General
How do you pronounce Cemcrete?
The name Cemcrete is a combination of cement and concrete and is therefore pronounced as SEM-kreet.
Read more about Cemcrete's story on the About Us page.
The name Cemcrete is a combination of cement and concrete and is therefore pronounced as SEM-kreet.
Read more about Cemcrete's story on the About Us page.
Our Finishes
Does Cemcrete give a guarantee?
No. Cemcrete is the product manufacturer only and all our products are produced fit-for-purpose. We are not in control of the application on site, however we 100% back the quality of our products, and if product failure is in question we will investigate thoroughly.
What is the lifespan of Cemcrete's finishes?
Cemcrete finishes installed by an experienced contractor can provide a new surface that will last for decades, especially when protected by a good-quality sealer.
Are Cemcrete's finishes for commercial or residential use?
Both. Cemcrete’s finishes are suitable for various project types.
Have a look at our Featured Projects page for some examples of our projects.
Why should I use cement-based products, like Cemcrete's, as opposed to alternatives?
Cement finishes are timeless, which is why they are gaining popularity. They're easily incorporated into current trends as they are an adaptable, solid base. A cement finish will mature over time and take on a life of its own – mottling and growing into a natural-looking work of art. The nature of this product lies in its application and physical properties, as the finish is applied, so its moisture is absorbed at different rates into the substrate. The final outcome is a finish with natural mottling and subtle movement. This adds to the adaptable earthy aesthetic of cement.
Here’s a list of some of the benefits of using a cement finish:
Are cement finishes cold?
Cement has an extremely high thermal mass, which means that it can easily store temperature. It is therefore good at absorbing and retaining heat during the day, and radiating it out at night when temperatures fall. On summer days, it can absorb heat from surrounding air and keep your home cooler.
In winter, using heaters in a room of cement based coatings, means that once the heater is turned off, the heat is stored in the coating for some time which lowers the usage of heating units and thus saves electricity. A fireplace will also warm up cement floors in the same way. Due to the smooth, sleek surface of cement-based coatings, other insulating items such as throw rugs and larger carpets can be used as not only extra heat insulation, but also add a changeable stylish element to your interior design.
Can I use underfloor heating?
Various types of underfloor heating can also be used with cement floors, for example, you can embed radiant heating cables in cement floors to keep them toasty warm in the winter. Or you can use water heating tubes installed beneath the screed. One thing that is vital to note, is that in essence cement is not a flexible material, therefore during heating and cooling so expansion and contraction takes place and you run the risk of the floor cracking. However, using slow and gradual heating solutions and rather leaving them on for the duration of winter can minimise this risk as the floor is exposed to less erratic temperatures. Stability is key. To read more in regards to which Cemcrete product could work, please see our Under Floor Heating Q&A
Will it crack?
The simple answer is yes - hairline cracking is normal. By nature, cement is not flexible. So movement and temperatures causing expansion and contraction may cause fine hairline cracks. This is part of the natural element and adds to the look and feel. Larger cracks are caused by a number of factors, but there is a much more complex process behind why they crack, and understanding these factors and taking certain measures in the planning and execution phases that can reduce the amount of cracking significantly. Hire a trained and experienced contractor and bigger cracks than that are unlikely to appear. When in doubt, contact us for applicator details or technical support.
Can the finish be applied on top of tiles?
Coating over tiles can be done with either CreteCote (interior floors only) or RenoCrete, however correct preparation is required, and the condition and type of tile play a very big role in the success of this application. Removing the tiles is usually a better and less risky option and may even be less expensive. Tiles such as slasto, clay and sandstone tend to flake and are therefore not at all suitable to be coated over and must be removed. Our best advice would be to remove the tiles and start from a sound substrate; however you can choose to go over suitable tiles at your own risk.
No. Cemcrete is the product manufacturer only and all our products are produced fit-for-purpose. We are not in control of the application on site, however we 100% back the quality of our products, and if product failure is in question we will investigate thoroughly.
What is the lifespan of Cemcrete's finishes?
Cemcrete finishes installed by an experienced contractor can provide a new surface that will last for decades, especially when protected by a good-quality sealer.
Are Cemcrete's finishes for commercial or residential use?
Both. Cemcrete’s finishes are suitable for various project types.
Have a look at our Featured Projects page for some examples of our projects.
Why should I use cement-based products, like Cemcrete's, as opposed to alternatives?
Cement finishes are timeless, which is why they are gaining popularity. They're easily incorporated into current trends as they are an adaptable, solid base. A cement finish will mature over time and take on a life of its own – mottling and growing into a natural-looking work of art. The nature of this product lies in its application and physical properties, as the finish is applied, so its moisture is absorbed at different rates into the substrate. The final outcome is a finish with natural mottling and subtle movement. This adds to the adaptable earthy aesthetic of cement.
Here’s a list of some of the benefits of using a cement finish:
- Decorative cement-based coatings are the perfect example of a synergy between beauty, sustainability and economy, which will last the life of your home. Cement is naturally an extremely durable product. It offers sheer strength which makes it the most crucial element on any construction site. Why, then, should you accept anything less for your surfaces? Cement-based products offer the same durability and strength as the rest of your building therefore generating tremendous longevity.
- Once installed and finished off with the correct sealer, your new cement-based surface is very easy to clean and maintain; only requiring damp mopping/wiping. A good quality sealer is applied to help resist water, stains, dirt and abrasives. Cemcrete offers a range of different sealers for various applications and needs. We also offer a CreteCare range of maintenance products, making caring for your surface that much easier.
- The number of colours, designs, and combinations in each product range makes Cemcrete’s cement-based surfaces a definite choice for any space - office, home, hotel, retail, and more. With the addition of CreteStain for even more colour options, as well as various sealers to add further effects (gloss, matt, slip-resistance, colour enhancement, and so on), you can never be let down on variety.
- Many decorative surface options might initially be inexpensive in comparison to decorative cement-based products, but cement will last much longer and eventually give you a better return on investment. Cement-based products such as Cemcrete’s rarely need replacement especially if properly installed and maintained.
- Decorative cement surfaces won’t hold any odours such as pets’ urine, nor harbour dust, fleas and mites which can lead to allergies. Cemcrete coatings are also non-toxic in that they do not emit any VOC's (volatile organic compounds).
Are cement finishes cold?
Cement has an extremely high thermal mass, which means that it can easily store temperature. It is therefore good at absorbing and retaining heat during the day, and radiating it out at night when temperatures fall. On summer days, it can absorb heat from surrounding air and keep your home cooler.
In winter, using heaters in a room of cement based coatings, means that once the heater is turned off, the heat is stored in the coating for some time which lowers the usage of heating units and thus saves electricity. A fireplace will also warm up cement floors in the same way. Due to the smooth, sleek surface of cement-based coatings, other insulating items such as throw rugs and larger carpets can be used as not only extra heat insulation, but also add a changeable stylish element to your interior design.
Can I use underfloor heating?
Various types of underfloor heating can also be used with cement floors, for example, you can embed radiant heating cables in cement floors to keep them toasty warm in the winter. Or you can use water heating tubes installed beneath the screed. One thing that is vital to note, is that in essence cement is not a flexible material, therefore during heating and cooling so expansion and contraction takes place and you run the risk of the floor cracking. However, using slow and gradual heating solutions and rather leaving them on for the duration of winter can minimise this risk as the floor is exposed to less erratic temperatures. Stability is key. To read more in regards to which Cemcrete product could work, please see our Under Floor Heating Q&A
Will it crack?
The simple answer is yes - hairline cracking is normal. By nature, cement is not flexible. So movement and temperatures causing expansion and contraction may cause fine hairline cracks. This is part of the natural element and adds to the look and feel. Larger cracks are caused by a number of factors, but there is a much more complex process behind why they crack, and understanding these factors and taking certain measures in the planning and execution phases that can reduce the amount of cracking significantly. Hire a trained and experienced contractor and bigger cracks than that are unlikely to appear. When in doubt, contact us for applicator details or technical support.
Can the finish be applied on top of tiles?
Coating over tiles can be done with either CreteCote (interior floors only) or RenoCrete, however correct preparation is required, and the condition and type of tile play a very big role in the success of this application. Removing the tiles is usually a better and less risky option and may even be less expensive. Tiles such as slasto, clay and sandstone tend to flake and are therefore not at all suitable to be coated over and must be removed. Our best advice would be to remove the tiles and start from a sound substrate; however you can choose to go over suitable tiles at your own risk.
Application Process
Does Cemcrete apply the products?
Cemcrete is the product manufacturers only, however we can put you in touch with contractors in your area.
To request contractor details click here.
Can I apply / install Cemcrete products myself?
Cemcrete products are not DIY, however we do have certain products that are easier to apply than others. We always recommend using a trained contractor to do the application, but if you need more information regarding the application of a Cemcrete product, please download the product datasheets.
For independent contractor details click here.
Can my builder do the application?
If your builder has experience working with Cemcrete products and you feel confident in using them to do the application, then yes. Your builder can also attend our demo days hosted at our Academy in Johannesburg.
Click here to book a demo day.
Cemcrete is the product manufacturers only, however we can put you in touch with contractors in your area.
To request contractor details click here.
Can I apply / install Cemcrete products myself?
Cemcrete products are not DIY, however we do have certain products that are easier to apply than others. We always recommend using a trained contractor to do the application, but if you need more information regarding the application of a Cemcrete product, please download the product datasheets.
For independent contractor details click here.
Can my builder do the application?
If your builder has experience working with Cemcrete products and you feel confident in using them to do the application, then yes. Your builder can also attend our demo days hosted at our Academy in Johannesburg.
Click here to book a demo day.
Pricing
What are the costs of your products?
Cemcrete manufacture only, so the prices we can provide are for products only, and do not include application / installation. If you require a price for product & labour for a project please click here to receive the details of the third-party applicators for your area. As Cemcrete products are distributed across South Africa and across our borders the product prices will vary according to area / region / country.
What are the fully installed costs?
Cemcrete manufacture only, we can however provide you with an indication of the price including application / installation. As Cemcrete products are distributed across South Africa and across our borders the installation prices will vary according to area / region / country.
For an indication of installed costs contact your closest Cemcrete branch.
Cemcrete manufacture only, so the prices we can provide are for products only, and do not include application / installation. If you require a price for product & labour for a project please click here to receive the details of the third-party applicators for your area. As Cemcrete products are distributed across South Africa and across our borders the product prices will vary according to area / region / country.
What are the fully installed costs?
Cemcrete manufacture only, we can however provide you with an indication of the price including application / installation. As Cemcrete products are distributed across South Africa and across our borders the installation prices will vary according to area / region / country.
For an indication of installed costs contact your closest Cemcrete branch.
Maintenance
Are Cemcrete finishes difficult to maintain?
While Cemcrete finishes are relatively easy to care for when compared with other types of finishes, they do require some maintenance. How much maintenance your finish will need largely depends on the amount of traffic it receives. For some handy tips click here.
While Cemcrete finishes are relatively easy to care for when compared with other types of finishes, they do require some maintenance. How much maintenance your finish will need largely depends on the amount of traffic it receives. For some handy tips click here.
Contractors
Do the Cemcrete contractors give guarantees?
The contractors are independent, and some do give guarantees on their work.
Do the contractors work for Cemcrete?
No. They are independent companies / legal entities.
Can I become a contractor?
Cemcrete follows strict criteria for new applicators who are interested in joining our network. If you are a specialized builder, contractor or applicator that would like to learn more about our products and our service offerings, please complete a form here and we will put you in touch with your relative sales representative.
The contractors are independent, and some do give guarantees on their work.
Do the contractors work for Cemcrete?
No. They are independent companies / legal entities.
Can I become a contractor?
Cemcrete follows strict criteria for new applicators who are interested in joining our network. If you are a specialized builder, contractor or applicator that would like to learn more about our products and our service offerings, please complete a form here and we will put you in touch with your relative sales representative.