For domestic use, Portland Cement is furnished in cloth sacks and paper
bags. When furnished in cloth sacks, the price per barrel includes
the cost of the sacks (four sacks making a barrel). When the sacks
are returned in good condition, the amount charged is rebated to the
customer. Where cement is furnished in paper bags, the price also
includes the cost of the paper bags which, however, are not returnable.
Many cement users prefer their cement furnished in paper bags, as it
does away with the bother of keeping account of the cloth sacks and
sending them bade to the dealer for credit.
The paper bag or cloth sack of cement weighs 94 pounds, and four such
make a barrel of 376 pounds.
The storage of cement is very important. It must be kept in a dry
place. Once wet, it becomes hard and lumpy, and in such condition is
useless. If, however, the lumps are caused by pressure in the store
house, the cement may be used with safety. Lumps thus formed can be
easily broken by a blow from the back of a shovel.
In storing cement, throw wooden blocks on the floor. Place boards
over them and pile the cement on the boards, covering the pile with a
canvas or a piece of roofing paper. Never, under any circumstances,
keep cement on the bare ground, or pile it directly against the outside
walls of buildings.