The requirements for a binder in the preparation of concrete for pouring or assembling a foundation are high: cement must have the correct strength grade, be suitable for reinforced concrete structures, be fresh and of high quality. Much depends on the type and weight of the building; for the foundations of residential buildings, the M400 PC is considered the minimum; for temporary and lighter ones, reduced requirements are allowed. Checking the certificate and expiration date is mandatory in any case, preference is given to cement released no later than 3 months, the material is not purchased in advance. Important standards of technology include the exact observance of proportions, preparation and correct sequence loading components into the mixer, compacting concrete after pouring.

Preference is given to Portland cement, concretes with it have the necessary strength and resistance to external influences. The choice of brand for foundations directly depends on the type and purpose of the mixed building composition. For pouring the drainage base, it is allowed to use cement with a low strength grade (final concrete - from M75 to M150), in all other cases the rule applies: the binder grade must be twice as high as the expected grade of concrete mix. Taking into account the minimum allowable M200 for foundation structures, the mortar is mixed with Portland cement with a strength of M400 (about this brand of cement).

The maximum proportion of impurities in the binder is 20%, their introduction reduces the cost, slightly reducing frost and water resistance. As a result, suitable types of cement for pouring the foundation include:

• PC M400 D0 - withstanding loads up to 400 kg / cm2 at the end of curing, providing good durability, water resistance and frost resistance. Concretes based on it perfectly tolerate low temperatures, contact with ground and atmospheric moisture, and exposure to aggressive environments. Cement M400 D0 is suitable for foundations of any type, including reinforced and prefabricated ones (it is used for mixing masonry mortar).
• PC M400 D20 - combining fairly good resistance to moisture and freezing and a reasonable price. The best option for the construction of foundations for light residential buildings in the absence of serious requirements for the soil.
• PC M500 D0 is recommended to be chosen during the construction of critical facilities, this brand consists only of their cement clinker, the proportion of extraneous additives (in this case, gypsum) does not exceed 1%. This has a positive effect on frost and moisture resistance, the variety belongs to the elite. Its use when mixing concrete for the foundation will pay off economically during construction in problem areas (in particular, flooded).
• PC M500 D20 - similar to the previous brand of cement, slightly inferior in terms of resistance to moisture and freezing (but not in strength), it still surpasses M400 in its characteristics.

Slag-based or pozzolanic-based cements withstand the effects of sulfates dissolved in ground moisture well, but for laying monolithic or prefabricated foundations, it is better to choose a different variety. The main reason is the slow curing and low frost resistance. As a result, their use is permissible only on the advice of professionals and with the acceptance additional measures for the protection of foundation structures from frost heaving of soils. At the slightest doubt, it is better to choose Portland cement without impurities or specialized brands:

• B - fast-hardening binder, which is advised for limited periods of work.
• PL is a plasticized variety with increased frost resistance. Its input allows you to save up to 8-10% of cement, but it is important to remember that it cannot be used with any other types other than PC.
• SS - special sulfate-resistant PCs.
• NC - tension cement. Concretes based on it have a compacted structure after solidification, without letting moisture in. NTs recommend choosing when laying the foundation of a house with a basement or erecting a monolith on flooded soils. They are also well suited for the repair and restoration of already operated structures.

Cements below M400 are allowed to be used in the construction of baths and light panel or wooden one-story buildings on dry and stable soils. To eliminate errors, they are repelled from the brand of concrete, when choosing it, such criteria as the expected weight load (mass of supporting structures, including the foundation itself, the roofing system, snow cover and objects in the house) and soil parameters (freezing level, water rise, structural composition and homogeneity of the soil), the timing of the pouring and the conditions of solidification.

Cooking proportions

The minimum acceptable brand of concrete for pouring the foundation is M200 (better - more), when concreting the foundations of residential buildings within 1-2 floors, M250 is most often chosen. The recommended proportions of the components in the preparation of the M250 solution are 1:3:5 (cement, sand, gravel or crushed granite, respectively). The W / C ratio does not exceed 0.65, it depends on the expected grade of concrete: the higher it is, the lower the volume of water introduced, at least 0.4.

The indicated proportions are relevant when using the correct components: clean and dry quartz sand with a fraction size of at least 2 mm, washed and dried crushed stone with a strength grade of at least M1200. An important role is played by the activity of the binder, the reviews in this regard are unambiguous: for the foundation of a house, it is better to take cement no earlier than 1-2 weeks before the start of work, checking the release date and certificate is required. There are no lumps in the fresh powder, it is easily passed through the fingers.

When in doubt about the integrity of the supplier, it is worth checking the quality of the material in advance: the right cement sets well within 45 minutes.

In addition to the use of components of the required quality, the sequence of their loading into the concrete mixer is observed. Recommended scheme: 80% of the total share of water → crushed stone → screened cement and sand → the rest of the water in small portions. Most plasticizers or hardeners are introduced at the end with strict observance of proportions. These include liquid soap (added along with the main portion of water), factory specialized additives, fiber, inhibitors, substances that affect the setting time of concrete. Their use requires caution, exceeding their proportion worsens the structure of the artificial stone.

Material cost

Products are sold in bags, big bags and in bulk, bulk purchases are the cheapest. The rates in this case are:

When building a foundation on your own and delivering it on your own transport, it is more convenient to use bags (it is easier to adjust the proportions to the measured weight). High-quality cement is offered by many domestic factories and manufacturers of dry building mixes: Novgorodsky CZ, Borshchevsky CZ (Lafarge), Mikhailovcement, Maltsovsky Portlandcement, OJSC Voskresenskcement, Mordovcement, Sebryakovcement, Rusean. The cost when buying it in packaged form is.

Updated: 09/18/2019 22:30:15

Judge: Boris Mendel

*Overview of the best in the opinion of the editors of the site. About selection criteria. This material is subjective, is not an advertisement and does not serve as a guide to the purchase. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

Not a single construction site today can do without such an important material as cement. Manufacturers every year improve manufacturing technologies, modernize equipment, which leads to the creation of high-quality compositions. The scope of the product is very wide, the material is used not only at construction sites, but also in other industries. Therefore, for each case, a cement with a certain set of characteristics is required. Before heading to the store or placing an order online, you should listen to the advice of experts.

How to choose high-quality cement

1. Composition of cement. The basis of the cement composition is crushed inorganic substances, such as limestone, clay, mineral additives and fillers. Depending on the recipe, there are many varieties of material. The most popular in our country is Portland cement. It is suitable for building and manufacturing reinforced concrete structures. But sea water destroys concrete based on Portland cement.
2. Strength. The most important characteristic of any cement is strength. This indicator is incorporated in the labeling of the material. M400 cement can withstand a pressure of 32.5 MPa, this number is called the strength class. The five hundredth mark must correspond to the strength class 42.5. Military cement (M600) has the highest strength. It withstands a load of 52.5 MPa. Most often, cement grades M400 and M500 are used in everyday life.
3. Purity. Another designation worries potential buyers. On the packaging, the manufacturer indicates a number next to the letter D. It refers to the content of additives. For example, the D20 cement mixture contains up to 20% fillers, plasticizers and other compounds. Marking D0 indicates the purity of the cement, it does not contain additives.
4. Curing speed. Depending on the type of work performed, the concrete mortar should harden faster or slower. Therefore, manufacturers offer cement modifications with different setting rates. If the package is marked CEM I, then the concrete will harden as quickly as possible. For building concrete M400, the CEM V marking is considered normal.
5. Packing. Manufacturers use multilayer paper bags and sacks to pack loose and hygroscopic material. For construction, large packaging (50 kg each) is optimal. And when small amounts of work are performed, it is more profitable to take packages weighing 5-30 kg.
6. Best before date. hallmark cement is a limited shelf life. The date of manufacture is indicated on the package, so when buying, you should calculate whether the composition will be used before the expiration date. Most often, the manufacturer guarantees the safety of the product from 3 to 6 months, while taking into account the time of transportation and storage in warehouses. Experts recommend checking the freshness of the composition yourself by hitting the corner of the package with your hand. It is in these places that the cement begins to stone.

We have selected 11 of the best cement compositions in our review. The distribution of places in the rating was influenced by the opinion of the expert community and feedback from Russian consumers.

Rating of the best cement producers

The best cement brand M400

Cement compositions of the M400 brand are intended for the preparation of concrete of medium strength. They are most often used in the construction of screeds, the construction of internal partitions, leveling surfaces with large differences. Experts noted several proven manufacturers.

The leading position in the Russian construction market is held by the domestic company "Eurocement group". The most popular brand of cement is Eurocement M400 D20. The holding's production facilities are located in different regions of the country. The composition with this designation is produced by such enterprises as Mordovcement, Mikhailovcement, Pikalevsky Cement. The product meets all the requirements of international standards, therefore it is exported to a number of neighboring countries. The building mixture is used in the construction industry and in industry. Floor slabs, reinforced concrete structures, foundations, walls, etc. are made from cement. The domestic product is moisture and frost resistant. The composition can be stored in closed bags for up to 6 months.

Advantages

• acceptable price;
• water and frost resistance;
• high quality;
• wide scope.

Flaws

• not detected.

Holcim M400 cement is produced at the Shchurovsky plant in Kolomna. The company is part of the international concern LafargeHolcim, founded in Switzerland (1912). Products are distinguished by whiteness, the level of which in the M400 brand reaches 70-74%. Unique properties cement was obtained through the use of a special clinker with a low iron content. To increase the light reflection coefficient, additives such as diatomite and gypsum are introduced into the composition. The list of products also includes classic grades of Portland cement with a strength class of more than 32.5.

Holcim M400 cement has earned high ratings from experts and users for quality and strength. The product takes second place only for the shortage in the trade network of provincial cities.

Advantages

• high quality;
• White color;
• acceptable price;
• versatility.

Flaws

• trade deficit.

Cement Portland M400 Hercules experts recommend buying for pouring floor screed. The product is highly durable after drying. Within a day, you can continue the repair, perform other finishing work. The company's product range includes different types packages, it is especially convenient to transport 5 kg white and blue bags with slots for fingers. The composition meets Russian standards, its strength class is more than 32.5. Therefore, the screed will serve for a long time, and cracks and chips will not appear on it.

Users are satisfied with the quality of cement, its strength and durability. The product is on the 3rd place in the rating due to the large number of counterfeit products in the construction market.

Advantages

• environmental friendliness;
• high strength;
• versatility of application;
• not afraid of low temperatures.

Flaws

• high price;
• low shelf life (2 months).

CEM II 32.5 cement (M400 D20) gray De Luxe

CEM II 32.5 cement (M400 D20) of Favorit LLC is distinguished by stable quality and affordable price. It is sold in the trading network under the brand TM "De Luxe". Through the use of innovative technologies, the manufacturer managed to find its niche in the domestic market. Experts highly appreciate the resistance of concrete to temperature changes and resistance to moisture. Cement provides the strength of the solution at the level of 32.5, it is worth noting the good adhesion of the composition.

Users like the setting speed of the mortar, the rapid set of hardness, the strength of the hardened concrete. Cement did not make it to the top three of the rating due to one type of packaging (50 kg), as well as the need to work only at a positive temperature (above +5°C).

Advantages

• strength and durability of concrete;
• good adhesion;
• fast freezing;
• democratic price.

Flaws

• packing in large bags;
• installation work can be carried out at temperatures above + 5 ° C.

The best cement brand M500

M500 cement has increased strength and durability. This composition is recommended not only for creating internal screeds, but also for pouring the foundation, building walls. Experts noted several quality products.

A lot of positive feedback comes from domestic consumers about Eurocement 500 Super cement. This brand is widely used in the construction of houses. The composition is suitable for building a foundation, for erecting brick and block walls, pouring a screed, etc. Experts highly appreciate the fact that cement is manufactured in accordance with GOST. The material corresponds to class 42.5. The resulting concrete solution is characterized by high mobility and fast setting. Therefore, the construction time can be reduced. It is also worth praising the composition for moisture and frost resistance.

Builders in the reviews flatteringly speak out about the concrete recipe, which is given on the packaging. For quality and durability, the product wins first place in our ranking.

Advantages

• quality manufacturing;
• strength and durability;
• fast grasp;
• wide scope.

Flaws

• not detected.

Holcim ExtraCem M-500 cement is distinguished by fast hardening and endurance. Concrete prepared on its basis can withstand high loads. It doesn't crack or flake. Therefore, experts recommend using the composition when constructing the foundations of multi-storey buildings. The product class corresponds to 42.5. The manufacturer added special additives to the dry mix, which prevent cracking of the structure after drying.

Advantages

• strength and endurance;
• can be used inside and outside buildings;
• plasticity of the working solution;
• crack resistance.

Flaws

• awkward packaging.

Another brand of cement from the holding "Eurocement group" got into our rating. This is the composition of 500 Extra D20. It is produced at the enterprises of CJSC "Maltsovsky Portlandcement" and JSC "Mikhailovcement". The product attracted the attention of experts with its curing speed and high strength. With the prepared solution, it is convenient to fill voids, it is easily leveled, and has a minimum setting time. Cement withstands low temperatures, so builders advise using it during winter concreting.

Users are satisfied with the quality of cement, its hardness and strength. Of the minuses, there is a slowdown in hardening at low temperatures (below + 10 ° C). One of the disadvantages is the high price.

Advantages

• excellent quality;
• convenience in work;
• long shelf life;
• no shrinkage cracks.

Flaws

• high price;
• slow curing at low temperature.

The cement Stone Flower M500 D20 has the best binding properties. The quality of products manufactured at the "Stone Flower" plant meets the modern requirements of domestic and foreign standards. In production, only raw materials that are safe for humans and the environment are used. Strict control over the observance of technological discipline is organized at each stage of production. Therefore, experts recommend the cement of this manufacturer for responsible work. Special compounds are introduced into the composition, which increase the resistance of concrete to cracking and accelerate the drying process.

The product stops a step away from the leaders of the rating due to uncomfortable large bags and a limited shelf life.

Advantages

• ease of preparation;
• environmental friendliness;
• suitable for indoor and outdoor use;
• moisture and frost resistance.

Flaws

• uncomfortable bags;
• limited shelf life.

The best cement brand M600

To create reinforced concrete structures with maximum strength, cement grade M600 is required. With its help, sculptors make monuments, steles and concrete figures to decorate household plots. Experts drew attention to several formulations.

White cement of the Turkish company CimSa enjoys wide popularity in the Russian market. The composition is intended primarily for finishing work. The company has been operating in the European market and in the countries of the former Soviet Union for a long time. Therefore, good contact has been established with dealers and end users. The advantages of CimSa M600 cement are considered by experts to be ideal in terms of smoothness and evenness of the surface, the absence of cracks after drying, and resistance to adverse weather conditions. And in reinforced concrete structures, the white mixture protects the steel reinforcement from corrosion. Cement is obtained by the "dry method", which makes the final product competitive on the Russian market.

fully meets the requirements of international standards, and even far exceeds them. Along with aesthetic and decorative properties, cement is able to withstand a very large load. The whiteness index reaches 90%, the class corresponds to 52.5.

White cement is widely used in the construction of architectural and decorative concrete structures, the production of dry mortars and adhesives, the construction of monuments, sculptures, etc.

Advantages

• high aesthetic properties;
• wide scope of application;
• strength and endurance;
• weather resistance.

Flaws

• high price.

More than 20 years on the market building materials Russian "Production company Rusean". The main objective of the company is to produce quality goods at affordable prices. A striking example of a combination of price and quality is Polymercement white M600. The product is characterized by workability, plasticity, good strength and easy handling. For these properties, experts gave the material the third line of the rating. The composition can be used for both internal and external works. It is resistant to negative external influences, while maintaining excellent aesthetic qualities.

Users praise the Russian composition for low shrinkage, fine grinding, frost resistance. Of the minuses, the high price and the need to use quartz sand are noted.

Advantages

• fine grinding;
• weather resistance;
• White color;
• plastic.

Flaws

• high price;
• add quartz sand.

The invention of cement marked a turning point in the history of construction technology. Cement is the basis for production building structures, erection of monolithic load-bearing elements of buildings. It is cement that binds solid fillers into a single mass - concrete. Basically, the foundations of buildings and structures are erected from concrete. The mortar for the foundation is prepared in a strict proportion of cement, sand, gravel and water. Properly selected cement for the foundation allows you to get a solid stone monolithic base of the building. It is very important to determine which cement is best for the foundation.

What is cement

The word cement comes from the Latin expression "cementum", which means broken stone. There is a second name for the material - Portland cement (PC). The production of PC is a complex technological process. The initial raw material is a rock - limestone. The rock is fired in kilns. Then pieces of burnt rock - clinker are crushed in special mill installations (screens). The clinker is crushed to a powder state.

Grade of cement

Various ingredients are added to the powder, forming a mixture of a certain brand. The brand is indicated by the letter "M" and a number. In the factory laboratory, samples of each batch of material are tested. Samples from a frozen solution of PC and sand (1:3) in the form of 40x40x160 mm prisms are tested for compression until complete destruction. The threshold of the load value determines the number of cement grades.

So, M 200 means that frozen cement mortar can withstand a load of up to 200 kg per 1 cm 2 of its surface. The modern building materials industry produces binder grades: 50, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 and 600.

For the construction of foundations for various objects, PCs of grades 200 - 400 are mainly used. PCs M 600 are used for the construction of special-purpose facilities.

Concrete grade

Like PC, concrete also has its own marking. The mortar for pouring the foundation is an aqueous mixture of crushed stone, cement and sand, called concrete. The brand of concrete directly depends on what brand of cement will be used. Each type of concrete is intended for monolithic foundations for a certain load from the weight of the structure:

• M 100 is used for small bases wooden houses, garages and outbuildings;
• M 200 is used for the foundations of one and two-story private houses made of lightweight structures;
• M 250, 300 should be used for the foundations of houses with several floors;
• M 400 is used in the construction of foundations for multi-storey buildings.

For the foundation, the composition of concrete may include different grades of cement. For example, for the foundation of a private house made of concrete M 300, cement M 400 or M 500 is needed. The proportions of the mortar for the foundation are observed as follows:

1. 1 h PC M 400 + 1.9 h sand + 3.7 h crushed stone + water.
2. 1 h PC M 500 + 2.4 h sand + 4.3 h crushed stone + water.

Preparation of concrete mortar for the foundation

The process of manufacturing a concrete mix is ​​a crucial stage in the formation of a monolith of the foundation of a building. Any deviation from the quality and quantity of the components of the concrete solution will lead to a loss in the bearing capacity of the foundation. Concrete is prepared in different ways: this is a manual, mechanized and factory way, how to make a foundation mortar.

Manual way

For manual mixing of concrete, you can use any sealed container: old bath, trough or welded construction from auxiliary material. Before starting work, in addition to the container, you need to prepare the following materials:

• clean washed sand without clay inclusions;
• cement for pouring the foundation;
• crushed stone or gravel;
• filtered water, if taken from a natural reservoir;
• wide (grabarka) and bayonet shovel.

The concrete preparation process is carried out as follows:

1. Cement and sand are poured into the container.
2. Stir the mixture thoroughly with a shovel until smooth.
3. The mixture is poured with water, and everything is also mixed.
4. When the cement mortar is ready, crushed stone is added to it.
5. After final mixing, the concrete is ready for pouring.

Video of concrete preparation by hand:

mechanized way

For the mechanized preparation of poured concrete into the foundation formwork, a concrete mixer is used. The mechanism is a metal rotating drum located on a wheel frame. The drum is driven by an electric motor and has a swivel axle for tipping.

An example of pouring a foundation with a concrete mixer

Before starting the process of preparing poured concrete, a preliminary calculation of the need for consumables is made. Determine what brand of cement is needed in order to prepare a cement mortar. In this calculation, cement grade M 400 was used for the mixture.

Initial data: strip foundation - 5 m 3 of concrete, concrete mixer - 180 l, concrete grade - M 300.

Calculation of the need for materials for pouring a foundation with a volume of 5 m 3

Accurate calculation of the need for materials that make up the concrete solution allows you to avoid unnecessary costs for the construction of a monolithic base of the building. In order not to regret the lack of certain materials, it is always necessary to add 5 - 7% to the calculated amount of concrete components for unforeseen losses.

1. 1 batch of a concrete mixer will be 180 liters of prepared concrete mix. This volume will require cement M 400 - 31.4 kg / 24.2 l, sand - 39.7 kg / 26.5 l, crushed stone - 95.6 kg, water 17 l.
2. Therefore, in order to get 1 m 3 of concrete, it is necessary to make a mortar for the foundation in the amount of 5.55 batches. This will amount to 398 kg of cement M 400, sand 503 kg, crushed stone 1210 kg and water 215 liters.
3. The entire foundation will require cement M 400 - 1990 kg, respectively.
4. If we make similar calculations for other brands of binder, it turns out that the entire foundation will require M 300 - 2500 kg, M 500 - 1705 kg.

The higher the number of brand of cement, the less it is required. However, one should take into account the factor that the stronger the cement, the more expensive it is. The owner of the construction site must choose which better cement buy for pouring the foundation.

Factory production of concrete

With large volumes of construction of the foundation foundation of the building, concrete is ordered at the mortar unit of the concrete plant. Concrete mortar unit (BRU) is an installation for the production of concrete. The BRU includes a concrete mixer with a control panel, a skip hoist, dispensers of cement, water, solid fillers and various additives. BRU produces concrete mortar of various grades.

At the request of the customer, BRU produces liquid concrete in the right amount at a certain time. Delivery can be carried out by trucks with a sealed body or a concrete truck.

Concrete truck - a vehicle equipped with a rotating container and an unloading device. At the BRU, concrete is loaded through a batcher into the drum of a concrete truck.

When unloading the drum, the blades begin to rotate in the opposite direction. The mixture enters the foundation formwork through a special unloading device. On different models for concrete trucks, the volume of the drum varies between 6.5 - 8 m 3.

When ordering a concrete solution for a BRU, the owner of the construction site does not need to think about which cement is better to use for the foundation. A concrete truck delivers ready-made concrete of the required grade to the construction site.

Pouring the foundation with concrete

Foundation formwork is poured in good weather. Concreting is carried out by a continuous method. It is impossible to interrupt the filling for a period of more than 6 - 10 hours. Otherwise, the solidity of the base of the building will be broken, and this, in turn, will cause big problems for the conversion of the concrete monolith.

The ideal time for concrete work is summer. This time of year temperature regime most favorable for high-quality solidification of the monolithic base of the structure. To avoid excessive drying or waterlogging, the poured foundation must be covered with plastic wrap. The film will protect the curing solution from direct sunlight and rainfall. In very hot weather, the foundation is periodically watered.

From the foregoing, we can conclude that the choice of cement depends on many factors. First of all, this is the price of the material, its quantity, as well as the method of laying the mortar.

A mistake in choosing a cement of greater strength will not bring harm, except for extra financial costs, but the use of a less durable binder can cause great trouble.

How to cheat in the markets when buying cement, and how to choose high-quality cement from a reliable manufacturer.

The start of the construction season is just around the corner, and building a house is a very costly process and people are looking for ways to save money. Cement is one of the main building materials, and its quality significantly affects the final result of the work performed, whether it is foundation pouring, screed or masonry. Unfortunately, when choosing Portland cement in bags, the consumer rarely thinks about the possible risks of buying a low-quality product. However, it is low-quality cement that can cause a burst foundation, cracked screed or efflorescence on the wall.

The tips in our article will help you minimize the risk of purchasing low-quality products.

• How consumers are deceived when buying Portland cement
• Tips for choosing bagged portland cement
• How to properly store cement, and what is its shelf life

How to cheat when buying cement

Competition in the building materials market is quite high, so there are such "entrepreneurs" who offer "Portland cement" packaged in bags at a price below the market price. The number of such products especially grows during the season of active construction.

How to understand whether such a product is of high quality? And how can a consumer distinguish counterfeit goods?

When erecting multi-storey buildings, cement-based building materials or ready-mixed concrete are brought to the site directly from the factory. In private housing construction, the situation is different: the consumer purchases products on his own, so he risks being deceived. At the same time, the price range for the product from the manufacturer and from the handicraft packer can vary significantly. They lower the price in different ways: from a banal body kit to a change in the composition of cement.

Therefore, private homeowners are interested in the question of how not to be deceived?

Dima4 FORUMHOUSE user

I'm building a foundation. Wondering what kind of cement to buy? There are so many manufacturers - domestic and imported - that it's just dizzying.

Markovkin FORUMHOUSE member

I want to know why cement in bags of the same brand, from different factories, costs differently? Looked at several manufacturers. One has good packaging. Cement does not wake up during transportation and, most importantly, it costs 40 rubles. cheaper than a brand from a company located in my own region.

Etsnova FORUMHOUSE Member

I wanted to buy cement. To navigate, I studied the prices on the Internet in advance. Went to the market. I had to choose. The seller told me the price for a bag of 100 rubles. higher than indicated on the websites of other offices. Who to believe? I called my friend for advice on what to do. He said that it is generally better not to take cement on the market, because. many fakes. Now I sit and think, where to buy high-quality Portland cement, and not a surrogate?

The bag must contain the following information:

1. type and class of cement;
2. number of the valid certificate of conformity;
3. GOST;
4. contacts and address of the manufacturer's plant.

2. Check the documentation

Each batch of factory cement is accompanied by appropriate documentation confirming its quality and origin. The list includes the following documents:

• quality passport for cement with the date of shipment;
• conclusion about its physical and chemical properties.

At the slightest suspicion, ask the seller for these documents!

3. Make an examination

If you bought a suspicious batch of cement, contact a special laboratory for an independent examination. This is much more profitable than discovering flaws during the construction process, or then racking your brains on what to do with a cracked foundation or a delaminated screed, where underfloor heating pipes have already been laid.

4. Control your weight

The weight of a bag of cement cannot differ from that declared by the plant by more than 1 kg. Hand-packed bags tend to be lighter.

If the batch of packaged cement is large, selectively weigh it before buying.

5. Find out how the cement was stored

The seller of packaged cement must comply with the rules for its storage. Factory cement, as a rule, is packaged in special multilayer paper bags. Buy bags of cement without mechanical damage, because. When exposed to moisture in the air, Portland cement deteriorates. Check that paper bags of cement are stored on pallets, not lying in bulk on the floor of the warehouse and wrapped in plastic wrap. Only dry and well ventilated rooms are suitable for cement storage.

The shelf life of cement and the rules for its storage

Cement is a perishable building material. If you bought Portland cement in bags and did not immediately use it in construction, remember that:

• According to GOST, the manufacturer guarantees the quality of cement within 60 days from the date of shipment from the plant. However, with proper storage, most cements can be stored for more than six months without significant loss of quality characteristics.
• An open bag of cement should preferably be used as soon as possible.

At long-term storage wrap an unopened bag of cement, provided that it has not been saturated with moisture, in an airtight plastic bag. Store packages indoors on pallets, not outdoors. Change bags every 2-3 months. Check the quality of cement when buying Can visually. Open the bag. Scoop it up with your hand. Clench your fist. Good cement will flow through your fingers like water without clumps. The color of quality cement is gray or light gray. The mixture should be homogeneous, without foreign inclusions.

conclusions

The desire to save money and buy cheap cement in bags is understandable. But, in the race for low prices, it's easy to lose, especially when it comes to building materials. Bagged cement is no exception. there is a risk of running into a fake. Approach the choice wisely, analyze the information. Manufacturers' websites contain addresses and contacts of authorized distributors. Purchase packed cement directly from the plant or from its official representatives, who guarantee the quality by providing the consumer with all the necessary documentation.

The article tells how to independently produce self-mixing concrete of excellent quality.

In the video - How to choose high-quality sand concrete and determine its quality.