Concrete Contractor London Blog

Can you guess how much UK businesses spend annually to repair building damage caused by water? That would be approximately more than £700 million each year. Data suggest that approximately 40% of commercial property insurance claims in the country are due to water damage to the building.

Given the weather conditions in the UK, waterproof concrete is very relevant to property owners in the country. A waterproof concrete structure will help reduce the cost of building maintenance and last longer as well.

Read on to know why waterproof concrete is the right choice for you

Why Waterproof Concrete Matters in London

For various reasons, waterproof concrete is the best option for UK property owners. Let’s see what they are.

• Unfavourable Climate : The UK experiences heavy rainfall and damp weather. Such weather conditions are not ideal for concrete buildings. Additionally, the high level of water is also detrimental to the structural integrity of buildings.

• Older Building Maintenance : With a high level of water and rain in the country, the maintenance of old buildings becomes difficult. Most of the leased property in London was built before the 1940s. Without the help of waterproof concrete, protecting these buildings from water is a challenge.

• Legal and Insurance Considerations : If your London property has damp issues, the insurance premium may also increase. Because there is a high chance that you will make an insurance claim for building damage due to water ingress in the building.

What Makes Concrete Waterproof?

Waterproof concrete means that water cannot penetrate the concrete structure, making it durable and long-lasting. Several factors contribute to the strength and durability of concrete.

• Admixtures and Additives : The admixtures and additives are mixed with the concrete to create a waterproof layer. It helps to increase the permeability of the concrete structure. With protection against water and water vapour, this type of concrete lasts long.

• Structural Design Factors : Moreover, the building structure should contain proper joint sealing and proper curing to make it safe from water ingress. Besides, you can use an appropriate drainage system outside the building, so rainwater gets cleared quickly.

Applications Where Waterproof Concrete is Most Useful

To protect your building from water damage, you can use waterproof concrete. In specific areas of the building, like basements and underground rooms, you should use waterproof concrete mix. Specifically, the surrounding area has a high water level.

Moreover, the building foundation remains at great risk of water damage. So, use additives and admixtures to make it resistant to water ingress. Besides, the building wall that remains exposed to the outer weather should also have waterproof concrete used in its construction. It will protect the entire building from rain or water.

If you want to really understand whether waterproof concrete is worth it, you should consider three factors: high initial investment, long-term cost savings, and increased property value.

If you want to go with waterproof concrete mixes, you might have to spend significantly in the beginning. But don’t worry, this is for the best of your building health. With waterproof concrete mixes in your building, you are sure not to spend any more on repairing water damage. Additionally, you may be eligible for lower insurance premiums for your building.

When you want to sell your property to a prospective buyer, you can get additional value for your property by using waterproof concrete in the building. So even if you have to invest a significant amount in the building construction, you will get additional value for your property from the buyer.

Alternatives and When You Might Not Need It

Although we don’t recommend using any alternative waterproofing solution other than waterproof concrete mixes, alternatives are suitable for exceptional cases. You may opt for surface waterproofing if the area where you are building your concrete structure does not experience heavy rain or high water levels.

An alternative waterproofing solution is viable only if the external weather conditions are favourable. Truly speaking, that might not be the case for building in London. So, if you’re not in an extreme situation, where you may not be able to afford waterproof concrete mixes, don’t go with alternative solutions.

Final Verdict: Is Waterproof Concrete Worth It in London?

Yes, it is worth investing in it if your buildings have underground compartments, basements, or your building is in a high-moisture area. You may need to invest a bit more in the construction of the new building, but in the long run, it will help you achieve the property value you deserve.

Moreover, you would have a lower risk of water damage to the building compared to other buildings in London without it.

Did you know that the real estate sector produces approximately one-third of the world's CO2 emissions? This is why focusing on developing low-carbon houses in the UK is essential. Moreover, you need to align your activities with the UK government's commitment to become Net Zero by 2050.

Thus, it is necessary to shift our focus from traditional construction methods to modern construction techniques. Let's find out how London is showing us the roadmap to becoming a city with sustainable architecture.

What Are Low-Carbon Structures?

A low-carbon building is a structure that reduces overall carbon emissions. Its primary purpose is to maintain sustainability through efficient planning and design.

To construct low-carbon, sustainable buildings, you will need low-carbon bricks and concrete materials. These buildings are also designed to efficiently use natural resources like light, heat, and water to minimise natural resource waste.

A reliable concrete contractor helps you design and construct a low-carbon building. A capable builder makes a smooth transition from traditional building construction to new building technology effortless.

Notable Low-Carbon Building Projects in London

Let’s see some low-carbon building construction techniques adopted in some renowned buildings in London.

a. The Bloomberg HQ

With a 98.5% BREEAM sustainability score, Bloomberg's European HQ remains the most sustainable office in the UK and probably worldwide. The building has mainly focused on designing a sustainable structure that uses natural resources efficiently. For example, it is designed to harvest rainwater and reuse grey water sources.

Innovative technologies have also been used in the rooms, sensing CO2 and regulating airflow by assuming the number of people there. This will help reduce the energy used to cool the rooms. Moreover, the building uses 500,000 LED lights, saving electricity.

b. The Crystal Building

The Crystal at the Royal Victoria Docks is another building that aims to reduce overall carbon emissions. The main element used in the construction is glass, which helps in insulation and reduces energy consumption.

Moreover, the building design helps harvest rainwater and convert it into potable water. One of the most technologically advanced features of the building is that it runs entirely on electric power. The building design has been done with a focus on utilising renewable power sources. Using solar panels has managed to curb the use of traditional energy sources.

c. 22 Bishopsgate

Creativity and innovation are necessary in constructing buildings with higher sustainability values. 22 Bishopgate in London is living proof of that. A sustainable approach was at the centre throughout the building's foundation to its final touch.

The new building used 50% of the existing foundation, which helped to reduce its carbon footprint. The design of the building is also commendable, as it focuses on using natural light more than other office buildings.

How Concrete Contractors Contribute to Low-Carbon Construction

When you implement sustainable techniques and technologies in your building, you must communicate with the concrete contractor. With the latest knowledge on building construction, the contractor brings expertise to the table. If you have an existing building structure and foundation, a reliable concrete contractor can help you plan a new building while utilising old structures. The result is reduced cost and carbon footprint due to the construction work.

The contractor may also suggest prefabricating concrete walls or columns to reduce on-site construction material waste. A reliable concrete contractor can also help if you want to install LED lighting and reduce energy consumption by increasing the use of solar energy. The most important thing is a collaborative approach between architects, engineers, and proprietors.

Challenges and Opportunities

 As low-carbon buildings provide several benefits to protect the environment, they also have some challenges for widespread adaptation. Firstly, the construction process. The integration of advanced technologies can cost you a significant amount.

 However, the rising demand for sustainable buildings worldwide and in the UK creates the opportunity for more low-carbon buildings. If government incentives are declared with the availability of low-carbon concrete materials, the scenario for sustainable building structures might change to usher in a better future.

Conclusion

Low-carbon or sustainable buildings are examples of creativity and innovation working towards a better future. From building design to construction, these buildings are designed to reduce their carbon footprint and increase the use of renewable energies.

Get in touch with Concrete Contractor London today if you plan to construct a low-carbon building

Even with the increasing cost of living due to inflation, consumers are prepared to spend approximately 9.7 more to protect the environment. It reflects the awareness of environmental protection among people. Similarly, in the construction industry, a shift towards a sustainable approach is noticed. People are striving to adopt a more sustainable construction approach to mitigate carbon emissions associated with the construction industry. For example, geopolymer concrete or recycled aggregate concrete are suitable alternatives to traditional construction methods. In this blog, we will explore how the conventional construction method poses challenges to environmental sustainability. We will also discuss how alternative construction materials can help reduce the environmental impact.

The Environmental Impact of Conventional Concrete

When it comes to cement production, it alone accounts for 8% of the total CO2 emissions in the world. At the same time, the increasing demand for construction materials for developing new buildings poses a threat to environmental sustainability. Additionally, the traditional construction method relies heavily on extensive energy sources to build concrete projects. The construction materials, like bricks and cement, need extensive energy for their preparation. It makes the entire construction process less environmentally friendly. Another challenge in reducing the environmental impact is waste disposal. Old building materials end up in landfills, which impact the natural environment.

What Makes Concrete "Eco-Friendly"?

Concrete materials should be selected based on their environmental impact. If a concrete material does not harm the surrounding environment or helps reduce waste materials, it becomes eco-friendly. However, construction materials with a lower carbon footprint will be suitable for an eco-friendly construction process. Recently, recycled concrete and less harmful construction materials have been used in the construction industry. Along with reliability, these materials have a lower environmental impact. No doubt, it is the best option for construction. Let's look at some eco-friendly construction materials.

Types of Eco-Friendly Concrete Solutions

Compared to traditional cement production, where one metric ton of cement generates one metric ton of CO2, geopolymer concrete is a more environmentally friendly alternative. Unlike conventional cement protection, the following concrete options do not require extensive energy. As a result, the following materials are more sustainable.

Geopolymer Concrete

It is an eco-friendly product because it uses industrial waste byproducts. For example, fly ash from thermal power plants and granulated blast furnace slag from iron production are the main components of geopolymer concrete. It helps reduce dependency on cement and mitigates the negative environmental impact. More importantly, it uses waste materials and turns them into reusable cement for construction. This material creates a solution for industrial waste products that can only be used as construction material. This is a perfect example of waste recycling and reducing the impact on the environment.

Recycled Aggregate Concrete

A similar recycling approach is also employed in this case. Like fly ash and blast furnace slag have been used to manufacture cement, recycled aggregates also use old concrete. In the waste ground, waste concrete materials can be a viable option for use as aggregate. It helps reduce the cost of construction and the requirement for new resources for construction work.

CO2-Infused Concrete

With this technology, you can utilise carbon dioxide produced during the production of cement or other processes in concrete construction. You must capture the carbon dioxide and incorporate it into the concrete mix. The infused carbon dioxide will help to make a strong concrete construction. The benefit of carbon dioxide-infused concrete structure is that it helps you build a strong structure while reducing the level of carbon dioxide in the environment. Apart from these technologies, high-performance concrete is also a reliable solution to maintain a sustainable approach in construction. HPC don't require repairing frequently. As time passes without the building being repaired, its overall value increases. In addition to HPC, the techniques mentioned above are reliable for adopting sustainable construction practices.

Sustainable Construction Practices

Using Concrete. Even with traditional construction materials, you can maintain an eco-friendly construction process. Ensure that you properly plan before construction to minimise material waste. Proper section-wise planning can reduce the time required to transition from one part of the construction to another. It reduces the waste of manpower and properly utilises construction materials promptly. However, ensure that the construction materials do not harm the environment. Consider using locally available construction materials to reduce CO2 emissions during material transportation. It will reduce carbon dioxide emissions due to the transportation of construction materials.

Benefits of Eco-Friendly Concrete

There is no denying that an eco-friendly construction process helps reduce carbon emissions and natural resource depletion. Eco-friendly materials have a lower impact on your financial condition, as they are likely to last longer and require fewer repairs.

Challenges and Considerations

However, you may face financial challenges when adopting an eco-friendly construction process. Even if the materials are readily available, the construction process is complete and costly. To overcome this barrier, local governments may come forward and introduce regulations that help maintain sustainability.

Conclusion

Always use eco-friendly construction materials to reduce environmental impact. Instead, consider using the latest construction materials that have minimal environmental impact, such as geopolymer concrete, recycled aggregate concrete, and others. You can only reduce environmental impact by using eco-friendly materials in the construction process. Contact Concrete Constructor London to adopt a sustainable approach with eco-friendly concrete solutions.