HOW TO STORE CONCRETE

Storing cement improperly could render it unusable. In a bid to ensure your project runs smoothly, EasyMix are on hand to impart help and advice about how you can safely and responsibly store your unmixed concrete and leftover cement.

What is the difference between concrete and cement?

Concrete and cement are two very different things, and so they need to be stored and handled in specific ways.

Cement – this is an ingredient of concrete. It comes in the form of a powder which can be mixed with ballast and water to create concrete.

Concrete – this is made up of cement, water and ballast (a mixture of stone and sand). Once all of these ingredients have been thoroughly mixed together, concrete is produced and can therefore be used in a variety of different applications, both commercial and domestic.

How to store cement

It’s imperative that cement is stored properly as it could go hard and lumpy, eventually making it unusable. Here’s how cement should be stored and handled:

Storing cement

• Refrain from storing it in damp, moist environments. Instead, store them in a dry, enclosed area which is protected from rain.
• Stacking cement bags should be covered with tarpaulin or waterproof sheets.
• Do not store them on concrete or wooden floors. Put them on a raised surface which has been protected with an impermeable plastic sheet.
• Store cement bags separately. It’s important they aren’t placed with other products, such as fertilizers, as the quality and performance of your concrete could be affected due to contamination.
• Provide adequate ventilation – this could be done by placing the bags on pallets, if you have any.
• Rotate stock, especially if you have more than two bags of cement. The strength of the cement deteriorates over time, so always use the product according to the manufacturer’s date and use the oldest stock first.
• Any cement which has been leftover in half-empty bags (from a previous project) should be used first (if you’re starting a new project). If you have leftover cement following your project, ensure the cement is re-bagged in heavy-duty plastic bags (thick, layered bin liners should do the trick here). Ensure the mouths are securely sealed with string or duct tape and ensure no holes are present.

Handling cement

• Ensure cement bags are never dropped. They should be carefully placed on a flat, raised surface.
• Roll the cement bags over before lifting them. This can help to loosen the cement, therefore reducing the chances of the bag splitting.
• Do not carry cement bags at the ends. The bag should be supported on the underside, preventing the bag from sagging in the middle and subsequently splitting.
• Ensure cement bags are never stored upright or on their side. They must be laid flat with broad sides down.

Transporting cement

• To prevent the bags from being punctured or damaged, ensure all sharp objects are removed from the car before loading the bags into the boot.
• When loading, ensure the bags are stacked in alternate directions.
• Cover the bags with tarpaulin or waterproof sheets.
• Ensure the bags are secured properly to prevent movement during transportation.

Can you store mixed concrete?

In short, no. As soon as your concrete is ready to pour, it won’t be possible to store it. If the concrete isn’t ‘agitated’ by either a portable concrete mixer, a concrete truck or by hand, then it will begin to cure. ‘Curing’ can also be referred to as the ‘setting’ of the concrete, meaning it will eventually harden.

Once concrete has begun the curing process, it’s impractical and often dangerous to attempt to lay it again. Once hardened, it will be much weaker than concrete poured from a fresh batch.

Instead, you can order ready mixed concrete from us here at EasyMix. In order for you to receive an accurate amount, and to reduce waste and costs, use our concrete calculator. This way, we’ll be able to deliver an appropriate amount of concrete in accordance with the size and scale of your project.

By ordering ready mixed concrete from us, you won’t have to worry about storing, handling or transporting cement bags. For your ultimate convenience, order concrete from us today!

EasyMix are proud to supply Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Northamptonshire, Buckinghamshire and the surrounding areas with high-quality commercial and domestic concrete, concrete pumps and floor screed. With an array of different concrete types available, we’ll be able to help you with your project, regardless of how big or small it is.

For more information about the services we’re able to provide, get in touch with a member of our knowledgeable team today – we’re always happy to help.