Real Estate News

Cement is supposed to be 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.

Is your supplier reliable?

A builder must meticulously 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 quality of cement and service will certainly be able to back his claims with genuine knowledge. His previous clients' testimonials 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 durable structure. The builder can also measure his performance so far from the quality of his marketing and branding.

If a building material supplier is renowned, it is mostly because he has been consistently supplying appropriate material. There is a practice among ordinary suppliers to supply cement mixed with external elements. This mixing dilutes the quality of the cement and is risky for construction. Therefore it is 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 is 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 a supplier's work, ensures that you do not get dazed by just a flashy branding exercise.

Cement types

Some of the main varieties of cement, besides ordinary portland cement, are:

• White: This is formed when it is freed of coloring oxides such as manganese, iron, and calcium. This is manufactured using oil, and not coal, as fuel. This is mostly used for plastering, finishing and decorating such as marbles or glazed tiles' fixing.
• Colored: Ordinary cement is given colors 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 colors to walls, floors, and window sills.
• Low Heat: This is made especially for huge concrete works. While constructing dams, for instance, the heat created due to hydration of cement can damage the construction. Low heat cement, which contains only 5% of tricalcium aluminate and 46% dicalcium silicate, can manage to keep the construction intact.
• Quick Setting: This is formed by adding a little aluminum sulfate after reducing the amount of its gypsum. It is further finely ground to enhance its quick setting property. Living up to its name, it starts setting within 5 minutes, literally, once you start adding water. By half n hour, it is quite hard. This is used to block hold water that is static or slowly running.
• Rapid Hardening: This is manufactured by burning at a high temperature with increased lime content. This apparently helps in enhancing strength and speeding up construction activity.

Do a quick field test of the cement you are going to use by checking:

• the date printed on the cement bag for freshness
• it's smoothness by rubbing it between fingers
• Whether it floats in water for some time before sinking
• uniformity of its color
• whether there are any lumps due to moisture
• it is the 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 cement 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.