Messages and Online Forum Q&A

Re: Surface bonding cement

From: info@builderswebsource.com
Category: Concrete
Remote Name: 63.198.181.43
Date: 03 Jun 2001
Time: 11:58 AM

Comments

Surface bonding cement is a masonry mortar optimized for skim-coating concrete block walls. Some products, such as Quikwall by Quikrete, contain alkalai-resistant glass fibers to improve tensile and flexural strength, which helps to prevent hairline cracking. Since this product is designed for surfaces, it contains only fine Portland cement and, in some cases, sand. While the 28-day compressive strength can approach 3,500 PSI, we do not recommend this product for footings or foundation walls.

Rather, traditional cement mixtures based on Portland cement, sand, and washed gravel or stone are more economical and better suited for applications where the cement is more than 2" thick. Structural concrete, such as Quikrete 5000, is an excellent example of a high-strength concrete with early strength properties (1500 psi after 24 hours, 2500 psi after 3 days, 5000 psi after 28 days).

Building codes require a minimum compressive strength of 2000-2500 psi @ 28 days, but these are minimums. When it comes to your foundation, never skimp on the quality of the concrete or the steel reinforcement. Do it once...and do it right for a lifetime of peace of mind.

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