Working with cement? Avoid these common mistakes for better results!
Whether you're a DIY enthusiast or a professional contractor in Jamaica, working with cement requires attention to detail. Here are the 5 most common mistakes we see at Grahams Hardware – and how to avoid them.
1. Using the Wrong Water-to-Cement Ratio
The Mistake: Adding too much or too little water to your cement mix.
Why It Matters: Too much water weakens the concrete, while too little makes it difficult to work with and can cause cracking.
How to Avoid It: Follow the manufacturer's instructions on your Carib Cement bag. Generally, use about 5-6 gallons of water per bag of cement. The mix should be workable but not soupy.
2. Skipping the Curing Process
The Mistake: Letting cement dry too quickly in Jamaica's hot sun without proper curing.
Why It Matters: Rapid drying causes surface cracks and reduces the final strength by up to 50%.
How to Avoid It: Keep the concrete moist for at least 7 days. Cover it with wet burlap, plastic sheeting, or spray it with water several times daily.
3. Poor Surface Preparation
The Mistake: Pouring cement on dirty, loose, or unstable surfaces.
Why It Matters: Cement needs a clean, solid base to bond properly and prevent future settling or cracking.
How to Avoid It: Clean the area thoroughly, remove loose debris, and compact the base material. For repairs, roughen smooth surfaces to improve adhesion.
4. Ignoring Weather Conditions
The Mistake: Pouring cement during extreme heat, rain, or high winds.
Why It Matters: Rain can wash away the cement, while extreme heat causes too-rapid drying. Both compromise strength and finish.
How to Avoid It: Check the weather forecast and plan your pour for mild, dry conditions. In Jamaica's climate, early morning is often ideal. If rain threatens, have tarps ready.
5. Buying the Wrong Type of Cement
The Mistake: Using general-purpose cement for specialized applications.
Why It Matters: Different projects require different cement types – foundation work, plastering, and marine applications each have specific requirements.
How to Avoid It: Visit Grahams Hardware and speak with our team. We'll help you choose the right Carib Cement product for your specific project, whether it's Type I for general use or specialized blends for coastal construction.
Get Expert Advice at Grahams Hardware
Not sure which cement is right for your project? Stop by any of our four Jamaica locations or contact us for expert guidance. We stock a full range of Carib Cement products and can help ensure your project succeeds from start to finish.
Remember: Quality materials + proper technique = lasting results!