Is watering concrete necessary?

ANSWER: Keeping concrete moist helps the curing process. Concrete hardens as a result of a chemical reaction, called hydration, between cement and water, not because it dries. If too much water is lost from the concrete through evaporation, the hardening process slows down or ceases.

Will concrete cure without water?

The concrete curing process involves a reaction between Portland cement and water helping on releasing heat from the concrete at a desired and controlled rate. Without curing, moisture is lost too quickly and there isn’t enough water necessary for the crystals to grow, resulting in weaker concrete.

What is the main reason for using water in concrete construction?

The amount of water in concrete controls many fresh and hardened properties in concrete including workability, compressive strengths, permeability and watertightness, durability and weathering, drying shrinkage and potential for cracking.

Is the concrete in the Hoover Dam still drying?

Is Hoover Dam Concrete Still Curing? In short, yes – the concrete is still curing, harder and harder every year even in 2017 some 82 years after the construction of Hoover Dam was completed in 1935.

Why should I water my concrete surface?

By keeping the surface wet, you are keeping the concrete temperature low. Be sure to start watering the concrete in the morning and keep watering throughout the hottest part of the day.

Is it OK to water concrete slab in hot weather?

Do not start watering during the hottest part of the day because it could shock the concrete into developing surface crazing (similar to a hot glass breaking when filled with cold water). Spraying water on the surface prevents the surface of the concrete slab from drying faster than the bottom.

How often do you water concrete slabs?

After 48 hours we must start watering the concrete to maintain it, because the chemical actions still need watering. We continue watering the slab for at least 5 days. Share Improve this answer

What is the best time of day to water concrete?

Be sure to start watering the concrete in the morning and keep watering throughout the hottest part of the day. Do not start watering during the hottest part of the day because it could shock the concrete into developing surface crazing (similar to a hot glass breaking when filled with cold water).