Selecting the right cement for your dream construction is crucial, as it plays a major role in binding the building materials, providing a proper finish, and improving the structural integrity. While there are numerous cement types available in the market, people are always confused bythe choices between white cement and grey cement. Both are types of Portland cement, yet they differ in colour, composition, texture, applications, strength, and cost.
This blog will explore the potential differences between white cement and grey cement and help in understanding which cement is best suited for your construction needs.
What is White Cement?
White cement is a type of Portland cement made from special raw materials such as defined limestone, clay, and other additives like gypsum. The raw materials used in the manufacturing of this cement are low in iron content, which gives it a white colour and more fineness. It has the same properties as regular grey cement and is mainly used for aesthetic and restoration purposes.
What is Grey Cement?
Grey cement, also known as Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC), is made from finely ground lime, silica, iron oxide, and additives. The grey colour of the cement is due to the high amount of iron oxide present in the raw materials. It has a wide range of applications in almost every construction process, such as foundations, concrete structures, and roadworks.
Comparison: White Cement vs Grey Cement
| Measuring Parameters | Grey Cement | White Cement |
| Colour | It is grey due to the presence of iron oxides in raw materials. | It is light in colour, resembling the white palette. This is due to the lower iron oxides in raw materials. |
| Texture | The texture of the grey cement is coarse and granular. | The texture of white cement is fine, smooth and powdery. |
| Manufacturing time | It requires less manufacturing time compared to white cement. | It takes more manufacturing time. |
| Cost of Manufacturing | The advanced machinery and technology in the process help lower manufacturing costs. | The cost of manufacturing white cement is high. |
| Energy consumption | The energy consumed for manufacturing grey cement is low compared to white cement. | The energy consumed for manufacturing white cement is comparatively high. |
| Purpose | The main purpose of using grey cement is for numerous construction purposes. | It is mainly used for architectural and design purposes. |
Advantages
White Cement
- It provides a bright, clean, and smooth finish to the structures, ideal for decorative and high-end applications.
- It acts as a perfect base for producing vibrant and colourful concretes, ideal for the preparation of vibrant mosaics, decorative tiles, and coloured flooring.
- This smooth and fine powdered cement is ideal for providing polished and refined surfaces, where smooth plastering and high-end tiling are crucial.
- White cement is highly durable and can withstand all types of weather conditions.
- The smooth texture it offers helps in providing high-quality pre-cast elements and moulding.
- The white plastered surface and flooring help brighten the internal spaces and improve energy efficiency.
- The manufacturing of white cement has a lower environmental impact compared to other cement types.
Grey Cement
- It is a more affordable and easily accessible cement type when compared to white cement.
- It is highly versatile and is used for almost every construction application.
- It offers superior strength and weather resistance, making it durable and long-lasting.
- It is perfect for small temporary construction to large-scale infrastructure projects.
- It is a highly reliable construction material that has been used for numerous construction projects for years.
- It is easy to mix with other aggregates, and its properties can be customised based on the construction requirements.
- It helps maintain the room temperature and helps in energy savings in some cases.
Disadvantages
White Cement
- It is more expensive in comparison to grey cement due to the usage of refined raw materials and the manufacturing process.
- It comparatively has a low compressive strength, making it less suitable for load-bearing applications.
- The clean and bright colour it offers is prone to stains caused by dirt, dust, and other substances, thus requiring more maintenance.
- It is not suitable for large-scale projects due to its low strength and high cost.
- The white cement surface it offers may discolour over time due to the environmental conditions.
Grey Cement
- The manufacturing process of grey cement consumes a lot of energy and contributes to a carbon footprint.
- The dark colour of the grey cement may not be ideal for decorative or high-end finishes.
- It offers a rougher texture, which makes it less suitable for places where smooth and glossy surfaces are crucial.
- The dark colour of the grey cement may not be ideal for decorative or high-end finishes.
- Poorly maintained cement applications are prone to cracks and shrinkage, affecting the structural integrity.
- It doesn’t provide adequate protection against chemical attacks.
Applications
White Cement
- It is used for creating decorative elements of the building such as countertops, sculptures, moulding and artistic designs.
- It is ideal for providing smooth and polished flooring surfaces for high-end residential, and commercial spaces.
- Plastering using this cement provides a smooth and aesthetically pleasing look for walls and ceilings.
- It is used for the production of precast construction elements such as facades, decorative walls, and panels.
- Used for the production of colourful, vibrant, and intricate mosaic designs and tiles.
- The high-end smooth and precise finishing it offers is suitable for exterior facades and other architectural works to create visually appealing looks.
Grey Cement
- It is commonly used in the construction of foundations, walls, and other structural elements of the building.
- It is ideal for large-scale projects like highways, bridges, dams, and airports.
- It is used for flooring in industrial buildings, where heavy foot traffic and equipment loads are crucial.
- It is widely used for manufacturing concrete blocks, bricks, and precast elements of buildings and infrastructures.
- It is suitable for making water and sewer systems such as concrete pipes, drainage systems, and other water management structures.
Which is Better for Specific Projects?
The choice of cement primarily depends on the application and scope of the project. If decorative and vibrant looks for your internal and external spaces are your preference, then white cement could be the right choice.
On the other hand, if versatility and durability are your preference, then grey cement could be the right choice. Grey cement can be used for large-scale projects, and white cement is used for high-end projects.
Conclusion
In summary, although both are Portland cement, they are made for different purposes. As we discussed, the decision to choose between them depends on the project scope, application, and cost. If strength, affordability, and versatile usage are your choice, grey cement can be used. If architectural aesthetic looks and high-end finish are your choice, white cement can be used.
Apoorva H P Achar