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We lift you up!
Masonry and Concrete
Call Able Basement and Structural Solutions for a free estimate or scheduling for Masonry Services or Concrete Services: patios, sidewalks, driveways, footings, foundations, slabs, porches, steps, anything concrete. We also specialize in repairing and maintaining existing concrete and masonry structures.
Versatility of the Concrete We Use
Concrete comes in various types, each designed for specific applications and properties. These types differ in their composition, strength, and the techniques used to create them, making them suitable for a range of construction needs.
Here's a look at some of the common types:
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Plain Concrete (Ordinary Concrete): This is the most basic form, consisting of cement, aggregate, and water, with no reinforcement. It is commonly used but not recommended for all purposes in Ohio.
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Reinforced Concrete: This type includes steel bars (rebar) or welded wire mesh embedded within the concrete to significantly increase its tensile strength, making it suitable for structures and driveways.
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Precast Concrete: Concrete is cast and cured off-site in molds and then transported to the construction site. This offers advantages in terms of speed and quality control, making it suitable for pre-fabricated elements like precast steps.
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Lightweight Concrete: Using lightweight aggregates (like expanded clay or gravel) to reduce the overall weight of the concrete without significantly compromising its strength. It's often used in precast elements and roof slabs where weight is a consideration.
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Pervious Concrete: Also known as permeable concrete, this type allows water to pass through it, reducing stormwater runoff and promoting water retention on the property.
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Air-Entrained Concrete: This concrete contains tiny air bubbles, improving its resistance to freeze-thaw cycles and increasing its workability. This is the most common type of concrete used in Ohio for patios and sidewalks.
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Fiber-reinforced concrete or fibre-reinforced concrete (FRC): A concrete containing fibrous material which increases its structural integrity.
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Flowable Fill, also called a “Controlled Low-Strength Material” (CLSM): A fluid, self-leveling, low-strength cementous slurry used for backfill and as a replacement for granular sub-base.
Masonwork
At Able Basement and Structural Solutions, we not only perform MASONWORK but we understand the significance of that word. The word MASONWORK tells us what type of mortar to use.
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Type M (Masonwork) has more portland cement and less lime (1 part to ¼ part), which gives it 2500 PSI compressive strength and less adhesion than other mortars, great for CMU block walls.
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Type S (maSonwork) has more lime (1 part to ½ part), which makes it have better adhesion but only 1800 PSI compressive strength, still good for CMU block.
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Type N (masoNwork is type NO for CMU block), it has about 1 part portland cement to 1 part lime and about 750 PSI compressive strength but better adhesion, which makes it good for soft brick veneer and as a base for stucco and stone veneer.
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Type O (masonwOrk) has 1 part portland cement to 2 parts lime and is sometimes sold to patch, repoint, or tuckpoint soft stone walls.
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Type K (masonworK) has a compressive strength of 75 PSI and is commonly sold as Surface Bonding Mortar. It is good for parging walls for waterproofing purposes.
Choosing the right mortar is as important to us as choosing the right contractor is important to you. At Able Basement and Structural Solutions, we are your trusted local foundation repair experts.