What is the Difference Between Cement & Concrete?

Did you know that there is a difference between cement and concrete? If you have been using these terms as one, you’ll be surprised to know that there is a distinct difference that locals should be aware of when in need of a new patio, garage, or driveway. Our experts at Moss Concrete & Excavating in Springfield, IL is here to offer expert concrete installation and restoration services to homes and businesses in the area. To learn more about the difference between cement and concrete, keep reading!

What Is Cement?

Cement is often used interchangeably with concrete, however, they are not the same material.  In fact, cement is an ingredient that is used to make concrete, not something that we use as a substance on its own. The chemical combinations of cement are a mixture of iron, calcium, aluminum, silicon, and other rock-like substances from limestone, shells, chalk, clay, iron ore, and silica sand. So, whenever you see a construction worker laying a gray mixture on a road, driveway, parking lot, or even the foundation of a home, they are using concrete, not cement.

What is Concrete?

Essentially, concrete is made with a mixture of three elements: water, aggregate, and cement. Although it is a very simple compound, it is one of the most widely used materials on the planet for constructing buildings, homes, and the roads we drive on. But what exactly is aggregate? It is surely less known than water and cement, Aggregate is a mixture of sand, stone, and grave that is included in about 75% of every batch of concrete. All materials used in concrete must be extremely clean to form properly as well. For expert concrete services, call Moss Concrete & Excavating in Springfield, IL.

Concrete is More Durable Cement

So you can probably guess by now that concrete is far more durable than cement. However, cement and concrete are the perfect duos when it comes to creating strong binding materials, so they are both needed to create the structures and pavements we can today.  Once combined, concrete is made to last for decades and even hundreds of years if taken care of properly, so don’t expect cement to be of irrelevant use. Moss Concrete & Excavating uses quality concrete and cement mixtures to create durable, lasting foundations for your home or business in Springfield, IL.

Can Cement Be Used by Itself?

The short answer is no, cement cannot be used as a binding element by itself. While it is used in a few applications, mainly as a grout when mixed with water, it is not strong enough to use as a product on its own. Over time the cement would immediately be susceptible to wear due to harsh weather environments and repeated use until eventually it would fail altogether and need to be replaced. Moss Concrete & Excavating is here to ensure the length of your solid surfaces, that’s why we became experts in the concrete business. Give us a call today at (217) 953-4142 to learn more about our concrete services in Springfield, IL.