Concrete curing and sealing

[Lightningteg]

Hey guys,

I'm having concrete poured in my new barn in a couple weeks and I was wondering what you guys do for the curing process? I've read of a few different ways to do it. Some people spray water to keep the concrete moist &/or put plastic over it for a week or so. I've also read about roll or spray on cure and seal products which sound pretty attractive if it allows me to protect the new concrete finish as well.

Garage is mainly going to be a general workshop and storage for vehicles.

 

[ConCretin]

As you noted, there are any number of ways to cure concrete and most are effective. You are simply trying to keep the mix water in the concrete from evaporating before the concrete reaches strength. Concrete gains strength through a process called hydration, which requires the presence of water. Seven days is pretty typical but the concrete might not reach design strength for 28 so longer is better.

Curing compounds are fine and have the the advantage of being 'apply and forget'. Some products include a sealer but they provide pretty limited protection compared to more specialized products you apply later. Just be aware that you may need to remove the residue if you you ever want to coat or cover the floor.

My personal choice would be a curing fabric such as ConKure. Wet the concrete and roll out the fabric, which has bottom ply that retains the water and a thin plastic top layer that prevents evaporation. It almost adheres to the surface and will keep the concrete moist for weeks.

Be patient and do a good job curing your expensive new slab. In addition to achieving your desired compressive strength, curing will give you a good durable surface. Good luck with your upcoming floor placement!

 

[Lightningteg]

How quickly do I want to cover it? Contractor says he likes to do his saw cuts the same day as the pour. I would assume I would want it covered right after

Edit: found your FAQ and it answered that question. Thanks!

 

[ConCretin]

Glad to hear your contractor plans to cut the same day as that is the best method for preventing random shrinkage cracks. Start curing as soon as possible after he is done.

Edit: didn’t see your edit, lol

 

[Jlbc212]

With any concrete slab I've ever had poured or did myself, after the saw cuts were made I would dampen the surface of the concrete with a gentle mist of water and then cover the entire surface with 4 mil poly plastic. The 4 mil poly will "stick" itself to the moist surface. I try to leave the poly in place for an entire month. I've had great success with this.

 

[DTE]

I followed these guidelines and kept mine wet for 7 days , but I am home most of the time so that helps. http://www.cement.org/learn/concrete-technology/concrete-construction/curing-in-construction

 

[lakeroadster]

Hey guys,

I'm having concrete poured in my new barn in a couple weeks and I was wondering what you guys do for the curing process? I've read of a few different ways to do it. Some people spray water to keep the concrete moist &/or put plastic over it for a week or so. I've also read about roll or spray on cure and seal products which sound pretty attractive if it allows me to protect the new concrete finish as well.

Garage is mainly going to be a general workshop and storage for vehicles.

What's your location? You may need to ensure cold weather concreting practices are done.

Be careful about using any sealing products if you are planning to use an epoxy or other type of concrete covering in the future.

 

[Lightningteg]

What's your location? You may need to ensure cold weather concreting practices are done.

Be careful about using any sealing products if you are planning to use an epoxy or other type of concrete covering in the future.

Southeastern Indiana. Pour is the 31st. I believe it should average in the mid 40s to high 60s by then.

 

[rburke65]

Location and the 31st of what. All this don't tell us anything.

 

[Lightningteg]

Location and the 31st of what. All this don't tell us anything.

...Well it is March...and in my first post I say "In a couple weeks..."