5 Advantages of Adding Fiber
Concrete itself is durable, long-lasting and suitable for a number of industrial and residential projects, but with the cycle of seasons in the West Kootenays, and depending on your application, adding fiber can have a number of advantages.
1. Decrease Cracking
Concrete is most vulnerable from stresses within the first 24 hours after placement. The small addition of fiber to your concrete patio or driveway can protect your investment and extend its overall lifespan. Micro cracks naturally appear in concrete due to shrinkage and can connect to others over time becoming visible. Fibers can counteract this by crisscrossing the cracks and halting their growth.
2. Improvements to Freeze-Thaw Resistance
Adding fiber to concrete can drastically improve resistance to the freeze-thaw cycle; something that we consistently experience here in Nakusp and the surrounding area. With water being present in moist concrete, its susceptible to freezing therefore expanding and creating pressure throughout. Over time, with multiple freeze-thaw cycles, cracking, scaling and crumbling are possible. Fiber can assist with keeping your concrete strong and smooth for a longer lifespan.
3. Increase Durability and Toughness
Choosing ready mix concrete for your residential project can be a big investment and you want to ensure it lasts a lifetime. In the mixing processes the polypropylene fibers are uniformly distributed and provides additional reinforcement throughout. Fibers, unlike steel, don’t corrode and provides increased bend strength toughness and impact resistance.
4. Overall Reduction of Shrinkage Effects
As water evaporates during the curing process, concrete can experience shrinkage. Adding fiber can resist this natural shrinkage and therefore reduce cracks and other imperfection that are otherwise unavoidable.
5. Appearance
Where appearance is as important as durability, fiber can create a clean, nearly invisible finish you can admire for years to come.
Contact us, or call 250.265.8388 for more information on how fiber can benefit your next project.
