Concrete And Cement Aren't The Same Thing: The Difference And Which Lasts Longer

If you are among the many who have used "concrete" and "cement" as though they were the same term, allow us to set the record straight. Concrete and cement are not the same thing. But what makes them different? Concrete is a common material used to build home foundations, driveways, and parking lots, and can even be stamped into various designs for attractive patios. It's what concrete is actually made of where the confusion begins. You see, concrete is a mixture of cement, water, and aggregates like sand and crushed stone. When all these ingredients come together, they create a thick slurry that sets into a rigid and highly durable construction material.

Though cement is a primary ingredient in concrete, it is fundamentally different in a number of ways. Cement is made from baking quarried limestone that's mixed with other materials like fly ash, fired in a 2,700-degree-Fahrenheit kiln, and then crushed into a fine powder. Portland cement, which is the most common type of cement, is often mixed with sand to create a pseudo-concrete known as mortar that can be used to lay flooring or craft sculptures. 

Cement is mostly used as a binding agent because it creates a strong connection when mixed with water. Used as mortar, it is an excellent building material to connect bricks, stones, or cinder blocks into fire pits, walls, or raised garden beds. However, the answer to the question of whether cement or concrete lasts longer is simple. The answer is always going to be concrete.

The lifespan of concrete depends on what kind of structure you are making from it. For example, a concrete house foundation can last upwards of 100 years, while a concrete driveway will last closer to 30 years because it is more exposed to traffic and weather. Longevity also depends on the type of concrete you use. Exposed aggregate concrete is superior for building long-lasting driveways, thanks to the strength provided by additional aggregate material. 

Cement, on the other hand, is not used on its own often enough for it to have a calculable lifespan. This is because cement, by itself, has no real structure and is not durable enough to withstand heavy use. Portland cement-based mixtures are often used to patch concrete, though they need to be mixed with an additional liquid bonding agent to create a more powerful connection between the cement mix and existing concrete. Without those added ingredients, the cement won't adhere well to the concrete surface. 

Overall, concrete is the stuff you want to use if you're planning a major building project that you want to last for a while. Cement is simply a component of concrete, and something used in a mixture for quick repairs.