Cement Cure Time Using Plastic Sheeting

If you plan on using an opaque stain on your concrete after it cures this doesn t matter.

Cement cure time using plastic sheeting.

Curing of cement concrete is defined as the process of maintaining the moisture and temperature conditions of concrete for hydration reaction to normally so that concrete develops hardened properties over time. To produce high quality concrete active curing is necessary and according to aci the most effective method for highly wear resistant and durable concrete is wet curing for a period of 7 days. When plastic sheeting or curing blankets are placed atop a concrete slab much of the blanket is in direct contact with the concrete but there are also wrinkles and air pockets where the plastic remains suspended just above the slab. Using plastic membranes.

The use of waterproof building papers or plastic film polyethylene sheeting will also prevent the evaporation of moisture from concrete. If the temperature is below 60 f use dark colored plastic sheets to absorb more light and boost the temperature. The concrete will be discolored anywhere the plastic touches it. While plastic sheeting is highly effective in helping concrete cure without cracks there is a downside.

Never spread wrinkling plastic sheets on the horizontal surfaces it may cause discolouration in patches. On slabs the sheets should be placed when the concrete has hardened enough to prevent surface damage. When temperatures are higher than 85 f reflective white colored sheets help to keep the concrete cool as it cures. Pigmented polyethylene sheeting provides a good curing medium as it is impervious to moisture light in weight and can be re used under good conditions.

A plastic polyethylene covering retains moisture in the concrete and improves temperature control. Curing concrete with a membrane or plastic sheeting is the most practical and efficient way to cure concrete in today s construction industry sometimes water is unavailable for water curing or if it s done improperly it can affect the strength or the surface finishing of the concrete product. Condensed water pools wherever the plastic touches the slab but the concrete under the air pockets remains dry. Keeping the concrete continuously wet for 7 days can be a challenge but not for sika ultracure blankets.

Curing is the process of maintaining satisfactory moisture content and temperature in freshly cast concrete for a definite period of time immediately following placement. Curing concrete normal hot and cold weather. If not tent the plastic so it doesn t come into direct contact with the concrete. Advertisement do pond cure concrete slabs.

The main components which need to be taken care of are moisture heat and time during the curing process. Plastic sheets should be placed and fixed within half an hour of removal of formwork from vertical surfaces. Contents why the curing of cement hellip. The process serves two major purposes.