Table of contents
- What is cement?
- Types of cement used in construction
- Sulphate-resistant cement vs. Ordinary cement
- Have the right mix for concrete and mortar
- Curing cement
You spend a lot of effort, money, and time on the architecture and aesthetics of your home, but are we focusing on more significant aspects? The structure is on which the entire home is built around, and thus it must be of the highest quality and durable to stand the test of time.
Cement is used in many different ways in your house construction. It plays a vital role in building the house’s structure – from concrete to mortar between bricks. Therefore, you must make sure that your contractor uses the finest materials from well-branded companies. Not only do you buy the best cement for house construction, but also make sure to use it correctly and in the right proportion.
What is a Cement?
Cement is a mixture of clay and limestone. It is obtained by burning this mixture in a rotary kiln and grinding it into a fine powder. Cement contains both cohesive and adhesive properties, making it more likely to bond with bricks. These properties help to bind the solid into a compact mass.
The resulting mass is extremely durable with very high strength. Moreover, it also has very good corrosion resistance to withstand the weather vagaries for many years.
Types of Cement used in construction
There are more than 15 types of cement available in the market. Each type of cement has its advantages and uses depending on its ingredients. However, in our opinion, the general classification would be hydraulic and non-hydraulic cement.
Hydraulic cement hardens in the presence of water, but non-hydraulic cement does not require water to harden. Instead, they use carbon dioxide in the air for the same purpose. Therefore, non-hydraulic cement hardens when dry.
Sulphate-resistant cement vs. Ordinary cement
Despite the variety of cement available in the market, two are widely used – conventional Portland cement and sulphate-resistant Portland cement. Most of the time and in usual circumstances, ordinary cement works best, especially in non-saline and dry climates. It is used throughout the process of building a structure but in different consistencies and mixes.
Though you live near the sea or in coastal areas, sulphate-resistant cement should be used to build structures, especially the foundation. This will also prevent the building from corrosion of the steel. Moreover, sulphate-resistant cement does not shrink in wet or dry conditions; in other words, it has a high resistance to shrinkage. Yet, this type of cement cannot use it in marine construction.
Have the right mix for concrete and mortar
Cement has never been used alone; it is always used with a mixture of other materials, such as sand, water, and gravel, to obtain consistency and materials suitable for various housing requirements. The mortar is made by mixing sand and water with cement for the required consistency. Ensure your contractor uses a mortar that is not too gritty or watery to keep the structure strong, sturdy, and durable.
In a scenario to lay concrete, well-branded companies use premium cement mixed with water, sand, and gravel. By mixing them in the correct proportions and the correct method, you will get strong concrete to harden after it dries properly.
Curing Cement
To cure concrete or cement means keeping it at the correct moisture and temperature level after being set and poured. This is why it is best to develop structures in sunny, warm, and hot weather so that the drying takes place efficiently and the temperature is kept at an optimal level.
To maintain a moisture level, water is repeatedly applied to cure the concrete of the structure. It generally sets within 24 to 48 hours, but it takes at least seven days to cure for a structure that is 50% stronger than uncured/untreated cement.
Therefore, get the high-quality perfect cement for your picture-perfect house construction, and you’ll have a structure that will stay strong and undamaged for years to come! If you have any questions or feedback, kindly leave a comment in the section below.
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