Blog

Best Mix Ratios

Choosing the Best Mix Ratios for Durability in UK Climate Conditions

[TL;DR] For safe foundation work in London, C25/30 concrete is ideal for most residential projects, balancing strength and durability for typical loads and soil conditions. Lighter projects may use C20/25, while heavier or multi-storey buildings often require C30/37 or higher. Selecting the right mix depends on building load, soil type, and local regulations. Using Ready […]

Choosing the Best Mix Ratios for Durability in UK Climate Conditions Read More »

Pro-Mix Concrete logo and branding. The text reads: "What Mix Strength is Needed for Safe Foundation Work in London?" Below the main text is a contact number "020 7458 4747" and website "www.pro-mixconcrete.co.uk". The background is a dark, blurry image of wet concrete being poured from a chute onto a surface.

What Concrete Mix Strength is Needed for Safe Foundation Work in London

[TL;DR] For safe foundation work in London, C25/30 concrete is ideal for most residential projects, balancing strength and durability for typical loads and soil conditions. Lighter projects may use C20/25, while heavier or multi-storey buildings often require C30/37 or higher. Selecting the right mix depends on building load, soil type, and local regulations. Using Ready

What Concrete Mix Strength is Needed for Safe Foundation Work in London Read More »

Comparison of Concrete Screed (smoothing fine cement layer) versus Standard Concrete (pouring coarse aggregate mix over rebar).

When to Use Concrete Screed vs Standard Concrete Floor?

[TL;DR] Concrete screed (25-50mm thick) provides smooth finishing surfaces for tiles, wood, and LVT flooring with fine sand aggregate. Standard concrete floors (100mm+ thick) offer structural strength with coarse aggregate for foundations, driveways, and load-bearing applications. Choose screed for smooth finishes and underfloor heating; choose concrete for structural support and heavy-duty use. Concrete screeding and

When to Use Concrete Screed vs Standard Concrete Floor? Read More »

A concrete pump truck with its large arm extended is on a construction site next to a mixer truck. The overlaid text asks, "Is concrete pumping better than concrete pouring?".

Is Concrete Pumping Better Than Concrete Pouring?

[TL;DR] Concrete pumping delivers faster, safer, and more efficient placement than traditional pouring, especially on large or hard-to-reach projects. Pouring is suitable for smaller, accessible sites, while pumping saves time, reduces labour, and ensures consistent quality on medium to large builds. Pumps can place up to 150 cubic yards per hour, far exceeding manual methods.

Is Concrete Pumping Better Than Concrete Pouring? Read More »

A low-angle, dark image of a person applying a brush finish to wet concrete using a wide push broom. The overlaid text asks, "what is Brush finish concrete".

What Is Brush Finish Concrete? Complete Guide To This Practical Surface Finish

[TL;DR] Brushed finish concrete creates texture by dragging a stiff brush across freshly poured concrete. This technique produces parallel lines that enhance slip resistance and safety on wet surfaces. The finish is applied when concrete remains workable but firm enough to hold texture patterns. Common applications include driveways, walkways, patios, and ramps where traction matters

What Is Brush Finish Concrete? Complete Guide To This Practical Surface Finish Read More »

A blurred image of a large pile of broken concrete rubble. In the foreground, a recycling symbol is partially visible, with the text "Can You Recycle Concrete?" overlaid on the image.

Can You Recycle Concrete? Complete Guide to Sustainable Construction

[TL;DR] A common question is whether concrete can be recycled. The answer is YES. Old concrete can be crushed and repurposed into new construction materials, such as road bases, fill, and even new concrete mixes. Most construction sites generate significant concrete waste, but modern recycling facilities can handle nearly all types of debris. The circular

Can You Recycle Concrete? Complete Guide to Sustainable Construction Read More »

A low-angle, blurred shot of a polished concrete floor with a speckled pattern. The overlaid text reads "How to paint, polish, and clean concrete?".

How To Paint, Polish, and Clean Concrete: Complete Guide

To transform concrete, clean and repair the surface first, then choose the right paint or polish based on traffic and environment. Apply thin coats of primer and paint or grind with progressively finer diamond pads for polishing. Use pH-neutral cleaners and reseal every 5–10 years for long-lasting results. Concrete surfaces in homes and businesses across

How To Paint, Polish, and Clean Concrete: Complete Guide Read More »

A large pie chart shows the components of concrete, including water, air, SCMs, admixtures, coarse aggregate, and sand. The title "How Incorrect Concrete Ratios Can Affect Your construction works" is overlaid on top of the chart.

How Incorrect Concrete Ratios Can Affect Your Building’s Integrity?

[TL;DR] Incorrect concrete-mix ratios create weak structures that crack, crumble, and fail under load. When cement, sand, aggregate, and water aren’t properly balanced, buildings lose strength and durability. Too much water weakens concrete significantly, whilst insufficient cement creates porous, brittle structures. Wrong ratios cause expensive repairs, safety hazards, and potential collapse that could have been

How Incorrect Concrete Ratios Can Affect Your Building’s Integrity? Read More »

A comparison image with "Ready Mixed" on the left and "Traditional Sand & Cement Mix On-Site" on the right, showing a concrete truck pouring ready-mix concrete on one side and a person manually mixing sand and cement with water in a large pan on the other.

Ready to Mix Concrete vs. Traditional Sand & Cement Mix

Construction projects face a critical decision between pre-mixed concrete and traditional on-site mixing methods. Ready to mix concrete arrives at your site professionally prepared. Traditional sand and cement mixing requires manual preparation and careful proportioning to achieve the desired strength and consistency. The choice between these methods affects project timeline, quality control, labour costs, and

Ready to Mix Concrete vs. Traditional Sand & Cement Mix Read More »

A dark, overlaid image of a concrete truck pouring concrete on a construction site, with two workers standing nearby. The title "C10 to C40 Mix Ratios Explained in Layman’s Terms" is prominently displayed in the center.

Concrete Mix Ratios Explained: From C10 to C40 in Layman’s Terms

[TL;DR] Concrete mix ratios matter more than most people realise. Each grade, from C10 to C40, is designed for a specific job, balancing cost, durability, and strength. Use lighter grades like C10–C20 for domestic work, C25–C30 for structural needs, and C35–C40 for heavy-duty or commercial projects. The right ratio saves time, money, and prevents early

Concrete Mix Ratios Explained: From C10 to C40 in Layman’s Terms Read More »