Cement Australia Sand & Cement offers a hassle-free solution for all your general-purpose mortar needs. This carefully proportioned blend of quality graded sands and cement eliminates the guesswork and effort of mixing your own mortar from scratch. Part of Cement Australia’s ‘Just Add Water’ range, Sand & Cement is perfect for home handyman tasks, landscaping projects, and plumbing applications. Its versatility also makes it an ideal repair mortar suitable for use with a variety of common Australian substrates like concrete, brickwork, and pavers. Available in convenient 20kg bags, it’s the perfect choice when job site accessibility is limited or for those smaller projects around the home or worksite.

Primer Information: Generally, for most applications with Cement Australia Sand & Cement, a primer is not required. However, ensuring the surface is clean and free from oils, grease, dust, and loose materials is crucial for good adhesion. For specific substrates or demanding applications, you may consider using a suitable bonding agent or primer as per manufacturer recommendations for those materials.

Cure Time: The setting time for Cement Australia Sand & Cement will vary depending on environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity, typical across different regions in Australia. Allow the applied mortar to set to touch dry before finishing. Avoid walking on newly applied mortar for at least 24 hours to ensure proper setting and strength development.

Coverage Rate: One 20kg bag of Cement Australia Sand & Cement will cover approximately 1.1 square meters at a thickness of 10mm. This coverage provides a good estimate for planning your material requirements for various small to medium-sized projects around your home or worksite.

Chemical Properties: Cement Australia Sand & Cement is a blend of Portland cement and graded sand. When mixed with water, a chemical reaction (hydration) occurs, causing the mixture to harden and bind materials together. The product contains cement powder which becomes alkaline when damp, so appropriate safety precautions should be taken.

Key Features of Cement Australia Sand & Cement

• Ready to Use – Just Add Water: Eliminates the need for sourcing and mixing sand and cement separately, saving time and effort for applicators.
• Pre-Blended for Consistency: Ensures a reliable and consistent mortar mix every time, reducing the risk of weak or improperly proportioned mortar.
• Convenient for Small Jobs: Ideal for those smaller tasks around the home, garden, or worksite where a full batch of mortar mix isn't required.
• Easy to Transport: Available in manageable 20kg bags, making it easier to handle and transport, especially to job sites with limited access.
• Versatile Applications: Suitable for a wide range of uses including setting shower bases, bedding pavers, patching concrete, and more.
• Suitable for DIY and Professional Use: Designed for both experienced bricklayers and home handymen looking for a reliable mortar solution.

Why Choose Cement Australia Sand & Cement:

• Saves Time and Effort: The pre-blended formula means you can get started on your project faster without the hassle of measuring and mixing individual components.
• Ensures Consistent Quality: Predetermined ratios of sand and cement guarantee a strong and durable mortar mix for reliable results.
• Reduces Waste for Small Projects: Buying only what you need in convenient bag sizes minimises material wastage and saves money on smaller jobs.
• Ideal for Hard-to-Reach Areas: The manageable bag sizes are perfect for projects with limited access where transporting large quantities of materials is difficult.
• Backed by a Trusted Australian Brand: Cement Australia is a leading supplier of cement and related products, known for their quality and reliability.

When to Choose Cement Australia Sand & Cement versus Alternatives:

• Choose Cement Australia Sand & Cement over mixing your own when: You have a small to medium-sized project, value convenience and consistency, or have limited space for storing separate sand and cement.
• Consider other options when: You require large volumes of mortar for extensive bricklaying or rendering projects, where purchasing sand and cement separately might be more cost-effective. For bricklaying, Cement Australia's Mortar Mix is specifically recommended. For rendering, consider their Render It range.

Trade-Specific Applications for Cement Australia Sand & Cement:

Application Information

• Required Tools: Bucket or wheelbarrow for mixing, shovel or trowel for transferring and applying, hose for adding water and cleaning, sponge, steel trowel, or wooden float for finishing. For mechanical mixing, a heavy-duty electric hand drill with a mixing paddle can be used.
• Trade-Specific Tips:
  • General Use: Add water gradually to achieve a workable mix – avoid adding too much water as this can weaken the mortar.
  • Bricklaying: While Sand & Cement can be used for small bricklaying jobs, consider adding lime for improved workability or using Cement Australia’s Mortar Mix, which is specifically designed for this purpose.
  • Patching: Ensure the area to be patched is clean and slightly damp to promote good adhesion.
• Common Issues and Solutions:
  • Mortar too dry: Gradually add more water and mix thoroughly until a workable consistency is achieved.
  • Mortar too wet: Add more dry Sand & Cement to the mix until the desired consistency is reached. Be careful not to add too much.
  • Poor adhesion: Ensure the surface is properly cleaned and free from any loose materials or contaminants.

Storage and Shelf Life

• Storage Requirements: Store Cement Australia Sand & Cement in a dry place, off the ground, and protected from moisture. This is crucial in Australia's varying climates to prevent the cement from setting or clumping.
• Shelf Life Information: The recommended shelf life is approximately 6 months from the date of manufacture, provided it is stored correctly. Once the bag is opened, it should be used on the same day to maintain optimal performance.
• Temperature Considerations: While temperature doesn't directly affect the dry product, avoid storing in extremely humid or damp conditions, which can lead to premature setting.