If you’re in the construction industry or you’re working with contractors for your construction projects, one important thing to consider is how you handle and store the materials you use for your projects. Cement, for example, must be stored properly so as not to affect its quality. And because cement is one of the most used materials in construction projects, you don’t want its quality to deteriorate due to improper handling and storage. Read on to learn about cement storage tips for your cement bags.
Cement Bag Shelf Life
Cement is used to produce concrete, which is common in any construction project. The quality of cement to be used in concrete is affected by its shelf life. Cement bags often have markings indicating their shelf life, which may vary according to the type of cement. For example, the expiry date of Portland cement can be between 3 to 12 months since it has been packed. So, it is important to check the cement bag packaging or inspect the condition of the bag itself before buying cement in bulk. Aside from shelf life, cement bag quality can be also affected by various factors which will be discussed below.
Factors that Affect Cement Shelf Life
Temperature or humidity is a factor that affects the shelf life of cement. If cement bags are stored in an area where moisture is high, they can lead to compaction or hardening. You want your cement to be as fine as flour.
The age of the cement also plays a role in its quality. Though it has a recommended lifespan and is still okay to use as long as it is within the period indicated in its packaging, it is still best to use freshly manufactured cement. Expired cement may form lumps, reducing its strength or completely making it unusable.
How to Store and Handle Cement Bags Properly
To maintain the quality of cement during storage, particularly if you’re not going to use it anytime soon, you have to keep the following suggestions in mind:
1. Store cement in a moisture-free area. As mentioned, moisture can cause hardening or lumps, the storage facility must be always dry and leak-proof.
2. Keep the storage room’s doors and windows closed. It is best to store them in a closed room or warehouse, as elements that affect cement quality may enter the storage room.
3. Stack bags properly by doing the following:
- Stack cement bags on wooden planks that are elevated from the ground by around 6 inches and not less than one foot away from walls. Placing them directly on the ground or next to walls may affect their temperature;
- Stack cement bags tightly, meaning very close to each other, to avoid air from circulating in between the bags;
- Keep the stack’s width at around 3 meters, or equal to the length of 4 bags; for the height, put the cap at a maximum of 10 bags; and
- During rainy seasons, cover the stack of cement bags with tarpaulin.
Once the cement bags are ready to use and be taken out of storage, keep these recommendations in mind:
- Follow FIFO or First In, First Out. This ensures that you use the cement bags nearest their expiry date and avoid being left with expired cement bags.
- Do not use hooks when lifting cement bags. Obviously, hooks may puncture the cement bag and cause spillage of the material. Instead, carry them in your arms to support their underside, like you would a baby.
- Do not drop cement bags. Lay them carefully on the ground with their broadside down. Ensure that the area is free from sharp objects that could pierce the bags open.
Cement Supplier in the Philippines
Aside from proper handling and storage, the quality of the cement greatly depends on its brand, so be sure that you only get your cement from reputable suppliers. For one of the best cement brands in the Philippines, go for one produced by known manufacturers like Union Cement.
Union Cement products have high workability, early compressive strength, and consistency that exceed both Philippine and international standards, which are ideal for concrete construction applications.
Union Ultra Strength 50 is a Union Cement’s Ordinary Portland Cement with compressive strength of up to 50 MPa after 28 days, which simply means that it can withstand heavy and extreme loads, so it is highly suitable for structures and buildings that require durability and resilience. In addition, it conforms with the DPWH standards on cement materials. Union Ultra Strength 50 is available in bulk and in jumbo 1.0 metric ton bags, which are preferred for large construction projects.
For general concrete applications, Union Super Strength 40 is a Type IP cement product blended with superb mineral additives applicable for general concrete construction.
Union Extra Strength ES is Union’s type 1P Portland-Pozzolan cement variant formulated for general concrete applications and generally available in stores in key markets nationwide.
Consistent with parent company PHINMA’s vision of making lives better, Union Cement provides a reliable and consistent supply of high-quality cement products and services to support our country’s construction and infrastructure requirements.
Union Cement is part of the PHINMA Construction Materials Group (PHINMA CMG), which includes affiliates Union Galvasteel Corporation and PHINMA Solar Energy Corporation. The synergy of these three companies allows PHINMA CMG to provide high-quality steel, cement, and solar solutions at outstanding value to customers nationwide.
Union Cement ang Sementong Astig. Basta semento, i-Union Cement mo! Visit our Contact Us page or Union Cement Facebook page to know more.
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