If you own a home and are considering a project that requires concrete, talk to your contractor about using ready mix concrete. This is different from batched concrete that's mixed on-site; instead, it's formulated off-site and transported to your property ready to be poured. Here are answers to common questions about the material.

A Guide to Ready Mix Concrete

How is it made?

Ready mix concrete is made up of sand and stone aggregate bound together with a mixture of Portland cement and water. This is mixed either at the concrete facility or in a rotating drum truck. A professional knows which ratio achieves the desired consistency.

How is it transported?

The concrete is transported via the truck in which it's mixed. The rotating agitator keeps the concrete moving so that it doesn't settle or harden before being used.

Are there different types of ready mix concrete?

Yes, there are several types of this concrete, including central-mixed, transit-mixed, and shrink-mixed. Central-mixed concrete is prepared off-site and then transported to the work area. Alternatively, transit-mixed involves the concrete being mixed directly in the truck drum, and shrink-mixed concrete is partially mixed outside the truck and partially mixed internally while on the way to the site.

What are its benefits?

This option has a more even consistency since the concrete is prepared all at once. In addition to better quality, it saves you from needing to purchase, store, and manage multiple materials. Instead, all the concrete you require can be delivered directly to the work area already prepped for use.

You can also get customized color added to the mixture, which turns out accurate and consistent. Overall, the process saves you and the contractor time since the legwork is already complete. Ready mix concrete is also friendlier to the environment since you won't be wasting packaging and destroying tools and wheelbarrows that end up coated in concrete.

If you need concrete for an upcoming project, contact Schreiter Ready Mix & Materials in O'Fallon, MO. They are professionals at providing top-notch and up-to-date materials for any project, whether you're expanding a sidewalk, redoing the driveway, or installing a pool. They also work with Solomon Colors to add premixed hues to your project. Call (636) 240-2600 to schedule a delivery, and visit the website to explore their products further.