Which one should you use: cement or concrete

Although often used interchangeably, cement and concrete are not the same thing. As a homeowner, you should not get confused between the two. Cement and concrete are both necessary building materials depending on the structure you are erecting. Here, we share some of the useful insights on concrete and cement and help you understand the benefits of both these materials.  

1. Understanding cement and concrete

Cement is a powdered binder that is produced by grinding and mixing raw materials, such as clay, shale, limestone and others. Calcium silicate is the main component in cement. When water is added, this chemical reacts and dries into a solid and highly durable mass. 

Concrete is produced when cement is combined with aggregates, such as gravel and sand. When water is added to this dry concrete mix, it leads to the formation of an extremely durable and hard solid mass. So, the foundational material in concrete is cement. 

2. Benefits of cement:

Here are some of the benefits of using cement in construction – 

• Versatility: Cement is highly versatile. It is an important raw material for the production of various building materials, including mortar and grout. 
• Strength: Cement is the element that lends its incredible strength to concrete structures. It holds together the aggregates and ensures structural integrity. 
• Storage longevity: Cement can be stored for long periods, which means the product has an impressive shelf life. 

3. Benefits of concrete:

Here are some of the advantages of concrete and its use in construction – 

• Strength and durability: Combining the strength of cement and the aggregates enable concrete structures to show exceptional compressive strength. They are highly durable, which makes them suitable for use in the foundation of buildings and other load bearing elements.
• Versatility in finishes: concrete structures can support various types of finishes, including stamped, stained, polished and more. So, you have a wide range of options when it comes to the aesthetics of the structure.
• Thermal mass: Concrete instructions are able to absorb, store and release heat efficiently. This contributes to the material’s energy efficiency when used in buildings.  

4. Choosing the right material for the job:

The choice between cement and concrete depends on your particular construction requirements. You have to remember that even in places where you need to use concrete, procuring cement will be necessary to create the finished product. Small-scale repairs or masonry work usually involve the use of cement only. However, for large-scale projects that involve the construction of load bearing structures, concrete is more suitable. 

Looking for information on the top cement company in India?

Explore the cements from Nuvoco. They offer a wide collection of premium quality cements, such as Concreto, Duraguard, Double Bull, PSC, Nirmax, and Infracem. You can opt for cements that offer waterproofing capabilities and keep your home structurally sound for longer spans. You can also browse their cement collection for cements that offer superior finish. 

When you buy cement, make sure to use our cement calculator tool. Based on the built up area of your planned construction and the number of floors, our cement estimate calculator can help determine how many cement bags you require. It can also provide a tentative costing for the total required cement.