Once you’ve poured your concrete, that is only the start of the journey, and you’re probably going to have to wait several weeks before it will be ready for the next stage.

In a recent article, we explored the subject of concrete setting, how long does it take for concrete to set and how this involves two separate processes – drying and curing.

In this article, we’re going to look at concrete curing in more detail, to find out what it is and what you need to do to ensure your concrete cures to provide the strength and durability you require for your project.

What is concrete curing?

Curing freshly poured concrete ensures it maintains the right temperature and levels of moisture to undergo the chemical processes needed for it to reach its required strength.

If it dries too quickly, it might crack, become brittle and lose its structural integrity. Drying too slowly is just as bad, but with the added frustration of having to wait until you can proceed to the next stage.

What are the benefits of curing concrete?

At its most basic level, an optimal curing process makes stronger concrete that lasts for longer. But what does that mean in practice? These are just a few of the benefits you get from curing your concrete properly.

• Greater concrete strength
• Enhanced resistance to cracking
• Enhanced resistance to frost
• Enhanced resistance to contraction through heat
• Greater durability
• Less surface erosion

How to properly cure concrete

As mentioned earlier, curing your concrete is all about getting the right balance of moisture and temperature. So how do you achieve this?

Adding and maintaining moisture

The first seven to ten days are the most crucial – in this time, you don’t want the surface to completely dry out. Water curing – or misting – the concrete helps to keep the surface damp and the moisture levels where you want them.

Avoiding water loss

Another way of slowing down the loss of moisture in freshly poured concrete is to cover it with a plastic sheet. Extend the sheet well beyond the edge of the concrete and secure it with bricks or other heavy items. For at least the first seven days, remove the sheet on a daily basis and lightly wet the concrete below before replacing the plastic sheet as before.

Be aware of temperature changes

The ideal temperature for new concrete is between 10º and 15ºC. If it gets too cold, add insulating blankets to maintain warmth and ensure the concrete cures at the right rate. If it gets too hot, protect the concrete from direct sunlight and moisten it regularly to prevent it from drying out too rapidly.

For expert advice and the highest quality ready-mix concrete in Kent, get in touch with the professionals at Stewart Brothers Concrete today. With decades of experience in the industry, we can provide the perfect mix to suit your application.

With our concrete batching plants located in Ashford, Sittingbourne and Dover, we can fulfil orders of any size with quality assured every time and delivered right to your site.