The Use of Foamed Concrete In Construction

Filling Holes

• Thanks to foamed concrete's consistency, which is described by EAB Associates as "lightweight and free flowing," it can be used to fill in holes of varying sizes. Unlike regular concrete, foamed concrete is thin and watery, allowing it to be poured into difficult-to-reach areas with ease. Abandoned sewers, storage tanks and old basements can be filled in with foamed concrete for safety purposes, as can holes underneath roads caused by rain.

Flooring

• Foamed concrete is used for a variety of flooring purposes and is ideal in situations where regular concrete would be too heavy. Elevated floor slabs and floor overlays can be made from foam concrete, and it is also useful for filling in stair pans. Additionally, foam concrete's light weight makes it practical "when ease in lifting and carrying is important," according to Cellular Concrete Solutions. Balconies and curbs can also be constructed from foam concrete.

Trench Reinstatement

• When trenches are dug to allow access to conduct repairs or lay pipe, foamed concrete is used to fill the area and repair roadways. As it dries, regular concrete settles, which may inadvertently damage roads or newly installed pipes. However, this does not occur with foamed concrete, making it a safe and practical alternative. The fluid nature of foamed concrete also allows it to seep into small cracks and spaces, ensuring a trench is completely filled.

Roofing

• Though regular concrete is too heavy to be used in roofing, foamed concrete is lightweight thanks to its high air content, making it a suitable material. In fact, roofing is one of the most common uses of foamed concrete, as the air it contains also acts a thermal insulator when warmed. Foamed concrete is strong enough to support excess weight, like people walking on a roof, without adding extra pounds to the overall structure of a home.