Common Mistakes to Avoid When Working with Cement in House Construction

Cement is an essential commodity in home construction, as it is used to construct the basic defining structures of homes, such as the foundation, walls, and floor. However, cement work is tricky, and it is vital to understand how to apply it to avoid future damage and instability of the construction. Below are some of the most frequent mistakes to avoid when handling cement in a construction field to enhance good results.

Incorrect Mixing Ratios

 

The other most important factor to consider when working with cement is the proportions of the mixture. The strength and lifespan of concrete rely greatly on the right ratios of cement, sand, stone, and water.

Mistake: Over or under-watering the mixture, for instance, adding more or less water than the recommended amount. 

Consequence: Water, especially in excessive amounts, is notorious for causing cracks and reducing the concrete strength. Inadequate water will lead to a stiff mixture that is hard to manipulate and weak bonding.

Solution: Ensure that you adhere to the manufacturer's recommended mix ratios or the normal concrete mix ratios. Typically, a 1:3 cement-sand-aggregate ratio and a water-cement ratio of about 0. 4 to 0. 6 are used.

Poor Surface Preparation

 

Preparation of the surface is very important to guarantee that cement sticks well and gets a good grip on the surface to which it is to be applied.

Mistake: The following are some of the common mistakes that people make when applying cement: Consequence: Dust, dirt, or grease do not let the adhesive stick properly, which may lead to delamination and the formation of weak areas.

Solution: Ensure the surface is free from debris and dirt before commencing the process. For repairs, it is advisable to rub the surface so that it will be easy for the new material to stick to.

Inadequate Curing

 

Curing is the process of ensuring the right amount of moisture, the right temperature, and the right time for cement to achieve the desired properties. Using the best OPC cement in India can further enhance the quality and durability of the concrete during the curing process.

Mistake: Failure to cure the concrete as it should be or even not curing the concrete at all. Consequence: When curing is not properly done, it results in a high loss of strength and durability, cracks, and surface defects.

Solution: For OPC and slow-setting cement, ensure that the concrete is cured for at least 7 days. Some ways to do this include spraying water, using wet covers, or using curing compounds.

Improper Temperature Management

 

Temperature is a vital factor in cement construction since it affects the placement and hardening of the cement.

Mistake: Concrete is poured in very hot or very cold weather without consideration of the climate's effects on it. Consequence: High temperatures increase the frequency of water evaporation, which leads to the structure's cracking and weakening. In cold weather, curing becomes slow or may even stop, and this affects the quality of the concrete.

Solution: During summer, it is advised to use cold water and try to work when it is not too hot. In cold climates, warm water should be used for mixing, and insulated blankets should be used to keep the structure warm during curing.

Overworking the Cement

 

This is more so if the cement mix is handled too much before being cast into the structure.

 

Mistake: Overemphasise the surface while refining. 

 

Consequence: This will separate the aggregate and the cement paste and give a poor surface finish.

 

Solution: Avoid overworking or over finishing concrete to the extent possible. Leave the mix to settle and set before performing the last operations.

Ignoring Expansion Joints

 

It allows movement in the concrete structure due to changes in temperature; it is usually in the form of expansion joints.

 

Mistake: One of the common construction mistakes is omitting expansion joints. The consequence is that if the concrete is not reinforced with expansion joints, it will crack as it expands and contracts

 

Solution: It is recommended that expansion joints be provided at proper intervals throughout the structure, especially in large slabs and continuous construction.

 

Employment of New or Substandard Cement

Depending on the cement quality, the construction will either be strong or weak.

 

Mistake: When construction is done with cement that has been in storage for quite some time or has been tampered with. 

Consequence: Cement that is either old or has been exposed to substandard conditions may have some of its characteristics reduced, hence producing weak concrete.

Solution: Ensure that the cement you are using is new and kept in a place free from moisture. Before using it, make sure that it does not have lumps and is not contaminated.

Inadequate Mixing

 

Uniformity of the components is paramount and, therefore, requires proper mixing of all necessary components.

 

Mistake: Poor mixing of the cement and the aggregates. 

 

Consequence: This leads to variations in the strength of the structure and the creation of areas of weakness.

 

Solution: Mechanical mixers should be used to mix larger volumes properly. For small portions, knead by hand or with a small mixer. For larger quantities, use a large mixer. Using PPC cement can also contribute to a more consistent mix, enhancing the overall quality and strength of the concrete.

Insufficient Support and Formwork

 

Formwork is used to shape the cement and keep it in the required shape until it hardens and gets its required strength.

 

Mistake: Curing concrete by pulling out the formwork at the wrong time or using low-quality formwork. Consequence: Early demoulding results in the structure collapsing or twisting, while poor ones can cause the structure to bulge or have an irregular shape.

 

Solution: For formwork removal, follow the recommendations in the code for post-examinations before removing the formwork until the concrete attains adequate strength. Ensure you use good-quality, rigid formwork to support concrete while hardening properly.

Ignoring Safety Protocols

 

These are some of the precautions that should always be taken when working with cement and other building materials.

Mistake: Not using protective gear or adhering to the set norms of safety. 

 

Consequence: Cement can be a health hazard, especially on the skin and respiratory system, if necessary measures are not taken.

Solution: Ensure that you wear a helmet, jacket, goggles, and gloves among others. To avoid the adverse effects of cement, ensure that the area is well-ventilated and that all the safety measures are followed.

Conclusion

These are some of the mistakes commonly made when using cement, and avoiding them can go a long way toward enhancing the quality of a construction project. Adhering to aspects such as ratios of cement to water, surface preparation, times of curing, temperature control, and safety measures creates a good structure. Thus, taking our time to establish the right procedures will help avoid damage and guarantee the success of the building projects.