Dreaming of concrete and cement can symbolize feelings of stability, strength and permanence. It can also suggest that you are laying foundations for your future.
Dreaming about sinking in wet concrete suggests that there may be unresolved issues weighing down on you. This could be a reference to time-limiting issues like project deadlines or test exams that are approaching soon.
Concrete Countertops
Concrete countertops add a distinctive look to any kitchen. Though many homeowners associate these surfaces with industrial styles, they can work well in a wide variety of design themes. In fact, they pair exceptionally well with rustic wood elements. This pairing can create a warm and welcoming space that evokes the best of both worlds, such as in this beautiful kitchen designed by Sacha Higham of Traditions Realty.
While some may believe that concrete counters will look like someone threw a slab of sidewalk in their kitchen, it is important to note that the counters being installed today have far more appeal than this. According to Cheng, professional concrete countertop fabricators can precast standard-size countertop pieces off-site and then fit them in place, or they can cast the countertops in place to create a customized look for the homeowner.
Whether the counters are precast or cast in place, they can be colored to match any decor. In addition, they can be tinted to achieve a mottled look that mimics natural stone. To create a more vibrant look, contractors can include colored glass fragments or shells in the concrete mix. They can also be polished to a high sheen.
As long as they are properly sealed, concrete counters are easy to clean. Warm, soapy water is usually all that is needed to wipe them down. Occasionally, they may need to be resealed, but this is not as often as it would be with granite or marble counters.
One of the advantages of working with a professional concrete countertop fabricator is that they have the proper equipment to make sure the counters are strong and durable. They can use a special concrete mix that is specifically made for counters. This provides them with a higher strength than regular concrete. They can also incorporate steel lathe for reinforcement if necessary.
If a homeowner is considering installing concrete counters, it is important to find the right contractor to take on the project. They must have experience with the process to ensure a quality finished product. The contractor should also be able to answer any questions that the client might have about the installation and maintenance of the counters.
Concrete Driveways
Concrete is a very popular material to use for constructing driveways and other paved areas because it is relatively inexpensive, extremely strong, and can be formed into a variety of unique and eye-catching designs. A quality concrete driveway can last for 30 years or more with minimal maintenance and add value to your property.
A concrete driveway is also less susceptible to expansion and shrinkage in extreme temperatures than a paver driveway. If you are planning on selling your home in the future a well constructed concrete driveway can make a big difference in how fast your home sells and at what price.
Concrete has been used as a paving material for centuries and can easily handle the traffic of heavy trucks and cars. Concrete is made up of crushed rock, sand and gravel bonded together with cement paste and then poured into a form. The most important factor in a concrete driveway is the strength and composition of the mix used. The best concrete for driveways has a high psi strength and is low in air content.
A properly cured and finished concrete driveway can be very durable and will resist the abrasion of tires and the chemical penetration of oil, gasoline and other chemicals. To help your concrete driveway retain its appearance and strength, it is recommended that a water-based acrylic sealer be applied at least annually.
To prevent cracks in a concrete driveway it is important to plan and install control joints. The joints should be placed at least every four feet around the perimeter of the driveway and at intersections with sidewalks, other driveways or garage floor slabs. The depth of the control joint should be one-quarter the thickness of the concrete slab.
If you are considering a new concrete driveway it is a good idea to consult with a professional contractor. They can advise you on the best concrete mix to use, provide proper forms and guides and recommend any required reinforcement. If you are interested in doing it yourself, a simple concrete mix can be purchased at most stores like Home Depot or even Walmart for under $6 a bag. You will need a wheelbarrow, mixing tray and basic hand tools such as a shovel, hoe or trowel.
Concrete Patios
Concrete patios are a classic way to connect a home with its backyard environment. Whether you prefer the sleek lines of modern concrete or the more organic texture of pavers, this type of outdoor flooring can help create a comfortable space to entertain and relax.
Concrete is less expensive than pavers and other paving materials, and it’s also easy to maintain. The lack of joints and spaces between pavers prevents weeds from sprouting, while sweeping and washing are all that’s needed to keep it looking great.
Decorative concrete finishes are another great option for homeowners looking to add a customized touch to their patio. The concrete can be brushed, stained or stenciled with a variety of patterns and colors to match the home’s exterior design. It can even be pebbled with an aggregate finish to add a more natural look. The options for creating a unique concrete patio are nearly endless, but it’s important to plan ahead and set a budget before starting the project.
It’s a good idea to take measurements of the space before beginning construction and purchase any supplies necessary for the job. This includes concrete mix, a shovel, a handsaw, wire mesh, gravel and enough wooden 2x4s to frame the space and act as stakes. You’ll also need to bring a wheelbarrow to move the concrete once it’s poured.
A smooth concrete patio can make a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor living spaces, which is particularly desirable in homes with large glass doors that open to the yard. However, it’s also possible to achieve a more dramatic style with textured concrete. This textured surface is both visually appealing and functional, as it provides reliable traction and grip for walking even when the weather is rainy or snowy.
Adding a water feature to the patio can make it an especially inviting space. These can range from small fountains to free-standing waterfalls. Including the feature at the time of concrete pouring can save on installation costs and ensure that the structure will be sturdy enough to support the weight of a water feature.
Concrete Slabs
Concrete slabs are flat horizontal surfaces that are commonly used in the construction of floors and roof decks. The material is versatile, durable and adaptable to many types of designs. It also offers a wide range of finishing options that can enhance its appearance. These finishes can include stains, coloring, textures and coatings.
Dreams involving cement and concrete often symbolize something that has become permanent or fixed in your life. They can also suggest a need to build or solidify a particular area of your life. For example, if you dream about pouring concrete, it may represent the need to create a new foundation for your home or business.
Slab foundations are a popular option for houses because they can help reduce the need for extensive and costly underground excavations. In addition, they can be constructed more quickly and are well suited for areas where soil is sandy or gravelly. However, slab foundations are vulnerable to problems such as settling and frost heaving.
To prevent these problems, the slab should be insulated and covered with a protective membrane to shield it from moisture and other environmental conditions. Additionally, it should be placed on a bed of stone or gravel to promote drainage and help the slab resist heaving.
A concrete slab can be ground-bearing or suspended. It can be prefabricated offsite and brought to the site or built in-situ using formwork. It is designed to resist bending moments based on the magnitude of the load and its span length.
Conventional slabs are mainly classified into one-way and two-way slabs. Hollow core slab units are typically placed between beams and run service ducts through them. This significantly declines the slab’s self-weight and improves its structural efficiency.
Slabs on grade are typically insulated beneath and protected with a sheet of plywood or other durable roofing membrane. They can be supported on walls or by retaining walls. Alternatively, they can be built on steel or timber joists. Sites with reactive soils are often difficult to construct on, but floating stiffened concrete raft slabs can overcome these issues. They use void formers in the shape of closely spaced, deep reinforced beams criss-crossing the slab underside.