around the area in which the concrete is poured will help keep the roots and soil from affecting it. Another option is choosing not to pour next to mature trees as their roots can extend up to 40 feet.

Now if you live in an area with hot weather, your concrete is more likely to develop shrinkage cracks than if it were in a more moderate climate. The reason is due to heat, as hot and arid conditions – like those sometimes seen during the past few summers – require that more water is used in the initial concrete mixture so it is able to dry properly. However, this excess water can result left over water filling in throughout the concrete, resulting in shrinkage that causes hairline cracks. To fix these cracks, synthetic fibers and sufficient rebar should do the trick.

On the other hand, when there is extreme cold and snow, your concrete can fall victim to freeze-and-thaw cycles that will eventually lead to cracks in the concrete. These can also be remedied with the same items as if the concrete were in heat.

With all of these factors at play, turning to professionals like the team at Bergen Mobile Concrete is your best solution. With more than a quarter century of experience mixing high-quality concrete for the Northern New Jersey area, we can help make sure that you receive the perfect blend of concrete for your project. To learn more or to schedule a delivery, call us today at 201-797-7550!

Add Some Color to Your Concrete

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

Add Some Color to Your Concrete When you think “concrete,” do you automatically picture a boring gray color? We have good news: gray isn’t the only option when it comes to concrete, so if you’re hoping to use it in an interior or exterior remodel, it’s time to reconsider your design plans and think about adding in some colored concrete.

Contractors started using colored concrete back in the 1950s, when synthetic iron oxide was mixed in with concrete powder to give it a colorful hue. In most cases, you can easily obtain an earthy color, like brown and red, by using regular gray concrete; but, if you want a brighter color, you can mix in white cement instead, which gives you a wider range of color possibility.

For DIY projects, most concrete colors can be purchased at your local hardware store; look for bottles of liquid cement color.

First is integral coloring, where a liquid or powder color is added and mixed with the concrete inside the truck.

Shake-on coloring is the application of finely ground pigments and dry cement onto freshly-placed wet concrete. With this method, since the color is only mixed into the top layer of cement, grinding or polishing will damage the color.

Acid staining is another method for achieving a colored concrete, and it’s done after the concrete has been poured and dried. Acid is painted onto the concrete surface, and a chemical reaction results in a mottled color.

Acetone dyes are another option: an acetone dye would be applied once the concrete has set and been polished, but acetone is dangerous for indoor use.

Water-based dyes are a safer option. You can use this method to paint patterns into the concrete, so design-wise this could be the right choice for you. Using the other methods of concrete coloring may not give you the option of creating a detailed design in the finished product.

If you’re interested in working with concrete experts to install colored concrete in your home, call Bergen Mobile Concrete today at 201-797-7550 or click here for a quote.

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

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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!