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Properly Curing Concrete Slabs

Related Links:

Why Build a High Quality Slab on Grade

Make Sure the Subgrade is Compact

Use a Low Water to Cement Ratio– How to Calculate Water to Cement Ratios

Properly Curing Concrete Slabs

The Three Types of Foundations

A case for allowing the time in the schedule to water cure

Special considerations for driveways, walkways, and patios

Be active in deciding where control joints will be placed

The Foundation Construction Process

Why Concrete Cracks

Why cure concrete. Curing serves two main purposes.

  • It retains moisture in the slab so that the concrete continues to gain strength

  • It delays drying shrinkage until the concrete is strong enough to resist shrinkage cracking.

Properly curing concrete improves strength, durability, water tightness, and wear resistance.

How to cure concrete.

  • Water cure:
    The concrete is flooded, ponded, or mist sprayed. This is the most effective curing method for preventing mix water evaporation.

  • Water retaining methods:
    Use coverings such as sand, canvas, burlap, or straw that are kept continuously wet. The material used must be kept damp during the curing period.

  • Waterproof paper or plastic film seal:
    Are applied as soon as the concrete is hard enough to resist surface damage. Plastic films may cause discoloration of the concrete-do not apply to concrete where appearance is important.

  • Chemical Membranes:
    The chemical application should be made as soon as the concrete is finished. Note that curing compounds can effect adherence of resilient flooring, your flooring contractor and/or chemical membrane manufacturer should be consulted.

All the desirable properties of concrete are improved by proper curing!

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