The construction of a house is one of the most important investments of life and every material used in the construction of a house directly affects the safety and durability of the house. Buy cement is a vital material in construction work as it holds the structure together, using all other construction materials as a whole. For a small house, villa or commercial building, it is important to choose the correct type and grade of cement.
Many homeowners and contractors today prefer to purchase cement online due to its convenience, easier price comparison, doorstep delivery and trusted brands. But before buying cement, you should know the various types of cement, their applications and the appropriate grade for your construction.
Why is it that it is important to select the right cement?Why bother with the right cement?
Concrete is made up of cement. Cement quality is critical to the strength of walls and slabs, foundations, beams and columns. An incorrect choice of cement can result in future cracking and moisture issues, poor structure and repair expenses.
Applicants should use the appropriate cement to aid them in:
- Improving structural strength
- Enhancing durability
- Reducing maintenance costs
- To avoid cracking and leaking.
To extend the building’s life by raising its value.To extend the lifespan of the building by enhancing its value.
By purchasing the cement online from the trusted suppliers, you will also be provided with the benefit of genuine products, proper storage, and timely delivery.
There are various types of cements and each of them can be used in a specific manner.
Familiarizing yourself with the different types of cement will enable you to make appropriate selections based on the construction needs.
Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC)
One of the most widely used type of cement in India is Ordinary Portland Cement. It gives a high strength and quicker setting time, which is suitable to be used in residential and commercial projects.
- Best Uses of OPC Cement
- RCC structures
- Foundations
- Slabs and beams
- Roads and bridges
- General construction work
OPC cement is more commonly used in situations where early strengths are desired.
Portland Pozzolana Cement (PPC)
The PPC cement is produced by mixing the Portland cement with pozzolanic materials such as fly ash. It provides greater resistance to chemical attack, smoother finishing and greater durability.
The benefits of PPC Cement:The benefits of PPC Cement:
- Better long-term strength
- Reduced cracks
- Improved workability
- Lower heat generation
- Eco-friendly construction
PPC cement is ideal for residential construction, plastering and masonry works, this is why many homeowners are now opting to purchase it online.
Rapid Hardening Cement
Rapid hardening cement is the one which develops strength quickly when compared to OPC. It comes in handy when you need to complete a job early.
- Common Applications
- Road construction
- Precast structures
- Repair work
- Fast-track projects
Quick Setting Cement
Quick-setting cement sets quickly and is primarily used for situations that require early setting.
- Best Used For
- Underwater structures
- Water tanks
- Tunnels
- Emergency repair work
Low Heat Cement
Low heat cement has lower heat of hydration, which decreases the risk of cracking due to heat.
- Suitable Applications
- Large foundations
- Dams
- Retaining walls
- Massive concrete structures
Sulphate Resisting Cement
This type of cement resistant to sulphate attack from soil and ground water.
- Ideal For
- Coastal construction
- Sewage treatment plants
- Basements
- Canal linings
White Cement
The primary application of white cement is for decorative and architectural use due to its clean and beautiful appearance.
- Common Uses
- Decorative finishes
- Designer flooring
- Wall putty
- Exterior facades
The cement produced by mixing Portland cement clinker with blast furnace slag. It enhances resistance to chemicals and durability.
- Applications
- Industrial structures
- High-rise buildings
- Marine construction
- Mass concrete works
High Alumina Cement
High alumina cement is characterized by high early strength and excellent thermal and chemical corrosion.
- Used In
- Furnaces
- Chimneys
- Refractory works
- Chemical industries
- Portland Limestone Cement (PLC)
PLC is a low carbon-emission environmentally friendly cement, which possesses excellent strength and performance.
- Best Applications
- Residential construction
- Green buildings
- Pavements
- Foundations
- Understanding Cement Grades
The grades of cement are based on the compressive strength after 28 days. Higher grades give greater strength, but may also produce more heat.
33 Grade Cement
The 33 grade cement is primarily applied in plastering and masonry applications where moderate strength is required.
- Suitable For
- Brickwork
- Small residential projects
- Plastering
- 43 Grade Cement
43 grade cement is used in the construction of houses, as it has a balanced strength and durability.
- Best Uses
- RCC structures
- Flooring
- Residential buildings
- Precast items
The 43-grade cement is versatile and can be used in most construction projects, which makes it a popular choice among many builders.
53 Grade Cement
53 cement is used for heavy-duty construction work, as it has a high compressive strength.
- Applications
- High-rise buildings
- Bridges
- Industrial structures
- Large infrastructure projects
- The following properties are important for cement.
Knowing the properties of cement, enables buyers to select the appropriate cement for various environmental and structural applications.
Fineness
The finer the cement size, the better the cement will hydrate and the greater will be the early strength.
Strength
Strength is one of the most important property of cement and it is a measure of the load-bearing capacity of the structure.
Setting Time
Setting time will provide sufficient working time for mixing, transport and placement of concrete.
Soundness
When set, sound cement will not crack or expand.
Heat of Hydration
The heat released when cement is hydrated. In large structures, there can be thermal cracks due to excess heat.
Specific Gravity
Specific gravity is one of the tests to check the quality of the cement and will be used in the calculation of the mix design for concrete.
Before you begin purchasing cement online, it is important for you to have some tips to follow.
The purchase of cement online is gaining in popularity due to its convenience of procurement and time saving. There are a number of things to take into account, though, before ordering.
Check Manufacturing Date
New cement is always the best. Do not use old cement bags (more than 90 days old).
Inspect Packaging
If the cement bags are damaged or torn, moisture will be absorbed, thereby degrading the quality of the cement.
Compare Cement Prices
It is very easy to compare various brands of cements, and their prices, on the web.
Choose Trusted Suppliers
Always purchase cement online from trusted cement suppliers who ensure that they supply genuine cement and deliver in good time.
Recognize project needs and expectations.
Each type of construction has a different requirement for the type and grade of cement. Please check with your engineer before purchasing.
Benefits of Buying Cement Online
The construction industry is quickly digitizing the purchasing process, which is easy to use and provides transparency.
Convenient Ordering
Ordering cement can be done from anywhere without having to visit numerous stores.
Doorstep Delivery
The cement is directly transported to the constructing site, which saves transportation effort and time.
Genuine Products
Online reputable cement suppliers guarantee quality cement with proper condition of storage.
Strong Choices Build Strong Homes
The type and grade of cement used in the construction of a safe and durable house is of utmost importance. Some cements are used for unique applications in construction, such as marine structures, large foundations, decoration, or homes.
Knowing the properties, grades and uses of cement helps homeowners make informed decisions and prevent future structural issues. Shopping for cement online from reputable suppliers brings you convenience, favourable rates, quality products and timely delivery for your project.
The selection of the right cement is the first step towards the foundation of a strong home, and by choosing the best cement available in the market today, you can ensure your structures will stand strong and safe for generations to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most suitable cement for building of house?
The 43-grade cement (PPC/OPC) is widely used in the construction of houses. PPC has improved durability and smoother finishes, and OPC has a higher early strength.
How PPC cement is different from OPC cement?
OPC is more strength by quicker than PPC, PPC is more durable, crack resisting and more workable.
May I use 53 grade cement for all Construction work?
Cement may be graded up to 53 grade, which is good for high strength applications but not always required for plastering or simple masonry.
What is the advantage to ordering cement online?
Internet shopping of cement provides convenience, competitive price, authentic products and immediate delivery to the site.
How to test the freshness of cement?
Fresh cement is smooth and lump free. Be sure to check the date of manufacture on the cement bag before buying.
