Building a new home allows you to create a residence that is uniquely suited to meet your family's needs. Homeowners put a lot of thought into the design of their new home, but many overlook the importance of the building materials used during construction.

You might not think of water as being a construction material, but water plays a critical role in the mixing and curing of concrete. Cement and concrete is used in a number of construction applications. Water quality must meet minimum standards to avoid compromising the strength and integrity of your new home's concrete elements in the future.

Have all water tested in a laboratory setting before using the liquid in concrete mixing applications.

Purity

When it comes to the water that is used in the construction process, potable water is best. If a water source is safe for drinking it is likely safe for use with concrete. Drinking water mas minimal suspended solids, organic matter, and soluble materials that might adversely affect your concrete.

Key concrete characteristics like setting and hardening times, strength, and pit value are dependent on the quality of the water used when mixing the concrete aggregate. Clean drinking water will help you avoid potential contamination during construction.

Sugar Content

Many water sources contain trace amounts of sugar. While a little added sweetness might not affect the potable water's ability to quench your thirst, it can be detrimental to the quality of the concrete mixed while constructing your home.

Sugar acts as a retarder when it comes to the curing of concrete. Water with any sugar content can cause concrete products to be less durable, making them more susceptible to breakage over time. If you want your concrete construction components to last, be sure there is a sugar-free source of water available.

Alkalinity and Acidity

The pH content of the water that you are utilizing during the construction of your new home is important. The pH rating of a water source can have a direct effect on the durability and strength of your concrete over time. Water that is too acidic will result in concrete that is porous and more susceptible to corrosion.

A water source that is too alkaline could result in the formation of voids during the molding or forming phases of concrete production. Water that is as close to neutral (7.0) as possible on the pH scale will yield concrete that is strong enough to withstand exposure to heavy use and inclement weather in the future.