Cement is the most widely used construction material worldwide. It is an essential ingredient in mortar and concrete. Apart from this, good quality cement ensures that your construction is durable. It also takes care of longevity. Hence, when you buy strong cement, you need to ensure it is high-quality before purchasing.
One way to do this is to be cautious when choosing the cement bags. The following are a few things to look for in a cement bag to ensure it is of the best quality:
Packaging date
Check the manufacturing date mentioned on the package. Typically, the strength of cement decreases with time. Hence, it is crucial to buy new cement bags. It is also ideal to use the cement within three months from the date of manufacturing.
Cement grade
Ordinary Portland Cement is usually available in three grades. Each grade is suitable for a different purpose. So, when buying this cement variety, check the grade number on the cement bag.
ISO number
Cement companies usually print the ISO number on the cement bags. So, check if it is printed on the bag before buying it.
Seal of the bag
Before you purchase a cement bag, make sure it is sealed. Skip bags that are opened. To check if the bag is sealed, notice the stitching. If you see any tampering, it is best not to purchase the bag.
Maximum retail price
Check the MRP price printed on the cement bag before buying it.
Use of hooks
Manufacturers tend to add a symbol on their cement bags that says, ‘Use No Hooks’. This is because workers may choose to use hooks when transferring cement as it could ease their work. However, hooks will hamper cement quality since air and moisture may enter the cement bags.
Name of the brand
When buying cement, it is best to buy branded cement. It also helps if you opt for a reliable cement company in India. Usually, such a company possesses the relevant certifications and follows strict quality standards. Once you choose the brand, confirm the originality of the cement bag. To do so, check the spelling, the packaging details, the trademark, and any other details related to the company.
If you suspect things are different, like a slight variation in the logo or a spelling mistake, the bag is usually duplicated.
Conclusion
Being cautious when buying cement for your construction project can save you a lot of hassle. It also keeps you from purchasing poor-quality materials that could affect the construction quality. So, remember the points mentioned and check them before you buy the cement bags.
