Important Tips for Proper Storage of Cement at Your Construction Site

Importance of Properly Storing the Cement

The choice of cement for your home forms the foundation of your entire structure, and this decision cannot be undone. Cement is the primary binding agent that holds your home together, ensuring its strength and durability. Since you have only one chance at home building, it’s crucial to choose the right cement and store it properly to protect your investment. Even the best-quality cement can lose its effectiveness if not stored correctly, undermining the very foundation of your home.

• Prevents Moisture Damage: Cement can harden if exposed to moisture, so proper storage is essential to keep it dry and effective.

   

• Maintains Quality: Storing cement in a dry, well-ventilated area helps preserve its binding strength.

   

• Extends Shelf Life: Good storage practices mean cement stays usable longer, minimising wastage.

   

• Reduces Clumping: Preventing humidity exposure ensures cement remains easy to handle and mix.

   

• Saves Costs: Preventing spoilage helps control expenses by avoiding unnecessary replacement.

   

• Ensures Consistent Results: High-quality cement leads to strong, durable structures, ensuring construction reliability.

   

Remember, you can change everything in your home, but not the cement. Choose wisely, store it properly, and ensure your home’s foundation is built to last. 

How to Store Cement Bags?

After choosing quality cement, the next critical step is to ensure it’s stored in a way that maintains its strength and usability. These best practices help you safeguard your cement supply and ensure it’s ready for use when needed. Here's how to store cement on site and handle it with care.

1. Keep it Protected from Moisture

Moisture severely affects the quality of cement. Cement must be protected from moisture from the ground and the environment. To prevent moisture absorption, store cement in a moisture-proof, elevated area. Cover the bags with 700-gauge polythene sheets, especially during monsoons.  Air-tight bags must be deployed for the storage of cement to minimise exposure to the atmosphere. The storage space or warehouse must be higher than the nearby locations to prevent water accumulating in the surroundings from entering inside. Always place them on wooden planks or raised platforms 150-200mm above the ground.

2. Properly Stack Cement Bags in the Cement Godown

The arrangement of cement bags should be conducive to easy stacking and removal. To store cement on site, ensure at least 600 mm of passage space between individual piles. Keep the cement bags close together to minimise air circulation. Limit the stack height to 10 bags to avoid lumping under pressure. The storage of cement bags on site should not exceed four bags in length or three meters in width. For stacks over eight bags high, tie them together and arrange them alternately length-wise and cross-wise to prevent toppling.

3. Handle Cement Bags Carefully

Avoid dropping cement bags or lifting them from the end. Provide support on the underside to prevent splitting and sagging. Roll the bags over before lifting them to loosen the contents to avoid splitting. When laying them down, ensure the broad side of the bags faces downwards. Proper storage of cement in the warehouse is essential to prevent damage and maintain the quality of the cement bags.

4. Never Use a Hook to Lift or Stag the Cement Bag

Using hooks to lift or stack cement bags has significant risks. Hooks can puncture or tear the bags, allowing dust and moisture to penetrate, degrading the cement's quality. Opt for purpose-built cement tools like forklifts, pallet jacks, or lifting straps for safe handling. These tools ensure secure and damage-free handling, keeping the cement in excellent condition for future use. Proper Storage of cement bags on site with these practices will help protect the materials from any damage during storage and handling.

5. Store Cement Bags Separately

It's essential to store different types of cement separately from other materials to prevent any potential contamination that could affect quality. Storage of cement bags must be done in a dedicated storage area, separate from other products like fertilizers, to ensure the integrity of your cement.

6. Use the Old One's First

Practice a first-in, first-out system in using cement bags. The oldest bags should be used first. A label showing the date of receipt on each stack of cement bags can help determine the age of the cement. While planning the storage of cement in the warehouse, arrange the bags in a way that facilitates their removal in the order they were received.

7. Store Leftover Cement Carefully

Leftover cement must be stored in half-empty bags and used first. If there is any excess cement, rebag it using heavy-duty plastic bags and seal the mouths with duct tape or strings to avoid holes. Proper Storage of cement on site ensures the quality and usability of leftover cement for future use.

Also read : Grades of Cement