Author: Mike Templin

MIT Students Create Stronger Concrete from Plastic Bottles

Chicago Columbian Exposition’s Influence on Silver Plated Flatware Design

According to a study published in the Journal of Waste Management, MIT students found a way to produce concrete 20 percent sturdier than regular concrete. The group of student engineers discovered that when plastic from regular soda bottles was exposed to gamma radiation, it created a powerful substance which, when crushed, could be added to… Read more »

Leaf, Acorn and Pinecone Stains: Getting the Marks of Fall Off Your Driveway

Stains on Concrete

The majority of driveways are surfaced with either concrete or asphalt to make a durable surface. As we’ve covered, concrete is an excellent driveway surface material that will last for many years. The lighter color of concrete, however, does make it susceptible to organic stains from things like leaves, acorns and pinecones that fall off… Read more »

Why You Should Power Wash Your Concrete Surfaces this Fall

Power Washing Concrete

Do you absolutely hate the way that your concrete driveway, patio or walkway looks? There’s a really simple way that you can fix that and start taking pride in your concrete surface again. By power washing your concrete, you can bring it back to life and make it look like brand new again. Dirt, oil,… Read more »

High Heat + Low Humidity = Poor Concrete – Here’s Why

Summer Concrete Pouring

Summer is the time when many home and commercial construction projects are planned. After all, winter weather in many areas can severely limit opportunities for construction activity. Despite the fact that summer provides a good opportunity and better weather for many projects, it may also bring some climate-related challenges. High heat coupled with low humidity,… Read more »

Concrete Garage Floor Sealers: Pros and Cons of the Major Options

Concrete Garage Floor

One of the best ways to ensure that the concrete floor in your garage looks its best and lasts for a long time is by sealing it. There are a variety of different concrete floor sealers that you can use in your garage to protect it, each of which offers distinctive advantages and disadvantages. Here… Read more »

The Strength of Concrete: Reliable at Home and at War

American soldiers have access to all kinds of technologically advanced weapons. From tanks to rockets to rifles, there are plenty of offensive and defensive options at their disposal. Yet, according to Major John Spencer, writing in an article published by the Modern War Institute at West Point, the most effective “weapon” on the modern battlefield… Read more »

Beet Juice and Other Nontraditional Ways to Keep Driveways Clear

Winter Snow Removal

Are you tired of trying to keep your concrete driveway free of snow and ice in the wintertime? As we’ve discussed before in the blog, using rock salt is not recommended, but there are a number of nontraditional ways to keep it clear. Here in the state of Minnesota, we have benefited greatly from the… Read more »

Scientists Invent New Ice-Free Concrete With Extra Benefit

Ice-Free Concrete

Two engineers at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln have invented an incredible new kind of concrete that is able to melt away snow and ice. The concrete was developed by Christopher Tuan and Lim Nguyen, and while it’s actually a very cost-effective type of concrete, it has some pretty amazing properties that weren’t originally intended. The… Read more »

Winter ‘A-Salt’ – Why to Not Use Rock Salt on Concrete this Winter

Winter ‘A-Salt’ - Why to Not Use Rock Salt on Concrete this Winter

Let’s face it. Snow is a hassle. When it comes down, it can come down hard, and before you know it your driveway, sidewalk and patio is covered in feet of the white stuff. Then comes the ice, and depending on the temperature and density, ice can be even harder to remove and more dangerous… Read more »

Create a Custom Wet Bar With Concrete

Concrete Countertop

Many people today are adding wet bars to the entertaining places of the home. A common new feature in living rooms, man caves and even garages, a wet bar allows you to host guests and serve beverages conveniently and quickly. But how do you make your space truly unique? With a concrete counter! Concrete is… Read more »