|
|
 |
Eco Friendly Concrete
Concrete is a great building material but is there a more environmentally friendly option? It is possible to use concrete in a sustainable way. Find out about some eco friendly concretes.
Concrete Countertops
Used as a countertop, concrete is more eco friendly and sustainable than granite. As the technology improves, concrete countertops are becoming stronger, lighter, and less expensive. Concrete countertops are not made with standard concrete. Rather, they are made from a mix of cement, fly ash, and recycled glass. There are several colour and design options available. You can even opt for a custom design, perfect if you have something special in mind.
Concrete does need to be regularly sealed, and it will develop a patina over time. A patina is the natural fading, darkening and aging of surfaces. This will give your countertop more character over time. Concrete is easily cleaned, and you can wax the concrete in order to protect the sealant.
Porous Concrete
Porous concrete is concrete that allows water to flow through it. It is made from coarse aggregate (often recycled), cement, and water, and contains little to no sand. The cement and the water create a paste that holds the aggregates together but with spaces between them, which water and air can flow through. The most significant use for porous concrete is for use in pavements and other outdoor areas. This helps to protect against drought as the water does not simply sit on the surface of the concrete but flows through to the ground beneath. It can replenish groundwater levels and reduce stormwater runoff, reducing the need for stormwater management techniques.
Porous concrete also helps with heat management as normal concrete traps heat and does not allow the ground to breathe. The porous concrete allows the ground to breathe, stopping the absorption of heat. This can lead to a temperature difference of several degrees.
Geopolymer Concrete
Geopolymer concrete is a type of eco friendly concrete. Unlike regular concrete, this alternative form of concrete does not require high temperature or give off carbon dioxide. Because of this, it only releases ten to twenty percent of the greenhouse gases that are created by making standard concrete. At this stage, it is being used for non-safety critical building projects such as patios.
Geopolymers are a type of polymer made at room temperature by using industrial waste or byproducts as materials to form a material that looks and performs similarly to standard Portland cement. Such waste materials used include fly ash, bottom ash, blast furnace slag, and concrete waste.
For More Information
To get more information on these new eco friendly types of concrete, talk to your builder or concrete supplier. They will be able to tell you if it is suitable for your building project. You can also research on the internet, as more suppliers put a greater focus on going green.
Printer Friendly Version
References
Related Categories
Concrete Resurfacing
Concreting