SLAB CURING
When you place fresh concrete it’s very sensitive and easily ruined. If you cure it properly it will be strong and reliable; neglect it, and you’ll be sorry!
In the first week or so after concrete is poured, you must maintain the proper temperature and dampness for proper curing. Curing is easy to skip in the instant but that will have a major impact on the quality of your finished work.
While curing is important for all concrete, the problems that arise from not curing are most obvious with horizontal surfaces. An uncured slab, whether decorative or plain gray, is likely to develop a pattern of fine cracks (called crazing) and once it’s in use the surface will have low strength that can result in a dusting surface that has little resistance to abrasion.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE FOR CONCRETE TO CURE?
The entire curing period of concrete takes 28 days but your concrete will be ready for use sooner. Each project will vary slightly due to differences in the weather, concrete mix and placement and finishing techniques.
When waiting for concrete to dry, keep these timeframes in mind:
24 to 48 hours – after initial set, forms can be removed and people can walk on the surface
7 days – after partial curing, traffic from vehicles and equipment is okay
28 days – at this point, the concrete should be fully cured