In today's mixture, the dominant ingredient is limestone, which is crushed and blended with various other elements. Some recipes add clay, some shale, and still others call for shale and sand to be combined with the limestone. The final mixture, when poured and molded, results in a solid, durable substance that can be used in almost all construction applications.

Concrete walls, combined with steel reinforcement bars placed inside the structure, provide stability and strength to almost any building design. The low-maintenance, fireproof material can be custom-shaped to create wonderful decorative effects. Well-mixed concrete that is properly installed can provide a dense foundation with fewer pores or seams for water to seep through. When coated with a waterproofing agent, concrete foundations effectively keep basements dirt and moisture free.

There are many kinds of concrete used in construction today. Each type blends a variety of materials to achieve unique characteristics. Structural concrete is used for building foundations and support beams; insulating concrete is lightweight and can be used for fire protection or as fill on rooftops; and fiber concrete is developed for roads, roof tiles and dams. A construction expert can tell you which kind of concrete is best for your building needs.

-- Tips courtesy of HomeAdvisor.com