THINGS THAT CAN GO WRONG WHEN THE WRONG AGGREGATE IS USED IN CEMENT
The degradation of cement is either physical or chemical in its origins and stems from the use of improper construction and building materials. Much of this degradation can be avoided by making use of reliable aggregate suppliers to ensure the mixing process is completed properly and with the right aggregate.
CEMENT CRACKING
Some form of cement cracking will not have a detrimental effect on the stability of a building. However, if the problem lies in something as crucial as the foundations you have a large problem on your hands. You may choose to avoid the mixing process altogether and get your cement slabs or building bricks directly from building material suppliers.
Cement Slabs for Your Foundation
The dangers of a faulty or badly made foundation usually lies in a cement slab that is cracking. Slabs tend to crack prematurely if the cement was not properly mixed with its correct aggregate. A cracked foundation can lead to anything from a flooding building to a building’s foundations shifting so drastically that it collapses. This is not a problem you can ignore and hope it will just go away. Better yet, make use of professional building material suppliers to avoid this happening in the first place.
Aggregate suppliers will advise you on and supply you with the best way forward when it comes to what the perfect cement mix would be.
CEMENT HONEYCOMBING
When mortar does not effectively fill the gaps left between the coarse aggregate particles in the mix of the cement it is referred to as honeycombing. It is called this because, as the gaps or holes appear due to the ineffective cement mix, it resembles a bee’s honeycomb. It is vital to consult your aggregate suppliers to ensure your cement mix ratios are correct to avoid honeycombing.
CEMENT SPALLING
This form of cement degradation is often referred to as “concrete cancer” where pieces of the cement slab begin to break away on its surface and/or edges. Spalling happens as a result of water penetration and salt from the atmosphere or already within poor quality aggregate.
Water and salt will cause the steel reinforcement bars to rust which will further deteriorate the state of the cement.
Depending on the depth of the damage caused by any of the above mentioned cement degradations your cement slab may need to be repaired or completely replaced. Keep the above problems in mind when visiting your aggregate suppliers to ensure that you have the right materials for your project. This way you can be sure that your project will stand strong for years to come.
For advice as well as construction and building materials and quality services contact Sand Shifters.