Choose a cement whose declared applications cover the planned concrete, mortar or render. Check the strength class and manufacturer guidance, particularly where the design specifies a particular cement or exposure class.
Cement for Mortar, Concrete and Render
Cement is the binder behind many site-mixed mortars, concretes and renders. MacBlair stocks bagged cement for general building work, including Portland and Portland-limestone products suitable for applications stated on each product data sheet. Match the cement class and intended use to the project specification before choosing a mix.
For concrete, combine cement with the correct fine and coarse aggregate. Mortar and render use different proportions and may also call for lime or an approved plasticiser. Find the wider choice of building materials for structural and masonry work, then measure consistently and add only enough clean water to reach the required workability.
Keep unopened bags dry and raised from damp floors because moisture starts the hydration process and causes hard lumps. Projects involving timber framing and structural wood or roof construction materials should follow the relevant drawings and specifications rather than a general-purpose mix assumption.
Cement FAQ's
Work from the required finished volume and the specified mix design, then allow for normal waste. Bag count varies with the cement-to-aggregate ratio, bag weight and whether the job is mortar, concrete, render or screed.
Cement paste is not a substitute for properly designed mortar or concrete. Most building applications combine cement with selected sand or aggregate in controlled proportions to provide body, workability and the required finished properties.
Store bags indoors in dry conditions, off the ground and protected from moisture. Use older sound bags first, and reject material that has become heavily lumpy or has exceeded the manufacturer’s stated shelf life.
Wear waterproof gloves, eye protection and clothing that keeps wet cement off the skin. Control dust when opening and mixing bags, use suitable respiratory protection where needed, and wash splashes off promptly.