In this post, we’re going to take a balanced look at the differences between ready mixed concrete and site mixed concrete, including the pros and cons of both options.
And, just in case you don’t know who we are – we’re SRC Readymix, a premier supplier of ready mixed concrete in the Essex region. We’re also part of the SRC Group, a supplier of recycled and primary aggregates, demolition services, ground improvement services, and more to London and the Home Counties.
We’ve already covered why you should use SRC Readymix in a previous post but today, we’re going to look at the clear differences between ready mixed and site mixed concrete.
Ready mixed concrete is premixed at one of our four Essex concrete plants and delivered directly to you, ready to pour.
You, the customer, can range from a DIY-er to a construction or building site manager, we’re happy to deliver our ready mix to a range of projects and scenarios.
The major advantage of ready mixed concrete is time efficiency. By having concrete that is ready to pour delivered, you save huge amounts of time as you don’t need to do any mixing or preparation. Whilst you’re waiting for concrete to be delivered, the time that is freed up by not having to mix can be spent progressing a project in other areas.
When you use a trusted, reliable supplier like us for your ready mixed concrete, you’re guaranteed a quality mix every time. You are also safe in the knowledge that each separate batch you order will consistently be the same great quality.
There aren’t all that many limitations or disadvantages to ready mixed concrete. It isn’t suitable for perhaps the smallest of jobs (we mean very small, it’s worthwhile ordering ready mix for projects like patios and driveways) and in some cases, it may be worth measuring up the costs versus time savings with ready mix. Ready mixed concrete is more expensive than site mixed concrete, but in many cases, the time ready mix can save is worth the additional cost.
The only other thing to be aware of is delivery times. If a ready mixed concrete delivery is delayed it has the potential to hold a project up. Luckily, our Essex concrete delivery team take pride in delivering product to the right place, just as it’s needed.
The alternative to ready mixed concrete, is site mixed concrete. On building sites, this will be mixed by labourers or in a DIY scenario, mixed at home. First, you would need to take delivery of the raw materials of concrete (cement and aggregate) and have access to a water source. For home projects, you may have to collect bagged materials yourself from a builder’s merchant. Secondly, you need a place to store materials if you aren’t using them right away, and
Mixing concrete on site is often lower cost, you can make up precise amounts, and if your project is delayed for whatever reason, you can put concrete mixing on hold until you need the concrete.
When you’re mixing on site you also have more flexibility over mix proportions and can quickly adapt mixes, should you need to. There is also a reduced dependency on transport and delivery – you already have everything you need on site.
Mixing concrete on site is a labour-intensive process and requires you to hire equipment. In some scenarios, space or water access can also be an issue.
In addition, the advantage of being able to adjust your own mixes can also become a disadvantage. This is because it can be difficult to keep concrete consistency the same between separate batches, something you can avoid when you order ready mix from concrete suppliers like us, as we have precise methods to measure raw ingredients.
We hope the above has given you a balanced view of the differences between ready mixed concrete and site mixed.
In summary, whilst site mixed concrete does have its uses, in almost all cases, ready mixed concrete makes the most logical and practical sense. When it comes to choosing an option for your project, it is perhaps time efficiency that will swing your decision towards ready mix. Building projects, especially larger ones often operate on strict schedules and saving time where you can, without compromising quality is only ever going to be a plus!
SRC provide complete flexibility over your ready mixed concrete deliveries with our volumetric trucks. Order the exact quantity of concrete you need and it can be mixed and poured directly from our trucks. There is no wastage because you order only what you need. In addition, because the concrete is mixed directly in the truck, there is no rush to pour, you mix your concrete exactly when you need it.
Are you looking for fast, reliable delivery of ready mixed concrete in the Essex area? Look no further than SRC Readymix. To arrange a delivery or discuss your ready mixed concrete needs call our friendly customer liaison team on 0208 594 0169 or email us at enquiries@srcgroup.co.uk
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