Want to Build Green? Think Concrete!

Making the decision to renovate your existing home, or building a new home, is not one that people make lightly.  The design is painstakingly thought out and building materials are carefully chosen.  A recent trend is for homeowners to choose “green,” or sustainable building materials and processes in and around their homes. When making the decision to go green materials items like bamboo, repurposed wood, recycled plastics, and glass often top the list of desirable building necessities.  Many often overlook concrete as a green material when in fact it is!  Concrete is a friend of the environment in all stages of its life span, from raw material to demolition.

What Makes Concrete Green

Concrete is made with natural and reused materials- The main raw material for the cement in concrete is limestone, which is the most abundant mineral on earth. Also comprising concrete, are various aggregates that can be made from crushed rock, crushed recycled concrete, and even oyster shells!

Concrete is durable- Concrete builds durable, long-lasting structures that will not rust, rot, or burn. The lifespan of buildings made with concrete can be double or triple those of other common building materials.

Concrete is energy efficient- Homes built with concrete walls, foundations, and floors are highly energy efficient because they take advantage of concrete’s ability to absorb and retain heat and cold. This can significantly cut the heating and cooling bills of the average home or building.

Concrete naturally radiates heat- Light-colored concrete pavements and roofs absorb less heat and reflect more solar radiation than dark-colored materials, such as asphalt, making the temperature around a home cooler.

Concrete creates minimal waste- Concrete building materials can be produced in the nearly exactly the quantities needed for each project, reducing the amount of waste per project.  After a concrete structure has served its original purpose, the concrete can be crushed and recycled into aggregate for use in new concrete projects.

Whether you are building a new home from the ground up, renovating a part of an existing home, or just updating a part of the outside of your home, you can rest assured that concrete is a great, sustainable choice.  If you are in need of concrete work, whether the job is small or large, MBJ Concrete would love to help.  With decades of experience and a commitment to do every job with an eye for detail, you can be confident that every project will turn out amazing.  We serve the Lincoln, Roseville, Rocklin and greater Sacramento areas.  Give us a call today at 916-622-7202 to get a free estimate!

Outdoor Entertaining: Why Concrete is Better Than Wood

If you've ever been BBQing on the back porch and watched your friend’s stool leg fall suddenly through the rotting out wood of what used to be a nice sturdy wood deck, then you've been at the crossroads of wood and concrete before.

When it comes time to decide what material to construct your outdoor entertaining area from, the safest (and least embarrassing) option is always concrete. Here are a few reasons why:

Durability--Kids, pets, and weather are all really rough on wood. A concrete patio is easy to hose sticky or stain inducing messes off of, withstands the abuse of inclement weather, and won't retain any lingering odor if potty training fido goes awry.

Lowest Maintenance Option--Who has time to reseal their wood deck every winter, and hammer back in all the loose nails that have wormed their way up to dangerously high snagging levels? I’m sure you don’t!

Pour it and forget it!

Express yourself--There are really only so many ways you can make wood your own. With concrete, the options are limitless. Between stamping designs, staining, and creative shaping, you can create a look that is just yours. Color combinations are endless, and you aren't just restricted to more natural hues as you are with wood.

Creating an outdoor space to spend time with family and friends can be an adventure in creativity. You are no longer limited to the wood stain colors at the local hardware store, and if your imagination can concoct it, chances are you can create a great entertaining space that not only complements the look of your home, but also represents your own unique style with concrete

If you live in the Roseville, Rocklin, Lincoln or greater Sacramento area and would like to create the backyard of your dreams then give us a call today at (916) 622-7202 to set up a free estimate.