Is It Cheaper To Mix Your Own Concrete UK?
Ready-mix concrete is a convenient and cost-effective option. It eliminates the need for measuring out raw materials or the need to hire a mixing vehicle. However, if you’re working on a DIY project in the UK you may be wondering if you should mix your own concrete or purchase ready-mix from a supplier. In this article, we will explore the advantages and disadvantages of using ready-mix concrete compared to mixing your own.
Ready-mix Vs Mixing Your Own Concrete
Ready-mix concrete is a type of pre-mixed concrete that comes in a truck and is then poured directly into the desired space. The main advantage of using ready-mix concrete UK is that it saves time and effort, as there is no need to measure and mix the raw materials. Furthermore, it avoids the need to rent out a mixing vehicle, which can end up being expensive.
However, one drawback to using ready-mix concrete is that it tends to produce a lot of waste. Additionally, ready-mix concrete is usually more expensive than mixing your own batch if you shop around for the best price.
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Get a QuoteHow Much Does It Cost To Mix Your Own Cement?
Mixing your own cement can be a cheap and convenient way of tackling a small DIY project. A bag of ready-mix concrete costs around £7-£10 depending on the brand, whereas buying the raw materials to make your own mix can be much cheaper. A bag of Portland cement and coarse sand each cost around £3-£4, while a bag of aggregate costs only around £2.
Overall, if you’re doing a small project such as installing posts or repairing a small area of pavement, mixing your own concrete can be significantly cheaper than purchasing ready-mix.
Is Bag Concrete As Strong As Ready Mix?
When making your own mix, you can choose the proportion of ingredients yourself with the proper knowledge to ensure the mixture is strong enough for your needs. If mixed correctly, bag concrete is as strong as ready mix if not stronger.
The advantage of using ready-mix is that the concrete is mixed in a controlled environment with specially designed vehicles which are equipped with a rotating drum. This allows the concrete to be mixed quickly and easily with no mess.
What Is The Life Span Of Ready Mix Concrete?
Ready-mix concrete has an average life span of 120 years which is significantly longer than the 25-year lifespan of a mix made with ordinary Portland cement. Over time, ready-mix concrete will harden and become as durable as a naturally occurring aggregate. It is important to keep in mind though that ready-mix concrete may have a shorter lifespan if not properly cured and reinforced.
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