Many faced a similar picture: after the repair work, there was unused cement, which became unusable over time. The substance has lost its effectiveness and original qualities, however, with an effort, cement can be used where large loads will not affect it.
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Period and optimal storage conditions
The substance has a short shelf life. In this regard, it is not recommended to purchase cement "in reserve". As soon as 2-3 months of storage have passed, the material loses its strength by about 15%, and after six months this figure decreases by 50%.
This is because the substance is able to absorb moisture from the surrounding air.
When exposed to carbon dioxide with moisture, a change in the chemical structure of the material begins to occur, and it becomes solid.
The plant requires cement to be stored in a dry warehouse, stacked on pallets made of wood or plastic.
Under these conditions, the storage period from the time of shipment from the factory should be no more than 60 days.
With long-term transportation and non-observance of the preservation conditions in the warehouse, there is a possibility of the delivery of building material for sale, which could already have lost its properties.
If paper bags with cement are packed in polyethylene, then the shelf life is longer. Hermetically sealed containers can be stored under similar conditions for up to 12 months.
You can also use an alternative storage method: pour all the material into a plastic or metal dish with a sealed tight lid, and tie it with polyethylene on top. In such a container, cement will retain its properties for one and a half years.
How can you "revive" cement
The compacted material, as a result of the reaction, loses its binding characteristics and becomes a cement stone. Hardened in a bag, it is not suitable for any work, so you need to try to introduce it into a different state.
First, roll the wrapped bag on the ground. Do not try to break the stone, nothing will change.
The texture of the pressed cement stone is not very strong, over time, with the help of external influence, it will be destroyed, and the material will be friable. Once this happens, you can use it immediately.
In what cases is it possible to use cement stone?
There are several methods for using hardened cement material in a summer cottage:
- When building any structure with a slight load, for example, areas for drying clothes, garden paths, when installing various posts. Thus, such a filler is used as an auxiliary, and not the main one. The solution is diluted in the ratio of three parts of the usual filler (crushed stone or gravel) and one part of the compressed cement.
- Small fragments of stone can be used when laying paving slabs, installing curb stones.
- The crushed stone is used during the repair of the local area: stone chips are mixed with a small amount of sand, and with the help of this mixture the pits are filled up.
In addition, ersatz cement can be mixed with fresh material in an appropriate ratio of 1:10. Spoiled cement should be crumbly. But it is impossible to achieve this at home.
Before purchasing, it is advised to make calculations for the use of cement. The time from the manufacture of the material to its purchase in the store should in no case be more than one month. Otherwise, it is considered to be of low quality.
Do you know where you can apply expired cement?
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