New Concrete

New Concrete

Applying freshly mixed concrete in building a property is crucial to every building owner. Nobody wants a house or any infrastructure to crumble down easily due to deficiency in the applied material. However, those concerns are already given attention and are prioritized by most contractors and builders. Many companies, like Guy Blank Concrete aka Concrete Design Pro, are doing their best to give customers the most suitable materials and services that fit their needs.

Concrete is one of the popular materials used in establishing a property. Although this material is durable, builders are still doing their best in maintaining its quality — especially if it is still new. But, what is considered as new concrete and why should homeowners and contractors collaborate in taking care of it?

All About New Concrete

New concrete is the term used in describing freshly mixed and applied concrete. Everybody knows that concrete is a product of mixing cement, sand, water, and aggregate. When the mixture is applied on the surface, it is still delicate and sensitive. You must take good care of it since it hasn’t hardened and cured yet. There are also times that the new concrete seems to dry out, but don’t be deceived because its insides are still going through the curing process.

For example, you reconstructed your driveway since the surface is already cracked. You can contact your trusted contractor to cater the project. While on the works, you can observe how they gather the materials and mix them on the concrete mixer truck. The men will apply the newly made material thoroughly on the surface. That freshly poured mixture is the new concrete, which still needs to be monitored and taken care of to prevent cracks and bumps that can impact its overall quality.

Ways to Take Care of New Concrete

You probably know by now how fragile new concrete is. Hence, you should do your best to maintain its form and durability from the moment it was poured to the time it heals. That is why we have prepared this guide for you to know the simple ways to keep your new concrete from wearing and tearing.

Cover the applied surface

While driving in your neighborhood, you might have seen a neighbor’s patio covered up by plastic sheeting or other materials. Covering freshly installed concrete is important to avoid cracks. If you are living in a state where the weather is constantly hot, it can cause some flaws in the concrete due to the rising of the sustained heat on the surface. The water mixed on the concrete will start to expand resulting in cracks.

Leave it for some time

You don’t have to physically monitor the area where the new concrete was applied 24/7. Leave it for a couple of days and let it go through the natural curing process. Do not expect it to be ready to be stomped and used after a day or two because it takes weeks for it to dry from inside out.

Water it up

This method, however, is not always applicable because it depends on your location. Watering your newly installed concrete is dependent on different factors, such as location, weather, and season. If you live in the tropical island of Hawaii, then there is no need to constantly water the concrete. But if you live in Las Vegas, which is often dry and sunny, then the moisture on your concrete will dry out quickly. It could result to faults on the surface because it cannot maintain enough liquid for the hardening process. So, you will be required to water the surface to help it retain moisture and complete the concrete’s hydration process. In other words, keep it cool and moist.

Wait for it to cure

Curing is an essential process that can guarantee the quality and longevity of the concrete. After you have poured and maintained your new concrete, it should undergo curing you it will not crack. Curing is different from drying because it pertains to slowing the drying process to help the concrete keep the moisture in the slab to ease the shrinkage until it gains enough strength to withstand the shrinkage cracking.

Apply concrete sealer

When the concrete is fully healed and cured, apply some concrete sealer. Consult your contractor on what brand is the best and suitable for the installed concrete if you want to apply it personally. The sealer can help increase the quality and durability of the concrete, which is beneficial to your end.