Q&A for How to Cure Concrete

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  • Question
    What is the best weather for concrete to cure?
    Alberto DeJesus
    Construction Specialist
    Alberto DeJesus is a Construction Specialist and the CEO of DeJesus Industries. With more than four years of experience, he specializes in high-end real estate development and construction. Alberto and DeJesus Industries have been featured on NBC News and have worked with numerous well-known companies, including Mazda, Amazon, and CVS. Alberto holds a Bachelor’s degree from Boston University.
    Construction Specialist
    Expert Answer
    Around 50°F (10°C) is a good temperature for curing concrete. Just make sure that it hasn't rained recently or heavily around the time of your project.
  • Question
    How long before I can put back cabinets on the new garage floor?
    Community Answer
    Depends on the mix, but usually 24 hours. You may want to water cure the slab for a few days. If this is the case, you should wait until finished water curing.
  • Question
    Which concrete mix uses the greatest amount of cement per cubic yard?
    Community Answer
    In today's world, concrete is sold in units of psi. For example: Most places require at least 2000 psi concrete for such things as footers, and slabs (like floors) will be at least 3000 psi. Basically, the higher the psi, the more cement is used. A local concrete company in your area can expertly guide you for the proper mix for your project.
  • Question
    I poured 4" of cement over the existing concrete on my screen porch six weeks ago, and there are still some gray areas. What can I do to speed up drying?
    Community Answer
    It's best if you don't try to speed it up. Be patient and wait it out. "Pushing" a cure will weaken it.
  • Question
    What is the best way to cure cement that is being used for a light traffic walkway?
    Community Answer
    Spray a white or clear curing compound on it. The public could walk on it the next day. You can get it from The Home Depot or White Cap.
  • Question
    What is the curing time for a foundation before a steel frame can be installed?
    Community Answer
    It completely depends on the steel frame project you have in mind. We've done monolithic pours (footers and slab in one pour) and been able to start erecting steel buildings within a couple of days.
  • Question
    How do I prevent concrete from deteriorating?
    Community Answer
    Seal it once or twice a year. If it's a driveway, try to get salt off of it immediately during winter.
  • Question
    How do I keep my concrete moist?
    Community Answer
    Apply clean water. Spray the water directly onto the concrete using a fan spray nozzle. Keep the concrete wet usually on an hourly basis.
  • Question
    Where can I get the curing compounds?
    Community Answer
    They're readily available from home improvement stores, Wal-Mart, and many other places. Be sure to follow the directions!
  • Question
    What is the sticky substance on colored concrete when it's drying?
    Community Answer
    It's most likely an agent used to slow curing of the concrete (slows evaporation of water). It's probably more waxy than sticky.
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