All you need to know about ready mixed concrete

By September 25, 2023Blogs

Ready mix concrete is an excellent choice for construction projects because it offers reliability, durability and is a cost effective option for any concrete foundations.

It is a mixture of cement, water, aggregates (such as sand, gravel, or crushed stone), and sometimes additional additives. This combination creates a durable and strong material that meets specific project requirements of a given project, whether a domestic property or a commercial project.

One of the key advantages of using ready mixed concrete is its convenience. And when you use New Mix Concrete it is even easier.

Concrete delivery, handling and placing can often come with hidden costs such as wastage, labour charges and more. If you work with New Mix Concrete, we simplify things by charging a fixed rate per m3 (or part thereof), in addition to a standard charge which applies to any amount of concrete delivered. The only other charge is VAT, with no hidden fees.

Ready to get going, use our concrete calculator to work out how much concrete you need.

Are you laying the concrete? Read our handy installation guides to help you.

Interested in a site visit to help with your concrete requirements? Request a site visit here.

If you are interested to learn more about ready mix concrete, then read on.

 

All you need to know about ready mixed concrete

 

Advantages of ready mixed concrete

Ready mixed concrete offers several advantages that make it a popular choice in the construction industry and DIY sector. These include:

  1. Convenience: Whether you are a contractor on site or a DIY enthusiast looking for ready mix concrete for a project you have, ready mix concrete saves you time and money. Once you work out how much concrete you need (see our concrete calculator), the exact quantity is delivered to site. It results in a quick and seamless service meaning no interruptions to your project.
  2. Saves you money: Because you only pay for what you use, you don’t have to pay for large batch quantities or for any wastage.When you order your ready mix concrete from New Mix, you will ensure you are getting the best price and it will be delivered straight to site.
  3. Easy to work with: During the on-site mixing process, we use a digital meter to show the amount of concrete being used, allowing you to use the exact amount you require, without any surplus or wastage at your site.
  4. Increased strength and durability: Our specialised concrete is of high quality, reasonably priced, and meets all specifications, large and small. The mixing process in our trucks eliminates air pockets that can weaken the concrete structure, which makes our ready mix concrete stronger and less resistant to cracking.
  5. Exceptional service: We have over 30 year’s experience, and our team of experts is dedicated to providing the best service possible, from the initial stages of planning quantities and preparation, to the final stages of delivery and placement.

Whether you need concrete for a residential project or a large commercial development, we have the resources and expertise to meet your needs. Let us help you build a stronger foundation for your next project.

flattening the concrete

Composition of ready mixed concrete

The composition of ready mixed concrete plays a crucial role in determining its properties and performance.

  • Cement: Cement is the binding agent in ready mixed concrete. It is typically made from limestone, clay, shells, and silica.
  • Aggregates: Aggregates are the inert materials that make up the bulk of ready mixed concrete. They include sand, gravel, crushed stone, and recycled concrete. Aggregates provide stability, strength, and volume to the concrete mixture.
  • Water: Water is essential for the hydration process of cement. It reacts with cement to form a paste that binds the aggregates together. The amount of water used in the mixture affects the workability and strength of the concrete.
  • Additives: Additives are sometimes added to ready mixed concrete to enhance its properties. These can include admixtures like plasticisers, accelerators, retarders, and air-entraining agents.

The proportions of these components in ready mixed concrete are carefully controlled to achieve the desired strength, workability, and durability for your project.

We have over 30 years’ experience here at New Mix and have a deep understanding of how the composition of ready mixed concrete is essential for ensuring its proper use and performance in construction projects.

Contractors and engineers need to consider factors such as the desired strength, workability, and environmental conditions when determining the appropriate composition for a specific application.

Cost of ready mixed concrete

When considering any construction project, one of the key factors to take into account is the cost. The cost of ready mixed concrete can vary depending on several factors, including the location, quantity needed, and any additional services required.

New Mix is different to many other concrete suppliers. There can sometimes be hidden costs when working out your ready mix concrete costs, such as wastage, labour charges and more.

When you buy from New Mix, we simplify things by charging a fixed rate per m3 (or part thereof), in addition to a standard charge which applies to any amount of concrete delivered. The only other charge is VAT, with no hidden fees.

Use our concrete calculator to work out how much concrete you need. The exact quantity is then delivered to site. It results in a quick and seamless service meaning no interruptions to your project.

New Mix – friendly and knowledgeable local team

Over the last 30 years, we’ve built a reputation in the North West for producing concrete from the best materials at competitive prices, all while providing excellent customer service.

We also provide a helpful guide to help you with the installation process and of course feel free to speak to any of our knowledgeable teams in our depots in Manchester, Stockport and Leeds who can offer advice and expert tips.

We also offer site visits where we can give you an estimate on prices and answer any questions you may have.

FAQs

How is the concrete delivered to the job site?

The concrete is delivered to the job site in one of our fleet concrete trucks, which are fully equipped with mobile batching units capable of producing barrow mix concrete on site.

What effect does temperature have on the quality of ready mix concrete?

High temperatures can help accelerate the setting of concrete, whereas low temperatures can slow it down. High temperatures can cause the concrete to crack or set unevenly in extreme cases, while low temperatures can cause it to freeze and become damaged. It is critical to maintain the proper temperature during placement and properly cure the concrete after placement to ensure the best possible quality concrete.

How environmentally friendly is ready mix concrete?

For several reasons, ready mix concrete can be considered environmentally friendly. We prepare the concrete on site and then barrow to the exact location. This allows for more precise control over the amount of concrete used in a project.

Choose New Mix Concrete as your reliable concrete partner

We provide ready-mix concrete cost estimates for contractors, local governments, and commercial and domestic projects. To arrange a site visit, please call 0161 834 1312 or email sales@newmixconcrete.co.uk and we will be happy to assist.

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