14 Jan 2026

Introduction

One of the most common concerns in masonry and concrete work is cracking after cement sets. Whether it's small hairline cracks or major splits, these flaws can impact the durability and aesthetics of your structure. Let’s break down why cement cracks and how to prevent it effectively.

1. What Causes Cement to Crack?

  • Shrinkage: As cement dries, water evaporates. If drying happens too fast, shrinkage cracks form.
  • Improper Curing: Cement needs to be kept moist for at least 7–14 days. Skipping curing leads to surface cracks.
  • Overuse of Water: A high water-cement ratio weakens the bond and causes cracking as water evaporates.
  • Poor Mix Design: Wrong proportions of cement, sand, and aggregate cause inconsistent strength.
  • Substandard Cement: Using low-quality cement that lacks fineness and binding properties increases cracking risk.

2. How to Prevent Cracks in Cement and Concrete

  • Use quality cement like Sarbottam OPC or PPC, produced with VRM tech
  • Maintain proper water-cement ratio (0.4–0.6)
  • Begin curing within 24 hours, and continue for at least 7 days
  • Avoid rapid drying in hot climates—cover with jute or plastic
  • Never use cement older than 90 days

Conclusion

Cracks aren’t just cosmetic they’re warning signs. Choose Sarbottam Cement for quality that reduces cracking risk, and always follow proper mixing and curing procedures.