When you think of concrete construction, you might first picture industrial or minimalist aesthetics. In actuality, concrete has a vast array of uses and benefits. Whether you're installing a patio at home or utilizing concrete construction at a Sonoma County winery, concrete is a useful, versatile material. Here are six beneficial ways you can use concrete at your winery.

Concrete Construction in Foundations

The foundation of any structure is vital to its stability and lifespan. Concrete is a popular foundation material because of its strength and stability. This material can support large, heavy loads and withstand various natural phenomena. For example, concrete construction in Sonoma County can help protect your winery from earthquakes. Wineries that have concrete foundations are able to store their inventories, wine-making equipment and other tools. They can also support higher occupancy levels.

Flooring and Walkways

Many wineries utilize concrete for their flooring, including indoor and outdoor walkways. Concrete is regulation-grade for all winery flooring, including tasting floors, retail space and production areas. Due to its ability to support heavy loads, it can withstand the weight of a winery's equipment and inventory as well as varying rates of foot traffic. Concrete has anti-slip and moisture-resistant properties, which can help make your winery safer.

Grapevine Trellises and Fences

Depending on your winery's needs, you may want to utilize concrete to build or reinforce trellises and fences. Trellises create spaces for grapevines to grow that will maximize their growth and fruit production. Grapevines need well-balanced access to sunlight, water and wind. Concrete trellis foundations and anchors help keep trellises securely in place and reduce the risk of damage to the trellises. They also reduce the risk of exposing the grapevines to mold, mildew and other dangers. You can also attach trellises to pre-existing concrete structures.

The same concepts apply to fencing. Concrete fences or fences with concrete foundations are more durable. The risk of damage is lower and the fences are likely to last longer.

Outdoor Spaces

You can also use concrete to build or decorate outdoor spaces. Due to its durability, concrete is an excellent material to use in patios, sidewalks and the foundations or walls of outdoor structures, such as porches. You can also utilize concrete as a decorative material. While raw concrete is typically bland and porous, you can choose from several types of decorative concrete, including polished and stamped concrete. You can also apply decorative finishes to your concrete.

Storage Spaces and Containers

Concrete is an excellent material for building storage spaces and containers. In wineries, the wine cellars are often constructed out of concrete. Concrete can help keep these spaces cool and protect the items stored inside. It's also a useful material for equipment and tool storage due to its durability. Concrete is a highly customizable material, which means you can use it to create storage containers to your exact preferences and specifications.

Tanks and Fermentors

Wine has traditionally been stored and fermented in wooden barrels, but modern winemakers typically utilize stainless steel containers. However, this habit may be changing. Some winemakers prefer to use concrete tanks and fermentors for their wines. Concrete's durability provides the outer shells of these containers with increased strength and longevity, protecting the wine.

Additionally, some research shows that using concrete as the interior material of storage tanks and fermentors may help the wine grapes retain their acidity. However, most researchers consider concrete to be a neutral material. This means concrete is unlikely to significantly change a wine's flavor.

Concrete Construction Sonoma County Services

No matter what you want to construct or remodel at your winery, concrete is an excellent material to consider. For more information, contact us via our website.