Construction starts from the basics. And most often this base is concrete, the main component of which is cement. The foundation, the walls – these structures must be strong and durable, because they hold the whole house. Therefore, the choice of cement materials must be approached with full responsibility. The brand of cement, additives, manufacturer – everything matters.It seems that cement is cement. A gray powder that is mixed with sand, gravel and water. But in fact, there are many varieties of it, each with its own characteristics and scope of application. Making the wrong choice can lead to serious problems in the future, including the destruction of structures.The foundation is the head of everything: the foundation is the most important part of the building. It takes all the loads and transmits them to the ground. Therefore, the foundation requires cement with high strength and resistance to aggressive influences (groundwater, frost). Most often, M400 or M500 grade Portland cement is used. The brand indicates the compressive strength of the cement (in kg/cm).For foundations exposed to sulphate waters (which is not uncommon), it is recommended to use sulphate-resistant Portland cement. If construction is carried out in winter, cements with antifreeze additives or special fast-setting cements may be needed. It is also important to consider the type of foundation (strip, slab, pile) – different structures may have their own preferences for the composition of concrete.Walls: strength and not only For the construction of walls (for example, monolithic concrete or in the manufacture of concrete blocks), the cement requirements may differ slightly from the foundation ones. Strength is also important here, but other characteristics may come to the fore, such as the rate of strength gain, thermal conductivity (for light concretes), and workability of the mixture.The same M400 or M500 Portland cement is usually used for load-bearing walls. For non-load-bearing structures, partitions, or in the manufacture of lightweight concretes (for example, expanded clay concrete), cements of lower grades (M300) or slag-portland cement can be used, which has less exothermy (heat generation during hardening) and sometimes better resistance to certain media. Here are some factors influencing the choice:- Load on the walls. Load-bearing structures require more durable cement.- Wall material. Specific types of cement may be suitable for light concrete.- Operating conditions. Humidity, temperature fluctuations.- Speed of construction. Fast-setting cements speed up the process.The correct selection of cement for the walls will ensure their reliability and durability.How not to make a mistake when buying?Choosing the brand and type of cement is half the battle. It is also important to buy high-quality material. What should I pay attention to? First, the packaging: it must be intact, with a clear label (manufacturer, brand, date of manufacture). Cement loses its activity over time, so you should not buy a material that has been in stock for a long time (the shelf life is usually no more than 2-3 months).Secondly, the color and consistency: high-quality Portland cement has a gray-green hue and is a loose powder without lumps. The presence of lumps indicates that the cement is damp and has lost its properties. It is better to buy cement from well-known manufacturers with quality certificates. Saving on such an important material can result in high costs in the future.The key to a strong home is choosing cement materials for foundations and walls – this is not the stage of construction where you should rely on chance or chase cheapness. The strength, reliability and durability of the entire building directly depends on the quality of cement. A well–chosen brand, type of cement and a proven manufacturer are the key to ensuring that the house will last for many years.Consulting with specialists, studying the soil characteristics and operating conditions will help you make the right choice. After all, a strong foundation and reliable walls are the basis for the safety and comfort of your future home.
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