Cement Shelf Life

[efunc]

Real rookie question this, Building 101 stuff. I bought a few bags of Mastercrete last summer (2020) to lay some limestone slabs in a section at the back of my garden. Not really load bearing or anything, mainly cosmetic. Anyway, I know cement has a fairly short shelf life, but the bags have been kept under cover and are visually still like new. What could I expect if I attempt to use them? Will they not mix well, not cure well, produce weaker cement? Just wondering if it's possible to get away with using them or if I need fresh bags? Thanks

 

[JohnD]

Is it hard? Or lumpy?

Can you easily break up any lumps with your fingers?

IIRC Mastercrete bags have a plastic moisture resistant layer and are not plain paper. If the bags are unopened they should be fine.

 

[efunc]

No, doesn't seem lumpy, they're still dry. So is it only an issue if the ambient moisture has got to them and they've started to set? That's what I was wondering, because visually they seem fine.

 

[^woody^]

If it's powder, you can use it. That includes removing any lumps or lumps that don't return to powder when you squeeze them.

 

[efunc]

great stuff, thanks both