How long does it take concrete to cure?
Answers to all your questions on curing concrete for optimal results
Curious about curing? You’re not alone! At Mathews Readymix, we often hear questions like, “How long does it take concrete to cure?” So with this in mind, we’ve decided to kick off 2024 by having a little Concrete Q & A to tackle some of your curing questions.
First off, what does it mean to “cure” concrete?
The Portland Cement Association says “Curing of concrete is defined as providing adequate moisture, temperature, and time to allow the concrete to achieve the desired properties for its intended use.” Curing comes after pouring and is basically the process of letting it sit until it’s fully settled.
How long does it take concrete to cure?
Concrete curing isn’t a one-size-fits-all endeavor. But for general purposes, concrete is generally…
Dry in 24-48 hours and ready for foot traffic
Partially cured in one week and is ready for vehicle traffic
Fully cured in 28 days
What factors can affect concrete curing time?
Many different factors affect concrete’s curing time and results, so it’s important to be familiar with them and try to pour your concrete at the most optimum time.
Temperature: Ideally, you’ll want to pour on a good weather day at around 70 degrees with no rain or precipitation. The optimum temperature range for pouring is between 50-80 degrees Fahrenheit. Otherwise, if it’s too hot the concrete will dry too quickly and crack later. And if it’s too cold, it will take longer to dry.
Humidity: For best results, aim for a pouring day with 50% humidity. If there’s more than 50%, the extra moisture in the air will slow down the drying time. And if it’s much less than 50%, dry air will accelerate the drying process and result in weaker concrete.
Wind: A dry wind can cause the concrete to cure too quickly because it increases the rate of evaporation. Much like too much heat, it can cause the concrete to crack in the future. If you’re pouring on a windy day, try to set up windbreaks around the site.
How can you help the curing process?
Depending on the conditions during curing, you may need to utilize different methods to ensure the concrete dries correctly. You can mist with water, use plastic sheeting, curing blankets, or sealing compounds. When in doubt, always get the help of a professional like Mathews Readymix!
What kind of concrete should I use?
Remember, when you mix in additives or admixtures to concrete, it can change the curing time. For example, “quick-drying” concrete can take as little as two hours to set. But if you use concrete with additives like large pieces of aggregate, it can take longer for it to dry. If you’re looking for a shorter time period, choose a readymix concrete with smaller pieces of aggregate, like a finely ground sand and crushed stone mixture.
Get expert advice on concrete curing
There’s no reason to guess and gamble with concrete curing. At Mathews Readymix, we’re ready to assist you on your next project with our readymix concrete and curing experts. As the “Home of the Blue Stripe Truck” and the area’s go-to local concrete service provider for over 75 years, we’ve got decades of experience. Whether you’re pouring a patio or a new kitchen cabinet countertop, we can help you find just the right mix. Contact us today to find out how!