Walls are one of the most important elements in a building. Besides serving as a space divider, walls also play a role in maintaining the strength and safety of a house's structure. Therefore, having durable cement walls is very important to ensure the building remains sturdy and comfortable to use over the long term.
Unfortunately, there are still many cases of walls experiencing cracks, plaster peeling, or a decline in quality just a few years after construction is completed. This condition is generally caused by mistakes in the installation process or the use of inappropriate materials.
To help you get durable cement walls, let's check out some tips you should consider starting from the construction stage below.
Tips to Make Durable Cement Walls
Building a strong wall does not just rely on using high-quality cement, but also on the right work techniques. Here is a detailed explanation of tips to make durable cement walls:
1. Avoid Rushing When Laying Bricks
Bricks are the main foundation for building a strong wall. Even though arranging bricks looks simple, this task should not be done in a hurry.
The cement mixture needs time to harden and reach its optimal strength. If the construction process is rushed, the water in the mixture can evaporate before the hydration process is complete. As a result, the wall may develop hairline cracks or even more serious damage.
If you are looking for ways to make strong cement walls, giving enough time to each stage of the work is a basic step that should not be overlooked.
2. Don’t Plaster Right Away
Many people want to speed up the construction process by plastering immediately after the brickwork is done. However, doing this can actually increase the risk of cracks in the walls.
It is better to give the brickwork some time so that the bond between the bricks and mortar becomes stable. After that, plastering can be done more safely and will result in better adhesion.
Also, plastering requires a lot of attention to detail. A smooth and even surface can only be achieved if the application is done carefully, not in a rush.
3. Adjust the Thickness of Wall Plaster
The thickness of plaster has a big impact on the quality and durability of walls. Wall plaster that is too thick will take longer to dry and may cause cracks due to shrinkage.
Ideally, the plaster thickness should follow construction standards and the condition of the wall surface. If there are uneven parts, just patch or repair those areas without having to reapply plaster to the entire wall.
Using the right plaster thickness is one of the key factors in creating durable cement walls and reducing future maintenance costs.
4. Wet the Bricks Before Using Them
One common mistake in construction is using bricks that are too dry. Dry bricks can absorb too much water from the cement mix, which weakens the mortar bond.
To fix this, bricks should be soaked or moistened before being used. This helps maintain the cement mix's moisture, allowing it to harden more effectively.
After the brickwork is done, you can also moisten it again before starting plastering. This simple method has proven effective for making strong cement walls and reducing the risk of cracks.
5. Avoid Placing Bricks Directly on a Concrete Floor
Installing a brick wall directly on a concrete floor without proper structural planning can cause various problems. The heavy weight of the wall could lead to floor settlement or damage to the supporting structure.
To prevent this, it is better to use a ground beam or structural element reinforced with steel bars and a quality cement mix. This way, the wall's load can be distributed evenly to the foundation.
This principle is also commonly applied to strengthen concrete walls, especially in multi-story buildings or areas that bear heavy loads.
Read also: Structural Walls: Definition, Functions, and Types
Advantages of Using Cement Walls
Cement walls are still a top choice in various types of buildings because they offer several advantages over other materials.
1. Strong Durability
Cement walls can bear loads well, making them suitable for residential homes, commercial buildings, and industrial facilities. With proper installation techniques, the wall structure can last for decades.
2. More Weather-Resistant
Cement walls are highly resistant to heat, rain, and temperature changes. This makes them suitable for use in various regions with diverse climate conditions.
3. Easy to Shape and Finish
The surface of cement walls can be finished with various options, such as paint, decorative textures, or special coatings. This flexibility allows you to create interior and exterior designs according to your needs.
4. Relatively Easy Maintenance
Compared to some other materials, cement walls tend to be easier to maintain. Regular inspections and small repairs on cracked areas can help maintain wall quality in the long run.
5. Suitable for Various Renovation Concepts
Cement walls are also very flexible for various home renovation projects. For example, when renovating your living room, you can add a new finish, update the paint color, or create decorative textures without having to tear down the entire wall structure.
Read also: How to Build a Concrete Wall for Optimal Durability, Take Notes!
The Importance of Choosing Quality Cement
Besides using the correct installation techniques, the quality of cement is also a key factor in determining the lifespan of walls. Using quality materials will help improve adhesion, reduce the risk of cracks, and provide better protection against moisture.
When choosing construction materials, many people also consider the most durable type of cement that can offer optimal protection against various weather conditions. Cement with water seepage protection technology is becoming an increasingly popular choice as it can help maintain the building's strength in the long run.
Creating a durable cement wall does not just depend on the quality of the materials, but also on getting the construction process right. From laying the bricks, timing the plastering, adjusting plaster thickness, wetting the bricks, to providing proper structural support, everything plays an important role in keeping the wall strong.
For better construction results, you also need to use quality cement that can protect against seepage and moisture. One option to consider is Semen Merah Putih Watershield.
The Water Repellent technology in Semen Merah Putih Watershield offers Triple Protection for your building, protecting against seepage from three sources (outside, inside, and from the ground), making your building stronger, more durable, and low-maintenance.
Contact us now to get the best construction solution for your project! We are ready to help you achieve project success with our top-quality cement products and services.
