Cement use by date - Critical or advisory

[BrianF]

Hi,

We are laying our patio but the progress is a bit slower than planned (full story when I upload some pictures later).
The cement purchased for the project has a use by date on it which is approaching (10th October).
How far past that date can I reasonably go before the product should be discarded and fresh cement used?
The cement is stored in my garage on a pallet and has been kept warm and dry.
Thanks, Brian.

[Tony McC]

I'd be reluctant to use cement more than a week past its Use-By date, and for critical structures (which a patio isn't) I wouldn't use any cement that was more than a day beyond its date.