Using high-quality materials and the right mixing process are crucial parts of any successful concrete job, but what you do after the pour can be even more important. Proper curing will prevent cracks, enhance the visual appeal of your concrete, and deliver results that will last for decades. Below are some helpful tips for successfully curing your ready-mix concrete.

4 Tips for Curing Concrete

1. Keep It Damp

Water evaporating out of the concrete too quickly can leave the surface brittle, making it more susceptible to cracking and early failure. For the first seven days, hose the new concrete down between five and 10 times, or as often as possible. This will slow the evaporation, resulting in a stronger cure and more durable finish.

2. Build a Curing Pond

Flooding the new slab with standing water for three days reduces the amount of maintenance required and speeds up the curing process. Use soil to build berms around the new slab, then fill the area with at least a foot of water.

3. Use a Curing Compound

A curing compound, available from DiY stores and ready-mix concrete companies, creates a protective film over the surface. These emulsions prevent rapid water evaporation, ensuring the entire slab cures consistently.

4. Pour in Warm Weather

Ready-mix concrete cures best in warm weather, so schedule your new installation carefully. Pouring when temperatures will be above 50 degrees for five to seven days will prevent the serious problems that can occur when new concrete gets too cold.

Whether you’re an experienced contractor or a DIY enthusiast, Schreiter Ready Mix & Materials offers high-quality ready-mix concrete at the lowest prices in O’Fallon, MO. Their professionals have the expertise and equipment to customize mixes for your application, helping ensure a beautiful finish that’s built to last. Visit their website for a look at their ready-mix concrete products, or call (636) 240-2600 to discuss your project and request an estimate.