Store cement dry, off the ground and away from walls, under a waterproof cover, and use the oldest bags first. Cement hardens when it meets moisture, and bags kept in humid conditions can form lumps that do not recover. If you buy by the truckload, storage is the first thing to plan.
How should you stack cement bags?
- Stack on pallets or a raised platform, never directly on soil or bare concrete.
- Keep bags about 30 cm from walls.
- Keep stacks to a sensible height so the bottom bags are not crushed. Many guides suggest no more than about ten bags high.
- Cover with a waterproof sheet and keep the sides closed during the rainy season.
How long can cement be stored?
Cement does not last forever. It is best used soon after delivery. As a general guide, many builders aim to use bags within about three months, and sooner in humid weather. Mark the delivery date so you use the oldest stock first.
How do you check if cement has gone bad?
- Soft lumps you can crush between your fingers are usually fine to break up and use for non-critical work.
- Hard lumps that will not crush mean the cement has absorbed moisture. Do not use it for structural work.
When in doubt, ask your engineer.
Storage for retailers
A truckload of CIMAF cement is 1,000 bags of 50 kg. Plan space and stacking before the truck arrives, and rotate stock with the oldest bags in front. See what a hardware shop needs before ordering a truckload and our bulk cement page.
Written by Mark Nii Barnor Adom. About the author