Does Postcrete Possess The Same Strength As Traditional Concrete

1. Does Postcrete Possess The Same Strength As Traditional Concrete? Concrete is a composite material without which our modern architecture would not be possible. It’s comprised of three main components: water, cement, and a mixture of rock, sand, or gravel (aggregate), all of which need to be combined. This is the traditional concrete we are talking about. With time and as the need arises, concrete suppliers and others involved in the process have introduced new types too. Postcrete is an example of such innovations people have made with concrete over the years. It is very much possible to use it in place of the regular concrete. But it is worth it? Postcrete vs Traditional Concrete: The Basics Postcrete and concrete may appear quite alike. They both are cement-based products and are suitable for tasks like repairing fence posts and rotary washing lines. However, several notable differences exist between the two. For regular concrete, correct ratios of these three components are crucial for the desired quantity of concrete. That greatly impacts its properties such as strength, durability, and workability. While large projects require a concrete mixer to mix it onsite, smaller amounts can be manually mixed in a bowl or bucket. Traditional concrete, depending on its application, takes between 24-48 hours and 7 days to set properly, reaching its optimal strength after 25-28 days. In contrast, Postcrete refers to a pre-mixed concrete blend. Concrete suppliers design it for specific use in setting wooden, metal, or concrete posts into the ground on smaller projects, like fencing. Unlike traditional concrete, Postcrete comes ready to use and requires no additional mixing, thanks to its specialised additives.

2. Is Postcrete Better than Concrete? Setting Time Postcrete can support a fence post in just 5 minutes, whereas concrete with ordinary cement may require up to 2 hours to set. This means those who opt for concrete spend more time holding the post in place, waiting for it to set before moving on to the next task. Many professional landscapers prefer Postcrete for its quick setting time, allowing them to finish jobs promptly. With Postcrete, you can potentially fix all your fence posts in a single day, let them cure overnight, and complete the fence construction the next day. This efficiency is not achievable with general- purpose cement. No need to mix onsite concrete too, this saves time in that department as well. Strength To answer the original question, no postcrete’s strength has anything on traditional concrete’s strength. Other concrete mixes can be way stronger compared to Postcrete. The combination of cement, sharp sand, and aggregates forms a solid bond. Nevertheless, Postcrete is sufficiently strong for its designated use of securing fence posts. For landscaping needs, there's no requirement for overly robust concrete. Therefore, the level of strength should not influence your choice between the two products. Price Concrete is cheaper than Postcrete. A 20kg bag of Postcrete, enough for one post, costs approximately £6.75. In contrast, concrete, made from cement, sand, and ballast, totals around £3.70 per 20kg. This results in a potential extra cost of £3.05 per post when opting for Postcrete. For substantial fencing projects, this expense can accumulate significantly. But your concrete supplier will also tell you this; if it doesn’t save you money, it still does save you time. So, decide what matters more to you.

3. Practicality Working with concrete can be laborious. You must measure cement, sand, and ballast, manually mix the materials on site, use the concrete before it hardens, and clean the mixer afterward. Ordering bulk bags and waiting for delivery adds inconvenience. If there's leftover material, arranging removal becomes another task. In contrast, Postcrete is poured into the hole, water is added – a straightforward process. It's nearly foolproof, and unused bags can be returned hassle-free to your concrete supplier, minimising waste. Packaging Postcrete bags are waterproof, allowing them to stay outdoors if the job takes longer. In contrast, cement is packaged in paper bags vulnerable to water, leading the powder to harden. After a day's work, the last thing you want is lugging heavy cement bags across the garden, only to retrieve them the next day. Strength and More: Can Postcrete Be Used Like Regular Concrete? Its distinctive features explained above come with limitations for certain uses. Its quick setting results in higher initial strength, but this expedited curing process may compromise long-term strength, making it unfit for hefty structural elements like beams or load-bearing walls. Postcrete's rapid setting also leaves less time for surface finishing, possibly leading to a rough appearance, making it less suitable for projects valuing aesthetics. The swift setting properties limit the time available for adjustments, movement, or working with the material. Consequently, it may not be ideal for sizable or intricate projects requiring extended time for positioning and leveling. How to use Postcrete 1.After digging the post holes, place the post, ensuring the plumb line is flat against the post face, and the post is upright. Refer to our fence erection guide for assistance. 2.Follow the instructions on the bag and fill the hole with water.

4. 3.Pour the mix around the post until it covers the water with no visible water. 4.Once satisfied with the post's position, the mix will take about 10 minutes to set enough to remove supports or release the post. 5.After complete setting, cover the postcrete with soil and grass if desired. Deciding Which Way to Go The fact that Postcrete is a type of concrete might make it seem like a straightforward comparison, but concrete is a broad term with significant variations from the specific characteristics of Postcrete. Concrete, being a general construction material, is highly durable and suitable for large-scale projects. So, if it's the strength you are looking for, choose regular concrete. It also offers flexibility, allowing you to adjust the mix according to your needs, and comes in various forms, including pre-formed, ready-mix, and traditional mix. On the other hand, Postcrete is a branded post-fixing mix, a concrete type explicitly designed for setting posts in the ground. While not as robust as traditional concrete, it serves well for smaller projects. The advantage lies in its rapid setting compared to traditional concrete, making it more user-friendly for the average handyman. Final Words Whatever it is that you need to order, let Pro-Mix Concrete know. We’re among the best concrete suppliers in the country and we offer pretty much everything. Mix onsite or order it ready mix, and you will get the highest quality concrete.