Properly Curing Concrete Slabs

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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