Cement products shelf life?

[Steve Pippins]

The previous owner of my house left some sanded tile grout and Maximizer cement mix.
Both have been stored in my garden shed since 2004. The shed has kept them dry
but it is not climate controlled.

Do cement based products have a shelf life? Both the grout and cement mix seem OK.

Thanks in advance.

Steve

[Charles Wiggins]

Q. Is there any shelf life of cement?
Cement is a hygroscopic material meaning that it absorbs moisture In presence of moisture it undergoes chemical reaction termed as hydration. Therefore cement remains in good condition as long as it does not come in contact with moisture. If cement is more than three months old then it should be tested for its strength before being taken into use.

http://www.cmcl.co.in/cmclweb/faq.html#2


There is no exact lifespan or “shelf-life” of raw cement but I would recommend using it within 6 months of purchase if you DON’T require maximum strength, and 1 or 2 months if you do.

http://freeandhandy.com/on-cement-shelf-life/

[Tim Hoyt]

I remember when I made my first (and only, so far) concrete counter. I talked with a buddy that I respect very much. One of his tips was " I want my cement dust the same as my bread, fresh."