Construction is a critical process that requires careful planning, designing and material choices. One aspect that is most overlooked suring the construction process is – the type of cement to be used. Cement not only holds the structure together, but your dream of building a home too.
Choosing the right type of cement ensures your home is infused with durability, structural strength and resistance to weather and wear and tear. This blog presents a simple cement selection guide to help you pick the best cement for home construction. The most important aspects to consider when picking cement are-
1. Types of Cement
Cement comes in various types and categories for different applications. The most common types of cement used in residential construction in India are:
- Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC): Gains strength faster in the early stages of construction, and hence is used during the formative stage of construction- mostly for beams, slabs and columns.
JK Super Cement – OPC (43 & 53) is ideal for use in the early stages of construction for superior base quality and strength.
- Portland Pozzolana Cement (PPC): Provides long term strength and enhances the structure’s resistance to moisture and chemicals, and is typically used for finishing work like masonry and plastering.
JK Super Cement – PPC Cement delivers long-lasting functionality, finishing and durability.
- Portland Slag Cement (PSC): holds protective properties against sulfate and chloride- ideal for coastal or humid areas.
JK Super Cement – PSC has been formulated to withstand aggressive environmental conditions, offering superior protection and durability.
OPC Cement is typically best used for main internal structural work in most home constructions, while PPC Cement is used for finishing and external work.
2. Purpose of Construction
Different areas of your home require different kinds of cement. Using the right cement for specific applications is critical in ensuring every corner of your home is built to last.
- Foundation & Structural Work- The foundation of your home determines its strength and longevity- hence, quality of cement is crucial.
JK Super Cement – OPC (53 Grade Cement) is the preferred choice owing to its high compressive strength and faster setting- best to use for columns, beams, and foundations.
JK Super Cement – PSC is best suited to coastal and industrial areas as it is endowed with chemical and moisture resistant properties.
- Roofing & Slabs- The roof is the first line of defence for your home and its weather shielding abilities depend directly upon the type and quality of cement.
JK Super Cement – OPC (43) is perfect for general strength, while JK Super Protect Cement acts as a shield against stressful weather conditions, especially in humid and rainy regions.
- Plastering & Masonry- The finishing of your home doesn’t bring just smoothness, but also prevention from cracks and leaks.
- Bathrooms, Kitchens & Damp Areas- Moisture-prone areas need water-repellent cement.
JK Super Strong Concrete Special delivers excellent performance in the early stages to add strength and durability.
3. The Location of the Home & Climate
The location of your home and the environmental aspects impact how cement performs over time.
PSC and PPC are ideal for coastal and humid areas due their moisture and corrosion resistant properties, but in hot and dry areas, PPC works best due to low heat generation during setting, and reduces thermal cracking in structures.
4. Prioritize Quality over Price
Budgeting is a good thing when constructing your home, but not for cement. On the hindsight, using low quality cement to save a few bucks can cost you your home and lead to exorbitant maintenance and repairs costs. Prioritizing quality will prove to be more economical.
It is important to always go for trusted brands like JK Super Cement, that have extended trusted performance in Indian weather conditions.
5. Consider Expert Advice
Constructing a home can be a tedious and daunting task that requires recce, research for quality cement, and understanding pricing. Hence, hiring a contractor or engineer is crucial to understand the nitty gritty of what goes into construction cement- the right application.
Cement isn’t just a product- it is a reiteration of how strong the foundation and the structure of your home is. Choosing the correct product can save you time, your hard earned money and your dream- choose wisely.