Concrete Sealers

It’s possible for a concrete amateur to forget or to be unaware of the importance of a quality concrete sealer. A sealer helps the concrete resist the weather; a quality sealer prevents the concrete from taking on too much water during periods of long exposure; and, it even helps the concrete resist damage. And if…

Concrete Cracking

Concrete shows its age as well as any imperfections. Concrete displays its weaknesses as cracks, fissures, and fractures. What are the differences between cracks, fissures, and fractures? When there is a crack in the concrete does it mean something different than a fissure? There are differences, and the differences are usually in the severity of…

Manage Moisture

Proper drainage is paramount to the long-term success of a concrete structure. When it comes to longevity and structural integrity, few elements break down a structure quicker than poor drainage. When Shotcrete Montana builds a structure such as a retaining wall, a moisture protection system will be put in place to ensure that the moisture…

Remove Concrete-Techniques to Remove Concrete

Concrete is an incredibly durable and hardy building material; it’s long lifespan makes it a terrific choice as a building material for numerous projects. But like all things, concrete/shotcrete does eventually break down and need to be replaced. And the removal of a concrete slab, retaining wall, or ditch can be difficult work. For larger…

Fall is a Terrific Time for Concrete…

Did you know that fall is a prime month for concrete? It’s true. It’s mostly because the fall is a season of predictable forecasts and moderate but neutral temperatures. It’s important, however, to remember that concrete and shotcrete work can be performed in any season, if safeguards are in place; but, mild and moderate temperatures…

Concrete Sealer: Finish the Job Right

We know how durable and lasting concrete is as a building material. Although as durable as concrete is, a quality sealer will bolster its strength; a quality sealer makes concrete even more resistant to: weather, long exposures to water, abrasions, and staining. And a quality sealer will improve the look of the concrete. Concrete is…

Concrete Because It’s Sustainable… And Beautiful

It’s hard to imagine that a building material that’s long been in favor for numerous tasks has been and continues to be environmentally friendly. Too often we see building materials come and go, learn of their potential negative health and environmental impacts and quickly switch to an alternative. But concrete is unique. It’s primarily made…

Concrete

As a building material, concrete is relatively simple. And at its simplest and most basic composition, concrete is made from water, aggregate, and cement all mixed together in precise proportion. Water and aggregate likely have been used as a building material since the dawn of mankind; it’s a simple and economical and durable building material.…

Drainage and Moisture Management

Did you know that proper drainage is incredibly important to the longevity and structural integrity of a retaining wall? It’s true. And when a retaining wall is built, modern day moisture protection systems are the best choice to naturally divert water. Native soils are different from location to location; the structure and composition of soils…

How Does Concrete Work?

Let’s talk about how concrete works. Concrete is made simply of water, aggregate and cement mixed in proportions to a precise consistency. The key to achieving the strongest concrete is to have the mixture of ingredients properly proportioned. Thankfully products like Quikrete make the job simple and easy for the average concrete job. But, even…