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Use Cement Australia Sand & Cement for: Easy and convenient mortar for small jobs, repairs, setting, and landscaping – just add water and you're ready to go.
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:
For General Trades Use:
- Setting shower bases and toilet pans: Provides a stable and level base for bathroom fixtures.
- Bedding garden edges and rockeries: Securely holds landscaping elements in place.
- Patching and repairing small areas of concrete walls, brickwork, and rendered surfaces: Easy to mix and apply for quick repairs around the home.
For Landscapers:
- Joint filling and/or bedding of pavers: Creates stable and aesthetically pleasing paved areas.
- Bedding garden edges and rockeries: Securely anchors landscaping features.
For Plumbers:
- Setting shower bases and toilet pans: Provides a solid foundation for plumbing fixtures.
For Bricklayers (Small Jobs):
- General bricklaying for small projects: Convenient for minor brickwork repairs or small constructions (note: adding lime or using Cement Australia's Mortar Mix is recommended for larger bricklaying projects).
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.
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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.
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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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cement Australia Sand & Cement
Q: How much water do I add to Cement Australia Sand & Cement?
A: Add clean drinking water gradually and blend thoroughly until you achieve a workable mix. The amount of water will vary depending on the specific application and desired consistency. Start with a smaller amount and add more as needed, being careful not to make the mix too wet, as excess water can weaken the mortar.
Q: Can I use Cement Australia Sand & Cement for bricklaying?
A: Yes, Cement Australia Sand & Cement is suitable for general bricklaying, especially for smaller projects. However, for larger bricklaying jobs, Cement Australia recommends adding lime to the mix for improved workability or using their ‘Mortar Mix’, which is specifically designed for bricklaying.
Q: What is the coverage of a 20kg bag of Cement Australia Sand & Cement?
A: One 20kg bag of Cement Australia Sand & Cement covers approximately 1.1 square meters at a thickness of 10mm. This will help you estimate how much product you need for your specific project, whether it's setting pavers in your backyard or patching a concrete wall.
Q: How long does Cement Australia Sand & Cement take to set?
A: The setting time will vary depending on environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity, which can differ across Australia. Allow the applied Sand & Cement to set to touch dry before finishing. Avoid walking on the area for at least 24 hours to ensure it sets properly and achieves good strength.
Q: Can I colour Cement Australia Sand & Cement?
A: Yes, you can colour your Sand & Cement mortar by adding the required amount of one of Cement Australia’s suitable Oxide colours (black, brown, or red) and mixing thoroughly. If mixing multiple batches, ensure accurate measurement of all ingredients, especially the Oxide and water, to prevent colour variations.
Use Cement Australia Sand & Cement for:
- Setting shower bases and toilet pans in bathrooms across Australia.
- Joint filling and bedding of pavers in landscaping projects for homes and businesses.
- Small bricklaying repairs or constructions around the home or garden.
- Patching and repairing concrete walls, brickwork, and rendered surfaces on existing buildings.
- Bedding garden edges and rockeries to enhance outdoor spaces.
Why Use Cement Australia Sand & Cement for:
- Convenience for smaller projects, eliminating the need to buy and mix separate ingredients.
- Ensures a consistent and reliable mortar mix for successful DIY and trade applications.
- Easy to use – just add water and mix – making it accessible for both professionals and home handymen.
- Available in manageable bag sizes, ideal for jobs with limited access or smaller material requirements.
- Backed by the trusted quality of Cement Australia, a leading supplier of cement products.
How to apply Cement Australia Sand & Cement:
- Prepare the Surface: Ensure the surface you are applying Sand & Cement to is clean and free of oils, grease, dust, and any other loose materials. Use a steel brush to remove any loose debris.
- Mix the Mortar: Empty the required amount of Sand & Cement from the bag into your chosen mixing device, such as a wheelbarrow or bucket.
- Add Water: Gradually add clean drinking water and blend thoroughly using a shovel or mixing paddle until you achieve a workable mix that holds its shape but is still easy to spread. Avoid adding too much water.
- Apply the Mortar: Apply the Sand & Cement to the desired area using a trowel or appropriate tool for your specific application, such as setting a shower base or bedding pavers.
- Allow to Set: Let the Sand & Cement set to touch dry. This might take a few hours depending on the weather conditions in your location in Australia.
- Finish the Surface: Once set to touch dry, finish the surface with a clean damp sponge, steel trowel, or wooden float, depending on the desired texture and application.
- Clean Up: Clean all your tools and equipment with water immediately after use to prevent the mortar from hardening on them.
- Protect the Applied Area: Don’t walk on the path, slab, or edges for at least 24 hours after placing the Sand & Cement to allow it to cure properly.
Cement Australia Sand & Cement limitations:
- Not specifically designed for large-scale bricklaying: While suitable for small bricklaying jobs, for larger projects, Cement Australia recommends their ‘Mortar Mix’ or the addition of lime for improved workability.
- Not optimised for rendering: For superior rendering results, Cement Australia recommends using their ‘Render It’ range of products, which are specifically formulated for this application.
- Shelf life: Has a recommended shelf life of approximately 6 months from the date of manufacture if stored correctly in a dry place. Opened bags should be used on the same day.
Safety precautions when using Cement Australia Sand & Cement:
- Lifting: Exercise caution when lifting bags to avoid personal injury. Consider sharing the load with another person for heavier bags.
- Skin and Eye Contact: Sand & Cement contains cement powder which becomes alkaline when damp and can be harmful to skin and eyes. Avoid breathing the dust and prevent contact with skin and eyes.
- Protective Clothing: Wear suitable protective clothing at all times, including eye protection (safety glasses or goggles) and gloves, to minimise the risk of skin and eye irritation.
- Storage: Store the product in a dry place, off the ground, and protected from moisture to maintain its quality and prevent premature setting.
- Dust Inhalation: Avoid breathing the dust. If dusty conditions are likely, consider wearing a suitable dust mask or respirator.
Megapoxy PF Rapid Set Epoxy Paste Adhesive can be used on the following substrates:
- Precast Concrete: For rapid bonding and repairs in construction.
- Metal: Including steel and aluminium, for fast, high-strength bonds.
- Natural Stones: Such as marble, granite, and sandstone, without staining light colours.
- Bricks and Ceramics: For quick repairs and installations.
- Compressed Cement Sheet: For rapid bonding in construction and renovation.
- Concrete Pipes and Tanks: For fast emergency repairs.
- Fibreglass: For quick repairs in marine and automotive applications.
- Concrete Floors and Stairs: For rapid patching and repairs.
- Concrete Columns: For fast, temporary repairs or anchoring.
- Fibre Cement Sheet: For rapid filling and bonding.
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