Concrete Curing

Concrete generally sets enough to walk on in 24-48 hours. The remainder of the curing will take 28 days. After 7 days concrete has enough strength for light-medium vehicle traffic. As concrete is curing, you may notice the colour may seem dark or spotty; this is part of the curing process, nothing to worry about.  

Slowing down the curing process increases overall strength and prevents shrinkage. When concrete sets or cures too fast, it may shrink and begin cracking immediately.

Wet Curing and Curing Compounds are the most common ways to help provide the most successful curing process.

Concrete Cracking

Unfortunately, concrete cracking will happen. However, there are ways to help prevent visual cracks.

Expansion joints must be installed either during or after the pour. When installing these, the goal is to guide the crack in the nice straight cut, allowing the concrete to move as the ground below shifts. Joints should be cut or tooled through 25% of the new concrete.

Ensuring base work is completed and compacted properly is also very important to prevent cracking.

Having an appropriate amount and size of rebar can also be a factor. 

Concrete Maintenance

Proper maintenance is very important to extend the lifespan of your concrete pad.

Rule number one is to NOT USE SALT for ice removal. Salt eats concrete, and not long after you use salt, your concrete will start spalling, scaling, flaking, or discolouring. Instead, sand or kitty litter are better alternatives.

Re-sealing the concrete every 1-3 years (depending on wear) is important. This helps protect the concrete from the elements, de-icing salts, and staining from grease, oil, or leaves left sitting on it. Sealing closes the pores of the concrete making it unable to absorb outside materials. It also brings out its natural beauty while making it easier to clean.