For concrete to become strong, and for the surface to wear well, curing concrete needs moisture. Concrete has to dry out at a sluggish and continuous pace, otherwise shrinking and fracturing will likely happen.
The strength of concrete, when properly cured, is about 80 to 100 percent greater than concrete that hasnt already been cured at all. To increase concretes strength, this curing process should be steady and continuous. If concrete ends up being too wet or too dry, fractures will certainly develop, resulting in future flooring troubles.
This means that if you are curing concrete on a hot sunny day, the chemicals within concrete will stop reacting when adequate moisture is gone, leaving it in a weakened state. For that reason, concrete should be protected from destructive effects such as wind, sun, and irregular weather.
The perfect temperature for hydration is 23 C. It is best to keep the temperature as close as possible to that level, as curing takes place.
To keep in moisture and slow down the drying out process, a membrane can be utilized.
However, there are many types of membranes on the market, and you will want to ensure the one you choose is right for the kind of flooring you are preparing to set up http://www.perryheatingandcooling.com/ .
There is a range of chemical and liquid membranes on the market which are expanding in popularity. You can apply them easily by hand, or with a power sprayer, and are categorized under the 4 following base types: chlorinated-rubber, resin, water, and PVA.
Another method to prevent moisture from evaporating is to use a waterproof building paper or plastic film. Plastic sheeting is a flexible and simple covering for complicated shapes. Plastic sheeting can be pulled back quickly to enable you to inspect the concrete during curing.
Another idea is to get a spray atomizer, and spray water on the concretes surface prior to putting on the plastic sheeting. Using a fine mist spray works effectively also. Using an absorptive medium like sand or canvas is also an effective method to retain moisture.
To sum it up, if you are pouring concrete, you should create an optimal environment so it can cure it correctly. As your concrete hardens and starts to get rid of excess water, it will shrink. For a trouble free installation, being proactive and carrying out preventative measures during curing will lead to strong concrete that wont split. The benefit of an installment that carefully regulates moisture levels and temperatures is immense, and something that should not be ignored.