Cement is one of the most important element of any construction as it is essential in holding the structure together firmly. That is the reason why it is essential to choose high quality cement that can guarantee the durability of a construction project.
On the quality of cement depends the strength of the concrete, the base of any construction project. A high quality concrete can efficiently resist environmental degradation and protect the building from harsh weather and bugs. So what all does a builder look for before getting into a construction project.
So what does a builder look for before getting into a construction project.
Is your supplier reliable?
A builder must very carefully plan and look at the precise requirement of your project. Only then will he be able to zero in on a good building material supplier who can bring him the best cement for construction. A supplier who is really dedicated to providing excellence when it comes to the quality of cement and service will certainly be able to back his claims with genuine knowledge. The testimonies of previous clients will also serve to be useful in knowing his reputation as a supplier, as well as his experience in supplying high quality cement. Such a supplier can be a reliable bet in building a long and lasting structure. The builder can also measure his performance so far from the quality of his marketing & branding.
If a building material supplier is renowned, it’s mostly because he has been consistently supplying appropriate material. There’s a practice among ordinary suppliers to supply cement mixed with external elements. This mixing dilutes the quality of the cement and is very risky for construction. Therefore it’s always safe to look for a reputed supplier before and invest only when you are sure that the cement you are buying is of high quality and the best cement for construction.
It’s recommended that the builder puts in a little effort in researching to find out where a reliable supplier with guaranteed quality service can be found. Proper research, that includes meticulous inspection of any supplier’s work, ensures that you do not get dazed by just a flashy branding exercise.
Cement types
Some main varieties of cement, besides ordinary portland one, are:
1. White
This’s formed when it is freed of colouring oxides such as manganese, iron, and chlorium. This is manufactured using oil, & not coal, as fuel. This’s mostly used for plastering, finishing and decorating such as marbles or glazed tiles’ fixing.
2. Coloured
Ordinary cement is given colours by intimately mixing pigments with it. Chlorium oxide, for instance makes it green, Cobalt makes blue, Iron oxide makes it brown, red or yellow depending upon the proportion used. Their use is to give desired colours to walls, floors, and on window sills.
3. Low Heat
This is made especially for huge concrete works. While constructing big dams, for instance, the heat created due to hydration of cement can damage the construction. Low heat cement, that contains only 5% of tricalcium aluminate and 46% dicalcium silicate, can manage to keep the construction intact.
4. Quick Setting
This’s formed by adding a little aluminium sulphate after reducing the amount of its gypsum. It’s further finely grinded to enhance its quick setting property. Living up to its name, it starts setting within few minutes, literally, once you start adding water. By half n hour, it is quite hard. This’s used to block hold water that is static or slowly running.
5. Rapid Hardening
This is manufactured by burning at a high temperature with increased lime content. This apparently helps in enhancing strength & speeding up construction activity.
Do a quick field test of the cement you are going to use by checking the following:
- He date printed on the cement bag for freshness
- Its smoothness by rubbing it between fingers
- Whether it floats in water for some time before sinking
- Uniformity of its colour
- Whether there are any lumps due to moisture
- Its strength by slowing submerging a cake of the cement in water (it should retain its shape even after 24 hours).
Making sure that the cement used is the best one for construction is a builder’s responsibility, not his prerogative. He is morally and legally obliged to use high quality cement, for it is going to determine the safety of the people who are going to live and work in the building.
