What are the types of white cement?
We can classify white cement into:
- Structural: used for structural and architectural projects and artifacts, and can be applied, for example, to beams and columns;
- Non-structural: in this case, its purpose of use is not architectural and can be applied to ceramic grout, in the manufacture of hydraulic tiles and other types of finishes.
What is white cement good for?
White cement is used for a wide variety of project types. In most cases, it can be used for the same projects as gray cement. However, its primary purpose generally concerns its role as a design element - not a constructive element.
Thus, white cement serves to add a highlighted and differentiated look to various works and projects, be it a white concrete floor, a garden path and details on a façade.
Generally speaking, white cement is used for many applications where whiteness is the main parameter of interest, such as dry mix products, tiles, artificial stones, concrete elements precast, among many others.
Still, it is widely used mainly for floors and ornamental products - such as statues, interior and exterior decorations - and architectural flourishes. Its light color also facilitates pigmentation, which is why it is often used to create colored concrete with very lively tones.
It should be noted that the use of white cement in Brazil, in general, is still somewhat restricted, especially compared to the numerous applications commonly made in European countries and the United States. However, with the advancement of technologies and the search for greater differentiation in certain residential, industrial and commercial projects, the material should be increasingly easily found on the market and more seen in various applications in the country going forward.
Main differentials of white cement
White cement differs from Portland cement common basically because of its color, since it has a cleaner and brighter color due to its manufacturing process.
This type of cement tends to have satisfactory properties in terms of strength, workability, durability, ease of handling and waterproofness.
White cement also has excellent aesthetic, decorative and hydraulic bonding properties. Another differential that is worth highlighting is the ability of this type of cement to be melted in any shape, which can make it ideal for use in monuments, sculptures and restoration of archaeological sites, for example.
When you and your client choose to use white cement in a work, one of the differentials of the project will be a unique visual impact in terms of design, both when finished in its characteristic color and when it is used to add color - the lively nature of this material is capable of absorbing bright reds, pinks, yellows and other vibrant colors.
White concrete made with this material is also very reflective, which gives it an unparalleled shiny appearance, whether exposed to sunlight or artificial light - although the glow generated via natural light is even more striking, making white cement widely used for outdoor elements.
Another important differential is that, when used for white concrete, it can eliminate the need for additional painting or finishing. Thus, it is common to save on finishing these projects and on time for their completion, without requiring the period for carrying out the finishing.
It should also be noted that white cement can offer other value-added contributions in terms of sustainability and improved safety.
Light or white surfaces reflect sunlight more efficiently than dark ones. The reflectivity of the median white concrete barrier is almost 50% higher than that of gray in rainy weather. In addition, at night, medium white concrete barriers increase visibility compared to gray concrete, which favors an improvement in terms of road safety.
In addition, the reflection of light reduces solar absorption and the consequent accumulation of heat, allowing savings in lighting and air conditioning of the environments in the projects and their clients. For this reason, this material has been used to cover buildings, reducing heat accumulation, generating long-term energy savings and contributing to sustainability projects.
Are there any drawbacks to white cement?
Essentially, the main disadvantage of white cement is the cost. However, as the decorative aspect is innate to the white concrete mix, additional finishing may not be necessary, which may balance the project's budget.
In addition, due to its appearance, any damage that occurs in your application or in the execution of the project may seem more obvious.
It should also be noted that it may not be the best choice for kitchen and bathroom works, since its mass is quite permeable and can absorb cleaning items over time.
Main opportunities for applying white cement in your projects
White cement is characterized by its versatility and multiple uses. It is mainly used in architectural applications that require white or colored concrete, in finishing operations, such as plastering, mortars and concrete, as the surface finishing of large panels and blocks, in the repair and treatment of sculptures and construction products, for building decoration, in the manufacture of marble and decorative marble-like surfaces.
Also, in artifacts that require a good level of detail, since white cement is more delicate and fine, giving an elegant and modern appearance. For this reason, it is often applied to ornamental pillars, for example.
White cement also finds application in repairing cracks in pools, flood control pipelines, and other underwater structures.
Os Plots white cement-based materials are also used to cover facades, as they are highly durable and require less maintenance than painted surfaces. The uniformity and purity of white cement are quite useful in some complex construction material formulations, such as joint fillers, insulation and anchoring mortars, waterproof coatings, etc.
In precast applications, white cement has been used especially on the exposed layer, producing a decorative coating mixture that is only a few centimeters thick.
Some of the popular white cement applications include:
Floors
Um flooring white concrete provides a texture with a naturally bright pigment. The advantage of using a white concrete mix is that it should not fade. In certain situations, painting cement gray may cause chips or fading over time.
Still, as white cement can reduce the need for lighting due to its reflective property, it is used for floor applications in commercial buildings, such as shopping malls, schools, offices, etc.
We can also highlight its application in a very trending trend in modern projects: the Granilite floor, a sophisticated option that can be produced with white cement and marble pieces. It has also been used for the coating of floors and walls made in Burnt cement, being mixed with pigments to customize the final look of the project.
sheathing
White concrete panels, typically on the exterior of a building, can be extremely attractive and reflect light effectively. This is a common application for commercial buildings or modern residential environments.
Patios and gardens
The luminosity and durability of concrete make it functional and aesthetic. A patio or garden path made with white concrete slabs can also withstand weather damage and promote a standout look.
Paving on highways
White cement is widely applied to roads to increase visibility on construction sites and promote more safety on highways. After all, it creates a strong visual contrast and provides an opportunity for passive safety in vehicle traffic.
Essentially, the use of white concrete is primarily a decorative choice. The cost of using a white concrete mix, in contrast to a gray mix, means that something other than functionality is needed to ensure its use.
Applications of white cement for architectural and decorative concrete
Architectural concrete products, such as block of masonry and cast stone, often incorporate white cement.
A key advantage of using white cement for decorative and architectural concrete is that it provides a neutral coloring base and consistent color results. All color options are possible with it, from pure whites to light colors and pastel shades.
In precast applications, white cement is widely used exclusively on the exposed layer, producing a decorative coating mix that is only a few centimeters thick.
Tips for producing and using white cement concrete in your work and artifacts
The mixing project for a concrete made with white cement must be developed taking into account two fundamental aspects: the aesthetics or surface finish (including photocatalytic properties, possibly) and the strength or structural suitability. In other words, the right materials must be chosen to create a delicate and refined balance between the components of the mixture and to ensure the rheological behavior of the resulting mixture.
Generally speaking, the steps required to make a white concrete mix are the same as for any other form of concrete. The main difference is that white cement powder will have a distinct white color compared to the more common gray.
This concrete is made from white cement, coarse-grained and fine aggregates, water and chemical additives, and it is crucial to follow the measures recommended by the manufacturers to achieve the expected functional and aesthetic quality. In addition, for the best possible results, the ingredients for white cement concrete must always be free of dust and any other foreign materials.
When placing a slab of white concrete, the process is also the same. The concrete is poured onto a gravel or sand base to make the foundation and it will harden and cure in the same way as other types of concrete.
White concrete is as quick and simple to make as any other concrete shape. An important consideration is that the sealing quality may have to be more accurate, as any imperfections will appear more obvious on the glossy white surface.
Also remember to always follow the manufacturer's instructions to the letter when mixing, this will help ensure durability and avoid problems such as bubbles and stains upon application.
Still, it's crucial to ensure that equipment for mixing and handling cement and white concrete is thoroughly cleaned before and during use.
Care to use white cement concrete in your works
The selection of aggregates must be careful, with preference being given to those colored with lighter tones - unless, of course, the desired effect is different, then aggregates of dark tones may be applicable and provide an interesting result.
Precautions must be taken to ensure that the mixture of aggregates remains as constant as possible between batches to avoid shading of the finished products, and that all aggregates are clean, free of clay, mineral powders and impurities.
The water to be mixed into white concrete, on the other hand, must be clean and free from organic impurities. The water-cement ratio remains high in white concrete compared to normal concrete and is critical to obtaining the final strength of the concrete.
It is also important to be careful when choosing additives. Common additives, such as water reducers, generally have little effect on color. However, there are some, such as those based on lignosulfonate or sulfonated naphthalene, that can leave the concrete yellowish white. The use of this type of additive may be important for your project to obtain greater fluidity to white concrete - superplasticizers they can be great allies for this.
Also remember to use shapes always clean, in order to avoid unwanted stains on the surfaces of white cement artifacts. Furthermore, the assembly of the forms must be done in a rigorous manner, taking care that problems such as the pouring of cream do not occur, which can affect the surface and the whiteness of the concrete.
Always keep in mind that, when opting for white cement, it will be necessary to deal with a greater potential for vulnerability to changes in appearance that compromise the project. Thus, armor shadows, for example, can arise due to coating problems and impair the expected final result. Therefore, it is essential to pay close attention and to strictly follow the recommendations for using the material in your works.
Why add this material to your portfolio options?
As we have seen throughout this article, white cement has several differentials and attractive benefits. It is versatile, has a modern and refined aesthetic, and has advantageous properties such as helping to provide more thermal comfort, among many others.
For your client, the aesthetic appeal, of remarkable beauty and rich colors, and differentials of refinement, will be evident. And despite the initial cost, white cement, especially for white concrete, can stand out for its long-term economic benefits and total construction costs. After all, its use can help save money in three main ways.
Firstly, it does not require any additional decorative treatment, since white concrete is not only a structural surface, but also an architectural one. In addition, color is an integral part of concrete and does not wear out. And finally, there is practically no more robust maintenance requirement in a white concrete structure. In some areas, rain will keep it clean and, if necessary, a wash will make it look like new. Where dirt and air pollution may pose a serious problem, treatment with products such as silicone will keep the appearance of the original surface for a long time.
Another point to consider is that working with this material can help you conquer new markets and offer an alternative of interest to your clients. That's because white cement can also help concrete compete on a new base with steel in certain civil construction projects, providing structural and decorative parts of a building in a single operation.
The beauty inherent to white cement concrete will offer the architect responsible for the project a much greater freedom of expression and, therefore, makes it an attractive alternative to steel structure construction.
The global white cement market reached the value of US$ 5.55 billion in 2020. And the perspective is that its use will become more comprehensive in works around the world. Therefore, for the reasons we have seen here, it may be worth discovering more about this material and how to incorporate it into your proposals and projects to further highlight the work of your concrete artifact company now and in the future.
So, has it become clearer now what white cement is, its applications and uses? For more tips like these, keep following our blog. And to increase the quality and differentiation of your work, check out the Blok solutions focused on concrete and cement.
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