What Are The Most Common Concrete Curing Mistakes?

Concrete is undoubtedly the most popular construction material in the world for all the right reasons. It is known for its reliability, durability, strength, and ability to withstand tough external factors and weather conditions. But the catch is, concrete needs to be handled professionally from the start to the end to get the most out of it. Apart from ordering high-quality concrete mix delivery, curing is also a crucial step that determines the strength of the project, but is mostly misunderstood. We will discuss the most common concrete curing mistakes for you to not only avoid them but also to prepare concrete the right way.

Concrete Curing Mistakes

Not Keeping Concrete Moist

Not keeping concrete moist during the early curing stages is a painful and costly mistake that homeowners or contractors often tend to make. Water is a major component of the curing process and plays a vital role in defining the end result. Some people assume that concrete needs to be dried out, which is not true.

If you were to force the drying process, the water would evaporate quickly and result in surface cracking of the concrete. This will also result in poor surface durability and lower compressive strength. You should know that concrete expands and contracts when temperatures fluctuate.

This can cause the concrete to crack or lose its strength in the long run. The ideal way of dealing with concrete in its early stages is keeping it moist for at least 7 days. If the weather conditions fluctuate, you might want to use plastic sheeting or blankets, etc.

It can take longer for concrete to cure during the winter season as the temperatures drop. But the moisture can quickly evaporate during the hot summer season, which raises the need to keep the concrete moist.

Curing In Extreme Temperatures

While water itself is an important part of the curing process, the temperature is another factor that should not be ignored. As mentioned earlier, moisture tends to evaporate relatively more quickly during hot temperatures. This itself puts concrete at risk as it dries too fast, resulting in cracking and shrinking.

With time, the concrete will expand and this constant contraction and expansion leads to further cracks. This is why professional contractors keep a close eye on the weather conditions. If the temperature is hot and the sun is out, the concrete will need to be watered to keep it moist.

Meanwhile, cold weather conditions tend to slow down the curing process. Plus, the water present in the concrete mix can also freeze. This results in surface scaling and reduced strength. The best way to avoid extreme temperature issues is by pouring early in the morning or using sunshades.

During the cold season, concrete should be covered with thermal blankets or mixed with heated water to sustain the curing process.

Removing Forms Too Early

Forms are key to providing support to the concrete while it gains strength. One of the most common mistakes people tend to make is removing forms too early, which can cause cracking or sagging. This is a common issue in DIY projects, bigger home improvement projects, or projects with strict deadlines.

The thing with removing forms too early is that you cannot guess the appropriate time. Professionals tend to test the concrete for strength before removing the forms. If not, they wait for the concrete to achieve the strength it requires.

The reason forms tend to be removed is to save time, but in the long run, it will cost a lot in repairs. Plus, the type of forms used also varies based on the type and dimensions of the project. With everything else aside, one should keep in mind that concrete is only as strong and durable as long as it undergoes professional techniques and practices.

Using The Wrong Concrete Mix

If there are concrete mixing problems like too much water, too little water, improper use of admixtures, etc., will lead to the concrete not curing properly. Most of the time, site-mixed concrete can create this problem. Therefore, order ready mix concrete delivery Potomac to avoid concrete strength and curing issues.

Bad Finishing

Even if everything is done the right way, improper concrete finishing can lead to disastrous results. It is common for concrete projects to be dealt with carefully in the initial stages, but as time goes by and the project nears completion, the contractors tend to speed up the process, ignoring the most important protocols.

Improper finishing can weaken the surface, trap water, or cause delamination or scaling. Common mistakes related to improper finishing include troweling too early, overworking the surface, or adding water to the surface. You should keep in mind that bleed water should evaporate naturally.

Furthermore, during the finishing process, it is crucial to utilize proper tools and sequences to ensure the finishing process is thoroughly done.

Ignoring Proper Joint Replacement

Concrete cracking is a natural phenomenon that is bound to take place regardless of the quality of the ingredients used and there is nothing much you can do about it. But what can be done is controlling where and how the cracks take place.

To handle crack issues, you need to determine the type of cracks first. Random cracks are not something to be panicked about and can be covered using a sealant or something similar. The problem arises when joint replacement is skipped or placed incorrectly, which can lead to joint failure and other serious issues.

To avoid joint replacement issues, you should wait at least 6 to 12 hours after pouring until you can place the joints. At the same time, the joints should be placed at a proper distance or spacing. Finally, make sure the joints are cut to the proper depth.

Using The Wrong Curing Technique For The Project

You might think all concrete projects require or utilize the same curing process, which is not true. While some projects require moisture, others require protection from the elements. To prevent such mistakes or blunders, some countries or regions have strict rules & regulations in place to ensure professional techniques and processes are utilized and implemented.

To avoid using the wrong curing methods, you should always keep the climate as well as the weather conditions under consideration above everything else. To cure concrete during the hot season, you should always use white pigmented compounds while utilizing insulated blankets for cold weather slabs.

Professional contractors and concrete suppliers also modify concrete based on the type of project. Concrete used for repairing and construction purposes varies in terms of the mix, ingredients, techniques, and processes. This is why you should always opt for a licensed contractor to ensure everything is done the right way from start to finish.

Conclusion

Concrete curing mistakes can easily be avoided if you practice patience during the process. A well-thought-out plan will always reap positive results. At the same time, the team should also be informed and guided to ensure everyone is on the same boat. And, finally, choose a reputable concrete supplier Bethesda to ensure that the concrete you’re working with is strong and reliable.