Cement Block Curing

[Jawgarage]

Quick question.....cement block laid todY in low 50's temp. Tomorrow is due back in mud 50's. Tonight was supposed to stay in mid 40's and dry but now the soooo accurate weather folks say upper 30's with a hit or miss drizzle. No admixture was used in the Lafarge Type S mortar as it was above temp....and supposed to stay there.

So question is if I need to do anything to deal with the few degree drop in temp overnight and possible rain. Still calling for mid 50's and Sunny tomorrow. I have no access to heating blankets but could throw tarps over the walls....

 

[AndyCBR]

For laying the rule of thumb is 40 and rising. Since you are not dropping below freezing for any length of time I would think you are OK.

If you were laying in the 40's while it was dropping and getting down to the 20's or less that night then you might have an issue with the water freezing in the mortar prior to curing.

As far as the rain goes a little drizzle isn't going to hurt anything. A downpour is different prior to curing.

 

[Richard Cranium]

a tarp would keep the water off of them, but would also slow the drying of the mortar.

 

[Jawgarage]

Which is more important at this point? Water off of them in case rain is heavier than expected ir allow to dry faster. I was thinking at around 37 degrees and drizzling better to cover overnight and uncover after rain and back above 40 -50 tomorrow and sunny

 

[NUTTSGT]

Personally, I'd cover them if you're expecting rain this time of the year. Nothing like getting a few inches of rain, then turn into freezing temps and possibly busting the block.

 

[SteveCh]

I'd cover, just in case. Few more days, rain won't matter. You don't want the mortar to dry, you want it to cure. Moisture from rain isn't gonna hurt the curing if it's covered. If the rain is heavier than forecast, it's a lot bigger hassle to "fix" damage to fresh mortar than to toss some covering over the stuff and relax.