The construction of buildings is a process that requires not only the availability of certain skills and knowledge, but also the use of high-quality building materials. One of the main materials is cement, it is used directly in construction. In order for the structure to stand for a long time, it is necessary to use a good mixture. The construction market offers a wide selection of cement, differing in cost and quality.
Cement
An indispensable material for the construction and repair of structures is cement, which is included in building mixtures as a binder. This material appeared during the Roman Empire and has since been used in construction in all countries and has no analogues. Cement in translation means "broken stone" or "crushed stone", for its creation they use sludge, which consists of clay and ground limestone. The resulting sludge is fired at temperatures from +1450 to +1580 degrees, after which the resulting product is crushed to a powder state and mixed with additional ingredients such as gypsum and mineral additives.
As a result, an artificially created powdery material for construction is obtained, which, when mixed with water, forms a slurry, and when it dries, turns into stone.
Composition
Considering in more detail the connections of the product, one cannot but draw attention to the fact that it may differ depending on which country it is produced in. So, consumers can face the following most common components:
- various types of clays, loams and shale;
- chalk, limestone and other carbonate rocks;
- minerals used as additives are fluorite, asparite, silicas, alumina, fluorspar.
There is no specific formula for making a solution, since different manufacturers offer their own formula.
Properties
Cement has a number of specific properties that are due to the presence of certain components in it. Among the most basic are:
- strength is one of the main and important properties, this indicator depends on the fact that it includes components such as crushed slag or gypsum;
- frost resistance, the ability of the solution to tolerate temperature extremes, appears in connection with the addition of various additives that modify the composition;
- water resistance, solidification rate, this is taken into account when sealing joints and seams in an environment with high humidity;
- corrosion resistance - an indicator that is responsible for the ability to resist the effects of the environment on it, the most durable are those that are used for objects located underground or under water;
- sulfate resistance - a property that determines the resistance of the mixture to water enriched with sulfate ions.Especially taken into account in cases where buildings will come into contact with salt water.
The strength of the connection is affected by the size of the particles, the smaller they are, that is, the finer the grinding, the stronger the solution will be.
Kinds
Due to the fact that the composition can include a large number of different components, it is possible to find different types of combinations on the shelves, differing in properties and areas of application. The most popular types are:
- PC (Portland cement) is one of the most common, it is often used both in industrial production and in private. Suitable for finishing work and is considered universal on the shelves can be found under the brands M400, 500, 550 and even M600.
- BC (white and colored) differs from the others in that it has a color that is obtained when organic or mineral dyes are added to them. This composition is used for decorative finishing of buildings both from the outside and from the inside. Such a solution is suitable for creating artificial stone, sculptures and much more. Possesses increased resistance to the external environment, does not lose color and hardens much faster than PC.
- BTC fast-hardening, respectively, differs in that it hardens faster than other types. Another positive aspect is its resistance to low temperatures. BTC is perfect for work that needs to be done in a short time or at subzero temperatures, produced under the brands M400 and M500.
- Expanding, it includes gypsum, it is used when it is necessary to reduce the shrinkage of the building, since after drying, when the moisture evaporates, such a composition expands and thus compensates for possible shrinkage.
- NC (stressing), aluminates are added to it, thanks to them the solution acquires excellent strength, frost resistance and has increased waterproofing. A composition with such properties is used in the construction of serious structures such as bridges or buildings with a large number of floors, when the material dries up, it expands, filling all existing voids.
- HZ (alumina), has the ability to quickly solidify, is very durable, and is also resistant to significant drops in temperature. It is indispensable in low temperatures, especially if the situation is emergency. Also, the alumina solution is divided into several subspecies, one of which is gypsum-alumina, it is used to create concrete with waterproof, non-shrinking properties. The next subspecies is high-alumina, it is suitable for creating heat-resistant concrete.
- VRC is waterproof, expandable, has increased resistance to moisture and therefore is suitable for the construction of structures located in a humid environment.
- GF is hydrophobic, this species has a greater ability to repel moisture than waterproof. Due to this ability, it is used in the construction of swimming pools and other structures that have constant contact with water.
- Phosphate, it is made with the addition of phosphoric acid and oxides such as copper, magnesium, titanium. Such components make the solution so strong that it can be applied to metal surfaces.
- SS - sulfate-resistant is used in the construction of structures related to hydraulic engineering, but only those that do not have contact with ground and river waters. On the shelves of shops there are brands M400 and M500.
- ShPC - slag, slags are added to this, which significantly reduces the cost of the product, but in no way affects the strength. It is used in the construction of underground structures; a long drying period is distinguished from the disadvantages. Produced under the brands M300, 400 and 500;
- Backfill, with a high content of tricalcium silicate and tricalcium aluminate, is used for plugging oil and gas wells. In the construction of residential premises, it is not used.
The buyer should take into account the type of the purchased product, as this directly affects the scope of its application.
Application area
Cement is the main component of concrete and cement-sand mortars and therefore is widely used in the following areas:
- construction, erection of reinforced concrete and monolithic and engineering structures;
- individual construction, as a rule, the solution is used for laying the foundation, finishing work, erecting a fence;
- road industrial work, in this case we mean the construction of runways, piers, fenders and much more;
- for the construction of structures located in difficult places subject to heavy load, these include bridge supports, all types of piles installed in places with an increased acidity level, as well as exposed to significant temperature changes.
And also solutions are used in the mining industry, more precisely in the oil and gas industry.
Cement brands
So, on the packaging of products it is possible to find many designations, but the brand itself is determined by the letter M, followed by a digital designation corresponding to the tensile strength established during the tests. For example, the designation M200 indicates that the composition will withstand a pressure of 200 kg per cubic centimeter or 15 MPa. Also on the pack indicate the approximate number of additives included in the solution:
- CEM I, so designate Portland cement, in which the content of various additives does not exceed 5% of the total mass. It has a fast drying rate, so its strength reaches 50% the very next day after pouring.
- CEM II, Portland cement with this designation contains from 6 to 35% of impurities, in connection with this, the drying period is slightly longer.
- CEM III slag Portland cement, additional components contain from 35 to 65%, which is why the solution has an average solidification rate and strength of 32.5 MPa.
- CEM IV - pozzolanic solution, impurities in it from 21 to 35%, which is considered normal and suggests that the period of time during which the composition hardens is small, and the strength is not inferior to other types and is 32.5 MPa;
- CEM V is a composite mixture with a good hardening rate and a strength of 32.5 MPa.
Additives are indicated by the letter D and a number that follows. In addition to indicating the brand, the percentage of impurities, the packaging has a marking of the type of additives and is indicated as follows:
- And - limestone;
- P - pozzolans;
- Ш - slag - processed waste from metallurgy;
- З - fly ash is waste from energy enterprises;
- M, MK - microsilica.
The packages with the goods have all the indicators necessary for the consumer, thanks to which he can accurately select the appropriate composition.
How to choose a quality product
When choosing, you should take into account a number of points, thanks to which it is possible to choose the right mixture:
- Composition, among the main components are crushed limestone, clay, mineral additives. The components affect the properties of the product and the scope of its application;
- Strength is one of the important criteria when choosing; this indicator is indicated on the packaging label. Compositions M600 have the greatest strength; M400 and 500 are perfect for household needs.
- Cleanliness is an important part of consumer concern. Such parameters are denoted by the letter D and a digital denominator after it, for example, D20 will mean that it contains about 20% fillers and other additives. If on the package there is only the D mark, then it means that such a mixture does not contain any additives.
- The speed of hardening, this factor is taken into account depending on the work carried out, since sometimes it is required that the composition takes its original state faster, and in other cases it dries up more slowly. In this regard, manufacturers develop mixtures specifically with different hardening periods, as indicated when labeling packages.
- Packing, for dry bulk materials, manufacturers use bags or bags that are made of several layers of durable paper.If the solution is needed for construction work, then you should choose bags with a volume of 50 kg, but for minor repairs, packages from 5 to 30 kg are suitable.
- The period during which the mixture is good, oddly enough, but cement also has a shelf life, as a rule, it varies from three to six months from the date of packaging in bags. In order to make sure of the freshness on your own, when buying, it is recommended to hit the corner of the package and, if it has not turned to stone, then it was not stored for a long time and correctly.
There is one proven trick in order to purchase a decent concrete mix, it is worth contacting the nearest construction site and clarifying which solution they use, as a rule, large developers do not contact dubious manufacturers. You can also search for the nearest cement plant and purchase products directly from the manufacturer. Of course, there is a chance to encounter a low-quality product, but it is much lower than buying through stores.
Countries of origin
It is possible to find products from different countries on the building materials market, cement is no exception, it is produced in many countries. The most common mixtures are:
- From China, as a rule, they are of satisfactory quality, but the danger is that the shelf life is rather short, or rather only 60 days. The delivery of these products can take the same amount of time, or even more, and it turns out that upon receipt the mixture will already be expired. Another disadvantage is the packaging, it is of poor quality, and upon delivery there is a possibility of damage and moisture ingress, which, accordingly, will ruin the product completely.
- From Turkey, the quality of the product itself is not bad, but, like the Chinese one, there is a drawback, the shelf life is too short, and the packaging is of poor quality.
- Russian-made cement, as a rule, has excellent quality and shelf life much longer than imported.
- Without marking, the so-called nameless, most often such products have dubious properties, of course you can face an exception, but you should not risk it. Quite often, an already expired poured product is located in an unmarked bag, which undergoes preliminary additional running-in to create the appearance of better quality.
In any case, if there are doubts when buying, then you should first purchase a sample bag and look at the result, and if all is well, then buy the required amount.
The rating of the best cement manufacturers for 2024 is based on consumer reviews, as well as experts, it includes mixtures that are suitable for both domestic and industrial tasks. In order to make it easier to make a choice, all the listed brands will be painted with characteristics, as well as their pros and cons.
The best brands of cement M400
M 400: this brand is suitable for household decoration in a room, that is, for floor screed, wall masonry from inside the room. It is also suitable for waterproofing a room with high humidity. The strength of this composition can withstand medium loads.
OJSC Magnitogorsk cement and refractory plant
One of the companies that inspires confidence, the plant's products are perfect for the construction of both residential and industrial facilities. It is manufactured in accordance with the requirements of GOST and has quality certificates, and the manufacturer also gives a guarantee for the purchased product. The main advantages of the solution of this company are low cost and excellent quality. The company carries out delivery and does it in a short time, as it has a well-organized transportation system.
cement М400 МЦОЗ
Advantages:
- quality goods;
- low cost;
- presented in a wide range;
- the manufacturer provides fast delivery.
Disadvantages:
PJSC "Gornozavodskcement"
Russian company, founded in 1992 and engaged in the production of quality construction products that are suitable for use in various industries.The mixture has the ability to harden rather quickly, which allows construction work to be carried out much faster without compromising the quality of the building. Buyers can order a composition from manufacturers with the properties they need, delivery is carried out to any part of the country.
cement М400 of PJSC "Gornozavodskcement"
Advantages:
- high level of reliability;
- affordable price of products;
- buyers have the opportunity to order a composition with the required properties.
Disadvantages:
EUROCEMENT group
Another Russian factory that produces quality goods, it was an official partner in the construction of facilities, for example, a building in Moscow City, the Cathedral of Christ the Saviors and others. The company includes 19 factories located throughout the country and producing various types of cement, thus expanding its range. The company delivers to all regions of the country.
cement М400 EUROCEMENT group
Advantages:
- reliable company;
- reliable products;
- a wide range of;
- delivery to all regions.
Disadvantages:
Portland M400 Hercules
This brand is considered one of the best for floor screed work, it is highly durable and can withstand all kinds of loads. In addition, the solution has a high solidification rate, and within a day after pouring it is possible to continue the rest of the work. Thus, all repair work is carried out much faster, the solution itself is of good quality and a long service life. Also, over time, cracks do not form on it, which confirms the high quality of the product.
cement Portland M400 Hercules
Advantages:
- the product is environmentally friendly and has the Eco label;
- cement is suitable for use both in dry rooms and in those with high humidity;
- the composition contains mineral additives that increase the strength of the mixture;
- not subject to corrosion;
- retains its qualities for a long period;
- withstands low temperatures.
Disadvantages:
- comes in small packages;
- dry mix is good for two months.
Eurocement М400 D20 CEM II А-Ш 32.5
Cement produced under this brand is very popular among consumers. The composition meets all international standards and is popular not only in Russia, but also in other countries, suitable for both industrial and domestic work. Such a solution is suitable for creating floor slabs, reinforced concrete products, as well as for laying foundations and walls. The period during which the dry mixture is suitable is six months.
Eurocement М400 D20 CEM II А-Ш 32.5
Advantages:
- low price;
- resistance to temperature drop, moisture;
- quality product;
- long shelf life;
- wide range of applications.
Disadvantages:
TOP brand М500
If you are planning to fill the foundation, you should pay attention to cement grade M 500. Such a mixture has high strength and will withstand serious loads that appear during the construction of a building.
NOVAMIX
On the market since 2012 and at the moment it is considered one of the best for the production of this type of cement. The mixture is found on the shelves of many stores; it can be purchased not only by ordinary customers, but also by large construction companies. High technologies and high-quality materials are used in production, buyers can receive goods through delivery or pick them up on their own, which is convenient if there is no time to wait for delivery.
cement М500 NOVAMIX
Advantages:
- reliable manufacturer;
- quality material;
- suitable for both interior and exterior decoration;
- not susceptible to moisture.
Disadvantages:
Sebryakovcement
The plant is one of the oldest, was founded back in 1953 in the Volgograd region, its main task was to provide St. Petersburg with a mixture of cement to restore the city's appearance after the military destruction. In just a couple of years, the company expanded and began supplying products throughout the country.Today OJSC "Sebryakovcement" is one of the largest manufacturers and is in demand among small buyers, construction companies and not only Russian ones.
cement М500 Sebryakovcement
Advantages:
- wide range of products;
- great quality;
- reliable manufacturer;
- acceptable price.
Disadvantages:
Titan Cement Company S.A.
Titan Cement is a Greek plant for the production of cement mixtures and building materials, was founded in 1902. It is currently considered to be one of the largest companies with 13 factories, 64 own quarries, 25 distribution terminals, 125 ready-mix factories and 9 concrete block factories. All components of the products are of excellent quality, the finished product meets all international requirements and has papers confirming this.
cement М500 Titan Cement Company S.A.
Advantages:
- wide choose;
- produced according to European standards;
- high quality;
- each product undergoes appropriate control;
- excellent value for money.
Disadvantages:
This brand of cement with increased strength and medium speed of hardening is perfect for work at low temperatures. But it should be remembered that the colder, the longer it will harden. The cement is of high quality and has a long shelf life.
cement EuroCement М500 Extra Д20
Advantages:
- quality;
- easy to use;
- shelf life;
- shrinkage does not crack.
Disadvantages:
- the price of the product is quite high;
- as the temperature decreases, solidification occurs more slowly.
Stone flower М500 Д20
The best composition for laying bricks, pouring foundations and other significant construction work, has high strength. Among the incoming components, polymers can be distinguished, due to which the hardening period is reduced, and the appearance of cracks is excluded. To improve adhesion, glue and other additives are added, which also reduce the sensitivity of the solution to temperature changes and precipitation.
cement Stone flower М500 D20
Advantages:
- high-quality solution;
- suitable for all types of work;
- the price is not high;
- environmentally friendly;
- meets the requirements of GOST.
Disadvantages:
- not identified, apart from packaging, which is not easy to carry.
M600 brand rating
The mortar is characterized by increased strength and therefore is perfect for laying foundations in garages, in various parking lots, as well as in warehouses where heavy equipment is used or stored. In addition, it is used for the manufacture of concrete products, since its strength allows it to withstand high loads.
LafargeHolcim
Branches of this company are located in 80 countries and allow consumers to purchase quality goods suitable for the construction of structures of any format. There are 7 production branches on the territory of the country, which have lowered the price of products while maintaining quality. The products are manufactured using modern technologies under strict quality control.
cement М600 LafargeHolcim
Advantages:
- quality;
- durability;
- low percentage of impurities;
- hardens quickly.
Disadvantages:
Adana cimento
The company is located in Turkey and is engaged in the production of cement, the products are especially popular with developers located in the Mediterranean. Most of the mixtures are gray, and this composition is white. The color is affected by the mineral additives that make up the composition, they do not contain iron oxide, which has a positive effect on the appearance.
cement М600 Adana Cimento
Advantages:
- quality composition;
- modern manufacturing technologies;
- meet international requirements.
Disadvantages:
Rusean
The company is engaged in the production of building materials, including cement mixtures. This brand is suitable for the construction of residential buildings and other facilities and is in demand not only in Russia, but also abroad.The composition contains no more than 5% impurities, the rest is fired clinker, due to which the cement has high strength and resistance to cold temperatures.
cement М600 Rusean
Advantages:
- increased quality level;
- manufactured according to international standards using modern technologies;
- period of service;
- widespread use.
Disadvantages:
CimSa М600
Another brand of Turkish cement, which has a white color, this type is intended for finishing works that require a smooth and even surface. After application and drying, no cracks form, the mixture is not susceptible to environmental influences. It copes well with the protection of concrete products from corrosion, does not absorb moisture, is durable and resistant to cold.
cement CimSa М600
Advantages:
- reliable;
- suitable for use in all weather conditions;
- cracks do not appear;
- protects metal parts from corrosion.
Disadvantages:
Cement is necessary for almost all repair and construction, but the buyer should remember that it should be chosen carefully. How long the structure will last will depend on how correctly the solution is selected.