Using the right class of cement from the highest quality manufacturer will help you to build with long lasting integrity. No matter whether the project is to bring your home office blueprint to life or is even closer to home in the form of your DIY improvement plan, it is important that you choose correctly for your application.
What are the classes of cement from which to choose?
Cement falls into three strength classes which are 32.5, 42.5 and 52.5 and these strength classes include what is commonly known as a “N” or a “R” class. The “N” and “R” stands for standard strength gain (“N”) or rapid strength gain (“R”).
A recent edition of DIY Industrial and Trade News explains what these indicators mean practically and why they are important for an optimal build match:
“This is important to know as a structure that requires early stripping of formwork could benefit in being poured with a concrete containing an ‘R’ type of cement over an ‘N’ of the same class. The ‘R’ cement will achieve a higher early age strength.”
This blog focuses on 32.5 which is general purpose cement that enables you to build a diverse range of creations and structures. It is recommended for a mix of general purpose concrete, mortar or plaster whilst also being suitable for application for improved aesthetics and watertight concrete.
The strength development of a cement is not only defined by the composition but also by the grinding fineness. This classification takes place based on a compressive strength test after seven and 28 days.
Cement and Concrete SA explains some points of difference between the classes, “The cement 32.5 is indicated for application where a high strength is not required at an average ambient temperature (10–15ºC) and with construction of standard thickness (<50cm).”
In comparison, cements in the 42.5 class tend to be used when compressive strength of concrete at 28 days generally exceed 30N/mm2. These cements are also suitable for lower temperatures. Class 52.5 is used for applications where an even higher initial strength than class 42.5 is needed, for example, for the rapid stripping of prefabricated elements.
Choice for all types of ‘home’ concretes
Let’s start with class 32.5. Faced with complex product jargon and material specifications in the cement aisle, we can understand more about this cement class by learning about the General Purpose Product that we call Sephaku 32.
Look out for it in the bright and bold red bag with the massive 32 that makes it easy to spot on the shelf.
Sephaku 32 is a 32.5R (CEM II/B-M (L) or CEM IV/B-V) General Purpose Cement and fully complies with the requirements for a strength class 32.5R in South African National Standard (SANS) 50197-1:2013.
Remember that the ‘R’ in our product denotes rapid strength gain. In this cement class the addition of high grade cement extenders ensures professional quality, less water to produce a cohesive mix to achieve long term durability.
So being classified as a 32.5R cement means it is a general purpose cement that gains strength at an early stage but why is this good and what is good about our product?
Sephaku 32 is consistent, convenient and cost effective with easy to use workability, cohesion and excellent finishing plus lasting durability. This makes it ideal for making concrete for home or basic building structures as well as for mortar, plaster or screed applications. Manufactured with the highest quality clinker it delivers strong and steady benefits for your build with its versatility across a wide range of applications being one big reason that you can rely on it.
Another plus point about Sephaku cements is they have lower embodied CO2 as a result of a proportion of the clinker that forms the base cement being replaced by an alternative cementitious addition.
Inspiring Sephaku 32 mix for build ideas
With our understanding of cement classifications now in the bag, here are five ideas of build projects in and around the house that the Sephaku Cement team would enjoy. From cementing a concrete countertop to jewellery designs to creating planters for extra greening either inside the home or on the patio, Sephaku 32 is a strong choice in this category.
- Concrete table “firebowls”
While you can build a firepit with 32.5 cement these table “firebowls” warm our heart. They are compact and stylish and remind us of the important family conversations that are fired up around home tables.
- Concrete tealight holders
For a touch of subtle lighting with a difference, we like these tiny tealight holders that can either be stacked for a grey-gradient effect or placed alongside each other for a dancing-light effect over dinner.
- Concrete colour bracelet
Being brazen rather than bling, this iconic bracelet makes a statement of serious inner strength and a flair for being totally yourself.
- Concrete crayon to highlighter “tidypot”
This neat “tidypot” is an easy DIY project that you can work on with your kids or nieces and nephews, and you can tidy up with them as a treat afterwards.
- Concrete industrial-power workspace
Great for kids or moms’ and dads’ workspaces, this concrete desktop is a great space to show off your homemade concrete crayon to highlighter “tidypot” too.