just had the floor poured in my pole shed on friday. yesterday they came out and cut the control joints so its pretty dusty on top right now. im wondering if i should be watering it down everyday to cure. my contractor said to just shut all the doors and windows and leave it be for 10 days.
concrete curing in pole barn
- Thread starter kemske37
- Start date
ConCretin
Well-known member
Your concrete strength will be maximized if you prevent premature drying. This ensures there is adequate water is available to complete the hydration process.
The slab isn't exposed to sun and wind so it might be OK but I would wet the floor down and cover it with poly. You'll generally get to 70% of design strength in 7 days after which you can discontinue the curing process.
The slab isn't exposed to sun and wind so it might be OK but I would wet the floor down and cover it with poly. You'll generally get to 70% of design strength in 7 days after which you can discontinue the curing process.
Last edited:
ConCretin
Well-known member
That should be easy since he told him to do nothing.
Unless you have a pretty unusual warranty, I'd cure the slab.
Shadowdog500
Well-known member
Did he spray any curing agent on the concrete? It regulates how quickly moisture can leave the concrete and slows down the drying time.
Mine was cure sealed shortly after the control cuts were done.
Chris
Mine was cure sealed shortly after the control cuts were done.
Chris
trbomax
Well-known member
I rolled the cure and seal on mine as soon as I could walk on it without leaveing marks. Saw cut it the next day,hosed it down good and put another coat of cure and seal on it when it dried.I did the floor before th building though and it was in the sun,but 3yrs later and no stress cracking.
ConCretin
Well-known member
Good points about the possibility of curing compound. If your contractor did spray the floor, you are probably fine. 
Torque1st
MEMBER EMERITUS
It sounds like he felt the building was tight enough to hold the humidity high so I would just do what he said. You can always call him and ask whether you should sprinkle it or anything.
ConCretin
Well-known member
As I've said in previous posts, you are probably fine. The slab is not exposed to wind or sun and is curing in a sheltered environment but....
Keep in mind that spraying it with water and letting it dry out isn't adding much. Curing water is just a barrier that keeps mix water from evaporating prematurely. My advice is to keep it continuously wet and/or cover it with poly for a week or so. It's cheap insurance for a major investment.
Keep in mind that spraying it with water and letting it dry out isn't adding much. Curing water is just a barrier that keeps mix water from evaporating prematurely. My advice is to keep it continuously wet and/or cover it with poly for a week or so. It's cheap insurance for a major investment.
darkk
Well-known member
I kept mine soaked for 7 solid days. 2+ years no cracks...
Improved700
Well-known member
Poured my 25 X 75. Saw cut the next day. Applied sealer to half of the floor. Stayed off of it for a few days. Never put a drop of water on it. 3 years later, no cracking or flaking at all.
ConCretin
Well-known member
A lot of concrete gets placed without 'proper' curing and ends up just fine. Weather is a big factor. If concrete is placed in cooler conditions with little sun or wind, you can get by without it.
Curing is done to minimize shrinkage due to premature water loss and to ensure there is enough mix water present to achieve full strength gain.
You dealt with shrinkage with your saw cuts and obviously your concrete gained enough strength to be servicable.
Still, for an exposed concrete garage slab, I'd take the time to cure the concrete properly - it's just not worth the risk.