Did You Know That a Concrete Slab Needs to Be Cured?

Most major building construction jobs these days rely on a concrete slab to provide stability. It stands to reason, therefore, that this slab must be laid properly, as the success of the entire project lies, quite literally, upon it. If you are about to embark on a job like this, you will want to ensure that your concrete contractors are first-rate and highly experienced, as there is more to laying a concrete slab than you might think. Did you know, for example, that temperature and moisture levels are critical even after the concrete has been poured or problems can materialise?

Regulating Levels

Concrete is, of course, a mix of cement and water, and it's very important to deliver each in the correct ratio and format. Once the frame for the slab has been laid, the contractors will introduce the mixture and will make sure that it is correctly packed and perfectly level. However, the mixture does need to be regulated so that its temperature remains within certain parameters. A good outcome relies on a chemical reaction which can only happen if the temperature of the concrete is no lower than 40° and no higher than 85°. These figures need to be treated as extremes, as the cooler the temperature, the less effective the mixture will be at absorbing moisture. If the temperature gets towards the higher end of that scale, the moisture will evaporate so quickly that the concrete may set before it is ready.

Curing

Once the mixture has been laid, it needs to be cured in order to provide stability and longevity. Curing relies on the correct amount of moisture on the surface and contractors will typically approach this in three different phases.

Correct Approach

As they mix the concrete, they will add the correct amount of water, but this is likely to start evaporating at the surface, causing inconsistencies. Additional moisture can be added to the surface to make up for this, or the top level can be sealed temporarily to keep the water in its place. Curing water has to be kept on the surface and never mixed into the materials below, however, for the process to work properly.

Working with Experts

As you can see, there's much more to it than meets the eye, and concrete curing is a critical part of the entire process. Make sure that you work with concrete contractors who are experienced and who will ensure that this process is handled properly.