If you are contemplating a concrete job, you will find the practical hints for making concrete below very helpful and these could make a big difference in the quality of the finished product. So take the time to read these hints and do what is recommended and you will be glad you did.

In keeping you and the environment safe we also have some important safety tips about cement and concrete. Please also take time to read this information as some councils will fine you for breaches (up to $1,000.00), so this is very worthwhile reading.

Where do you get Premium Golden Bay Cement and builders mix from?
Have a look at the links at the bottom of this page.

We hope this helps you to make a good job of your project.

Cheers from the Golden Bay Cement team.

 Did you Know?

“Did you know Cement and Concrete are different?”

Cement is a dry grey powder you get in a bag.
Concrete is made by mixing in cement with some sand, small stones and water. This makes wet concrete which then goes hard.

Practical Hints for Making Concrete

Before you Start!

       Check:

Use Only the Best Materials

• Fresh Golden Bay Cement
• Ensure bags are stored in a dry place off the ground and locked away.
• Quality aggregates or builders mix.  Ensure stones and sand are free from clay, silt, soil or other foreign matter
• Fresh water fit for drinking
• Admixtures for improved concrete performance (optional)
• Colouring or coloured aggregates (optional)

 Did you Know?

"Did you know Concrete gets stronger the longer it is kept wet (or cured) after it is placed?”

Yes that’s true, concrete uses water to gain its strength. In the first 7 days, if you let it dry out, the cement does not fully react which affects strength. Keeping your concrete wet for several days will result in a higher quality concrete.

Concrete Mix

• If it's structural, the code or the designer will call for a specific 28 day strength
• Measure quantities accurately, we recommend a few buckets, not a shovel
• Use as little water as possible to obtain a workable mix
• Excess water weakens the concrete strength and durability and leads to higher shrinkage and cracking
• Typical concrete mixes are shown in the Quantities table below:

        Hand Mixing

1. Measure cement, aggregate and water
2. Thoroughly mix dry ingredients
3. Make a hollow in the mixed pile and then add 2/3 of the water
4. Mix thoroughly until you can see it's colour and consistency is uniform
5. Gradually add water and mix to desired consistency

        Concrete Mixer

1. Measure cement, aggregates and water
2. Place 2/3 of the measured water in the mixer
3. Add 1/2 of the measured aggregate
4. Place all the measured cement into mixer
5. Add the remaining aggregate
6. Gradually add water to achieve the desired consistency
7. Mix for at least 3 minutes

Quantities - 40Kg Bag

Placing and Finishing

• Make sure that the reinforcing steel is off the base and on the correct height chairs (spacers).
• If pouring onto the ground or compacted basecoarse, make sure it is flat and wet (no puddles) before pouring concrete onto it.
• If a damproof is being used, wetting is not required. Make sure the damproof and its laps are flat with no spikes, lumps, hollows or suspended edges to boxing.
• Compaction is essential for strength. Rod, tamp or vibrate to compact the placed concrete thoroughly.
• Screed off evenly and leave to allow excess bleed water to rise and drain off.
• Be sure the concrete has stopped bleeding water completely and the
surface is free of water before finishing with a wooden or steel float.
• Hot or windy days can make it look like the bleed has stopped.
• Trowelling or power floating while bleeding can cause delamination of the surface later.  Avoid over trowelling.
• A broomed, exposed or textured surface may be required for tyre friction or anti-slip safety in wet conditions.

Curing

• Keep finished work covered or moist to prevent rapid surface drying.
• Cure thoroughly by keeping work damp for at least a week.
• Don’t use paths for 3 to 4 days or driveways for 10 to 14 days, longer if cool.
• For strong and clean edges, leave formwork in place as long as possible.

   Important Information

Simple Safety Tips

• GET HELP TO LIFT THE BAG AND BEND YOUR LEGS, NOT YOUR BACK!
• Manual handling of these bags without due care and attention may result in personal injury. Prior to manual handling these bags, it is recommended that a manual handling risk assessment be undertaken for each person.
• Take care to make the work space safe from slips, trips & sharp objects
• Plan how the concrete will be moved to the work face, run good wheel barrows on planks if the ground is uneven.
• If a shovel is used for loading, stand square to the bowl face, to keep away from the mixer paddles
• Watch out for power wires overhead with pump booms or trucks.
• Avoid direct skin contact with freshly mixed concrete, mortar or plaster.
• Wear protective glasses, gloves, waterproof boots and suitable clothing.
• If you do get wet concrete or cement on your skin or hair, wash with soap and water within an hour.
• Use an isolating transformer or residual current device (RCD) with electric mixers or any other electrical equipment.

Environment

HELP KEEP OUR WATERWAYS CLEAN!

Although cured concrete is eco-friendly, uncured concrete or cement may not be:

• DO NOT ALLOW CEMENT OR SLURRY TO ENTER DRAINS OR NATURAL WATERWAYS
• Do not allow cement or water that comes into contact with uncured cement, concrete,
concrete slurry or wastewater, to go down any drains, waterways or into the sea. The high pH water can kill fish, insects and other aquatic life.
• Dispose of this bag away from waterways and in accordance with local council guidelines.
• Reuse or recycle where possible. Alternatively, ensure the product is covered with moist soil to prevent dust generation and dispose of it to an approved landfill site.
• For ways to avoid causing pollution, go to our website for more information.

Keep New Zealand Clean

First Aid

• IF medical advice is needed: have product label at hand.
• IF in eyes: rinse continuously with water for several minutes, remove contact lenses if present (and easy to do) and continue rinsing.
• IF on skin (or hair): wash with plenty of soap and water.
• IF swallowed: rinse mouth, do NOT induce vomiting
• IF irritation continues or rash occurs: Get medical advice/attention.
• IF inhaled and breathing is difficult: move to fresh air and keep at rest in a position that is comfortable for breathing.
• IF inhaled: If you feel unwell or are experiencing respiratory symptoms, call the POISON CENTRE or a doctor.
• Safety Data Sheets are available on our website

National Poisons Information Centre
0800 POISON (0800 764 766)
In an Emergency Dial 111

Seek Professional Advice

The technology of concrete and cement is extensive. Golden Bay Cement accepts no responsibility for these suggestions which cover the basics only and are no substitute for seeking professional advice for your project, before you start.