Covering concrete is a crucial step often performed to ensure proper curing, protect it from environmental factors, and allow it to reach its intended strength and durability.
Covering for Curing
Maintaining adequate moisture is vital for concrete to cure properly. This process, known as hydration, requires water. If the concrete dries out too quickly, it won't achieve optimal strength and can lead to cracking.
One of the most effective methods for maintaining moisture during curing is by covering the concrete surface.
Using Plastic Covers for Efficient Curing
Based on best practices, the most efficient way to cure concrete is to use a plastic cover.
- Application: These covers are typically placed on freshly poured concrete.
- Purpose: The main function of plastic covers is to seal off the concrete surface.
- Mechanism: By sealing the surface, the covers prevent water from evaporating. This traps the concrete's internal moisture, allowing the hydration process to continue effectively.
- Duration: The plastic covers are left in place until the concrete has had a chance to dry (cure) sufficiently, often for several days depending on the mix and environmental conditions.
Using a plastic cover creates a barrier that keeps the concrete moist, which is essential for the chemical reactions needed for hardening and strengthening the material.
Other Covering Considerations
While plastic covers are highly efficient for curing by trapping moisture, covering concrete can also serve other protective purposes:
- Protection from Rain: Covering fresh concrete prevents rain from washing away the cement paste or damaging the surface finish.
- Protection from Sun and Wind: Extreme sun or wind can cause rapid surface drying, leading to shrinkage cracks. Covers help moderate these effects.
- Protection from Debris: Covering the area keeps leaves, dirt, and other debris off the fresh surface.
Various materials can be used for these protective covers, including tarps or specialized curing blankets, but for the specific purpose of maximizing curing efficiency by preventing moisture loss, plastic sheeting is highly recommended and widely used.
Ensuring concrete is correctly covered after pouring is a simple yet critical step for achieving a durable and long-lasting concrete structure.
