CONCRETE 101 Learn from the experts at Swayze Concrete

Concrete is everywhere, it’s a vital component of the modern world we live in—and it’s something most of us don’t think much about.

Did you know concrete is the most used manmade product on earth, and the second-most used material after water? Its proper name is concrete, not cement. People often mistake one for the other, but cement is the powder that makes up one part of the “recipe” for concrete. Various proportions of cement, water, rock, sand and chemicals create different types and strengths of concrete used in everything from driveways and sidewalks to buildings and bridges and so much more.

The strength and type of concrete plus the right quality control plays a major role in ensuring that structures, driveways, roads and more are durable enough to last more than 50 years. Just like electrical, plumbing and building codes, concrete has a standard called CSA A23.1 to make sure concrete is made to the appropriate standard.

To meet these important standards, Swayze Concrete conducts tests of its aggregates yearly to ensure quality and gradation standards are met. Additionally, concrete cylinders are cast and then crushed to failure; this ensures mix designs are meeting designed strengths. Swayze’s has been a member of Concrete Saskatchewan since the 1980s. Concrete Saskatchewan is the governing body for concrete producers in Saskatchewan and is the certifying body when it comes to plant certification. Swayze’s Weyburn location has been inspected and certified since 2011, and its Assiniboia location since 2020.

New directions

Swayze is also proud to carry LOGIX insulated concrete forms, or ICF. ICF forms are most commonly used for foundations in the southeast but should be considered for full house construction, garages, shops or any other structure you wish to build. “The benefits of ICF are amazing,” says Ryan Swayze. “The energy savings, ease of construction, higher R-value ratings, the reduction in size for mechanical appliances—there are just so many benefits. If you are considering building a garage, a shed, a shop or a house, it is worth the conversation to learn about ICF.”

The test of time

Since 1960, Swayze Concrete has been your local concrete producer. Serving the south from Carnduff and Carlyle and Weyburn to Gravelbourg, their 60-plus years of industry experience and knowledge means they can answer your questions about nearly everything concrete related.

Did you know?

Air is added to enhance the durability of concrete. Microscopic bubbles are present in the concrete so when concrete is exposed to the freeze/thaw cycles in our climate, the water that has been absorbed into the concrete has a place to freeze when the temperature drops.

Concrete can be shaped and finished in almost any shape and color, stamped to look like stone, brick, or even wood.

Open Monday to Friday from 7 am to 5 pm, find Swayze’s across southern Saskatchewan and online at swayzes.ca.

Also in Carlyle, Redvers, Assiniboia and Gravelbourg