Why You Should Use Ready Mixed Concrete in Your Next Project

For those who do not work in the construction industry or those who have never been involved in a construction project, it’s likely that you’ve never given much thought to how impactful the quality of concrete used in building a structure can be. In actual fact, regardless of what type of construction project you are undertaking, investing in high-quality grade concrete is vital to the durability and longevity of a structure. While there are many different types and gradings of concrete - all with their own individual merits and applications that they are best suited to - one type of concrete that is particularly notorious for delivering consistently successful results is ready mixed concrete. Preferred by many contractors for a multitude of reasons, ready mixed concrete provides the ideal blend of convenience, quality and efficiency. To find out more about why you should choose ready mixed concrete for your next construction project, keep reading.



What is Ready Mixed Concrete?

Ready mixed concrete is prepared according to a set mix design in a plant rather than a specific job site. Manufacturers will mix sand, gravel, cement and water, before then delivering the mixture to the site. Ready mixed concrete is delivered in two formats: transit-mix concrete and shrink-mix concrete.

With transit-mix concrete, the mixing process will largely take place inside the truck transporting the concrete. The concrete is partially mixed while it is still in transit, before a full mixing takes place once it reaches the destination. Mixing concrete in this manner prevents it from hardening during the transit. On the other hand, shrink-mix is partially mixed at the plant before being transported. Much like transit-mix concrete, shrink-mix concrete is fully mixed once it reaches the work location, but it's worth noting that this type of mixing allows more concrete to be transported at one time.

Why Choose Ready Mixed Concrete Solutions?

Quality & Consistency

One of the biggest advantages of opting for ready mixed concrete for your construction project is its superior quality and consistency. When you choose this type of concrete for a job, you are investing in one of the finest quality construction materials available. A reliable concrete supplier will only utilise the best available aggregates from the quarry, as opposed to using recycled materials, and will undertake advanced batching and mixing techniques to produce a consistently premium product. This ensures that your construction project benefits from a uniform and reliable material, resulting in a structurally sound and long-lasting end product. On top of this, because ready mixed concrete is frequently made to order, you’ll always be provided with the correct grade and quantity of concrete to meet the needs of your project.

Time & Cost-Efficiency

Time is money in the construction industry, and ready mixed concrete can significantly contribute to saving both. Unlike traditional on-site mixing methods, which can be time-consuming and labour-intensive, ready mixed concrete arrives at your project site pre-mixed and ready to use. This eliminates the need for on-site mixing, reduces labour requirements and speeds up the construction process overall. Deliveries of ready mixed concrete are also often timely and efficient, regardless of the size of the order - this is at least the case here at WM Thompson & Sons!

When it comes to saving pennies, ready mixed concrete can really come in handy. Rather than individually purchasing every single raw material, going down the pre-mixed route means that the precise mixing process of your concrete is left in the hands of experienced professionals to ensure that you receive the desired balance. As well as reducing upfront costs, this option also allows you to avoid the costs of paying for onsite storage of raw materials. There is also no risk of a batch getting spoiled - resulting in having to spend more money on materials - as it is delivered straight to the job site after being precisely mixed using high-tech, computerised batching technology.

Space Optimisation

Space is often a precious commodity on both domestic and commercial construction projects. If construction is taking place in a built-up, urban environment, it can often be difficult to ensure that you have adequate room to ensure that all tasks are completed to a high standard.

In light of this, choosing concrete that is already mixed helps to keep the site as tidy and spacious as possible. There’s no need to worry about finding additional space to store constituent materials, such as aggregates, gravel supply, admixtures and water, as you would if you were planning to mix the concrete yourself onsite.

Eco-Friendly

Concrete is a fundamentally environmentally-friendly building thanks to how readily available the key components - water, cement and aggregates - are. On top of this, their extrication is far less damaging to the environment than other building materials, and any remaining resources can be recycled or reused with ease.

Despite the naturally eco-friendly nature of concrete, it is nevertheless the case that sustainable construction practices are gaining increasing importance in today's world, and ready mixed concrete is a great way to contribute to environmental preservation. By opting for ready mixed concrete, you are using a product that incorporates precise mix proportions, reducing material waste. Additionally, concrete suppliers prioritise responsible sourcing and production practices, ensuring that gravel supply and other raw materials are obtained sustainably. This way, you can have peace of mind knowing that your construction project aligns with eco-friendly principles.

Convenience

There are a vast number of variables to consider when managing a build, renovation or construction project of any kind. Because of this, any small thing that helps people to stay calm and makes the job as straightforward as possible is only a good thing, and ready mixed concrete is no exception. The process is made much simpler and more convenient by using ready mixed concrete from a reputable supplier for several reasons, the most crucial one being that the grades and amounts required for each aspect of your project are delivered to you as needed. This naturally gives you one less thing to worry about, allowing you to focus on other important jobs.

Tailored Solutions

Every construction project has unique requirements, and ready mixed concrete offers the flexibility to meet those needs effectively. Concrete suppliers like WM Thompson & Sons Ltd can provide a wide range of concrete mixes, including different strength grades, specialty mixes and custom formulations. Whether you require concrete for foundations, driveways, sidewalks or specialised applications, ready mixed concrete can be tailored to meet your specific project specifications, ensuring optimal performance and durability.

Supplier Support & Expertise

Collaborating with a reliable concrete supplier offers more than just the product itself. You gain access to a team of experts with in-depth knowledge of concrete solutions and construction materials. These professionals can provide valuable guidance and support throughout your project, from initial planning to delivery and beyond. Whether you have questions about mix design, curing methods, or best practices, a trusted concrete supplier will be there to assist you every step of the way.

Reduces Manpower

In comparison to concrete that is mixed off-site, onsite material manufacturing involves the costs of manual labour, material transportation and purchasing concrete mixing equipment. Because you don’t require manpower to create the product for you, using ready mixed concrete requires much less labour. Instead, this will be handled by mixing trucks and concrete pumps, allowing yourself and your employees to focus on other matters.

Looking for Reliable Concrete Suppliers in Glasgow

When it comes to finding reliable concrete suppliers and other construction materials, WM Thompson & Sons Ltd stands out as a trusted partner. Established in 1946 as a small, horse and cart coal delivery business on the banks of the river Clyde, William Thompson & Son are now a 4th generation family quarrying business serving the whole of Glasgow from Coatbridge to Paisley. As reliable concrete suppliers, we are capable of providing trade customers with high-quality, eco-friendly concrete solutions through our sister company, Thompson Concrete Products Ltd. This company is made up of experienced concrete suppliers who have all the knowledge and expertise required to find the ideal sustainable concrete solutions for your needs.

With our team’s extensive experience in landfill and quarry services, including the production of ready mixed concrete, asphalt products and gravel supply, we have built a reputation for delivering high-quality materials and exceptional customer service. Get in touch with us today and take advantage of premium concrete solutions to elevate your next construction project to new heights.