Cement

About Cement

Cement is a fundamental binding material for construction, repair, and maintenance projects across the building trade. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks a comprehensive range of specialist cement products designed to meet the exacting demands of professional tradespeople and DIY enthusiasts. The selection includes rapid-set cements for time-critical repairs, fire-resistant cements rated for high-temperature applications up to 1250°C, self-levelling floor compounds for substrate preparation, premixed sand and cement products for consistent results, and specialist masonry repair formulations.

Featuring predominantly Everbuild, a trusted British brand renowned for professional-grade building materials, this cement range delivers reliable performance across demanding trade applications. From Jetcem rapid-set varieties that achieve initial set in as little as 10-30 minutes to KOS fire cement for heating installations and flues, each product is formulated to meet stringent British and European standards. Whether undertaking structural work, urgent repairs, floor preparation, or heating system installations, MyToolShed.co.uk provides purpose-specific cement solutions engineered for superior bonding strength and long-term durability.

Applications

• Bricklayers and Stonemasons: Laying bricks, blocks, and stone in structural and decorative applications
• Heating Engineers and Plumbers: Sealing and repairing flues, wood burners, boilers, and high-temperature installations using fire cement
• Flooring Contractors: Preparing substrates with self-levelling compounds before installing tiles, vinyl, or laminate
• General Builders: Foundations, structural repairs, rendering, and general construction work
• Property Maintenance Professionals: Quick fixes and urgent repairs using rapid-set formulations
• Plasterers and Renderers: External rendering, floor screeds, and repair work
• DIY Enthusiasts: Patios, garden walls, interior repairs, and home improvement projects
• Restoration Specialists: Heritage building repairs requiring colour-matched cement repairs

Choosing The Right Cement

Application Type: Identify your specific requirement. Fire cement is essential for stoves, flues, and heating appliances exposed to extreme temperatures. Rapid-set varieties suit urgent repairs where quick curing is critical. Self-levelling compounds are purpose-designed for floor preparation, whilst premixed sand and cement products ensure consistent ratios for general building work.

Setting Time: Consider project timescales. Jetcem rapid-set formulations achieve initial set within 30 minutes, ideal for time-sensitive repairs. Standard cement provides longer workability but requires extended curing periods—typically 28 days for full strength development.

Temperature Requirements: For applications involving heat exposure, only use fire cement rated to appropriate temperatures. Standard cement will crack and fail under sustained high temperatures, making specialist fire cement essential for flue and heating installations.

Colour Matching: For visible repairs, cement colourants available from MyToolShed.co.uk allow you to match existing masonry tones, ensuring seamless blending rather than obvious patches.

Safety Information

Cement products require careful handling due to their alkaline properties. Always wear appropriate PPE including waterproof gloves, safety glasses, and respiratory protection when mixing or applying cement. The alkaline nature can cause skin irritation, chemical burns, and respiratory issues from dust inhalation. Cement dust is classified as hazardous under COSHH regulations, requiring adequate ventilation during use. Avoid prolonged skin contact with wet cement and wash immediately with clean water if contact occurs. Store cement in dry conditions off the ground, as moisture exposure causes premature setting.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between cement and concrete?

Cement is the binding powder ingredient, whilst concrete is the finished composite material made by mixing cement with sand, aggregate, and water. Cement acts as the adhesive that holds concrete together. Many premixed formulations require only water addition for convenience.

Can I use fire cement for general building work?

No, fire cement is specifically formulated for high-temperature applications and isn't suitable for general construction. It's designed exclusively for sealing flues, stoves, and heating appliances where temperatures exceed 1000°C. For general building work, use appropriate building cement or premixed sand and cement products.

Why won't my cement stick properly?

Poor adhesion typically results from inadequate surface preparation. Dust, loose material, or insufficient dampening prevent proper bonding. Always clean surfaces thoroughly, remove loose debris, and dampen porous surfaces before application. Using primers or bonding agents significantly improves adhesion, particularly on smooth or non-porous surfaces.