Have you ever wondered what the difference between cement and concrete is? Is the path you are walking on a cement sidewalk or a concrete sidewalk? Is that a cement truck or a concrete truck? We can’t blame people for thinking that these sedimentary mixes are of the same thing because, to be honest, it is quite confusing.
The terms cement and concreting are commonly mistaken as the same. Sometimes they are even used interchangeably, which adds up to the misconception. However, once you learn the solid differences between the two, you can easily distinguish them apart. Read on as we share with you the differences between cement and concrete.
Table of Contents
Concrete is the finished product, while cement is one of its ingredients.
One of the reasons why cement and concrete are confused as one is that there is cement in concrete. Concrete is a durable building material built out of the four primary ingredients: cement, stone, sand, and water. Cement is one of the most important ingredients in concrete. It acts as a binding agent that comes in dry powdery form or paste/mortar form.
Concrete is more widely used than cement.
Portland cement and Asphalt cement are the most common types of cement used in making concrete. Cement’s adhesive properties make it a great binding agent used in small home projects such as grouting. However, it can’t be used on its own because it is prone to cracking.
On the other hand, concrete can be molded or formed into any shape before it hardens into a durable construction material. Once the concrete is made, it can be used in building foundations, bridges, pathways, sidewalks, roads, homes, and other infrastructure around you. When a concrete mix is done correctly, it can be resistant to freezing and thawing. It can also be watertight, durable, and resistant to wear.
Concrete has many types and uses.
The main purpose of cement is to act like a glue or binding agent. However, concrete has different types and finishes. Each of those serves a specific purpose. For example, those who want to build a sturdy driveway can opt for fiber-reinforced concrete. This type of concrete can withstand immense loads and can resist cracking. Those looking for a unique look can opt to have a colored concrete finish. Colored concrete can give your pathways a splash of vibrant colors compared to standard concrete.
Conclusion
Over the years, concrete and cement have been confused as one but remember that they are not the same. Cement is only one of the components in concrete, whereas concrete is a construction material that can be used in different building projects. Knowing the building materials’ primary aspects can help specify what will work best for your next property project.
Knowing their differences can help you communicate better with construction professionals and contractors. The next time you walk on that path, you will know that it can’t be called a cement sidewalk because the proper term is a concrete sidewalk. There is no such thing as a cement truck because the correct term is a concrete truck. This simple knowledge can benefit you in many ways, especially if you want to be hands-on in your next property development.
