Cement storage

Submitted by Pilgrim (not verified) on Mon, 20/09/2010 - 14:56

How long is the shelf life for cement and how long ahead of time can it be bought if using for blocks, mortar and foundation?

Submitted by Geoffrey (not verified) on Mon, 20/09/2010 - 23:38

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In general the shelf life of bagged cement is taken as 3 months (Ref. Australia's Blue Circle Cement's FAQ page). In humid Thailand even triple layer paper bagged cement shelf life is taken as only 1 month. Cement that is bagged in bags with a plastic lining could last up to a year. This is general information for ordinary portland cement that is used to make interlocking compressed earth blocks. For mortar for plastering or grout, a high-lime cement can be used which might have a longer shelf life. Modern cement producers print the production date on the cement bag when it is bagged. Using fresh cement is best. If older cement is used at least sift the lumps out with a sieve or netting.