Can you cure concrete in the sun?

On plain gray concrete, a white pigmented curing compound can help reflect some heat from the sun. Curing is critical any time, but especially in hot, dry weather and it needs to start as soon as your finishing operations are completed.

Can concrete cure in hot weather?

Reduction in ultimate strength – when concrete cures too quickly in the heat, strength can suffer. Concrete that is cured at a standard 70˚F temperature will be markedly stronger than a slab cured at 90˚F.

Does concrete cure better in the sun or in the shade?

The weather affects work time. Wet down the sand in the forms before pouring. This will keep the dry ground from drawing water out of the concrete too quickly. Store the bags of concrete in the shade—the hot sun will increase the dry mix’s temperature.

Does concrete dry faster in the sun?

Choose the perfect weather. Science tells us that anything dries faster in warmer, drier conditions, which is why sunnier days are prime time for concrete drying.

What temp does concrete stop curing?

Concrete retained in forms or covered with insulation seldom loses enough moisture at 40 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit) to impair curing.

How hot is too hot for pouring concrete?

While most everyone enjoys the warm summer months, the temperature can make it difficult when pouring concrete in hot weather. Concrete cures best in a range between 70° to 80° F., but as your temperature approaches 90° F, you’ll start to run into problems.

How do you speed up concrete curing?

[Tips] How to Speed Up Concrete Drying Time

1. Use the correct amount of water in the mix. Too much water can increase the drying time.
2. Do not over-trowel or seal the surface.
3. Keep doors and windows closed, the HVAC running, and fans circulating the air.
4. You can also use dehumidifiers to remove moisture from the air.

How hot does concrete get in the sun?

135°F.
Concrete has a very high capacity for storing heat. Meaning it can warm to higher temperatures then most other materials and releases that heat more slowly. On a hot summer day, even concrete that’s in the shade can easily average 70°F, however, concrete that’s in direct sunlight can reach 135°F.

Does concrete cure better in hot or cold weather?

Concrete in cold weather absolutely does need to be cured—the surface can dry out even faster than in warm weather, if the concrete is warmer than the air. When finishing concrete in cold weather, you still need to wait for all the bleed water to evaporate.

How do you cure concrete in hot weather?

Curing Concrete in Hot Weather. Therefore on a hot, dry, windy day, the concrete will dry quickly, and that’s when curing is most important. Most concrete has plenty of water when it is placed, so the key is either to prevent the water from evaporating or add enough water to make up for the evaporation.

Can the sun damage concrete?

, Calgary’s expert in all things concrete. The only time sunlight can damage concrete is during the 28 day curing period. Concrete takes 28 days to fully cure and sunlight can cause premature evaporation of water which can cause the concrete to crack. You should try to keep the concrete moist by spraying water on it during the first 28 days.

Why does concrete need to cure before installing?

Therefore on a hot, dry, windy day, the concrete will dry quickly, and that’s when curing is most important. Most concrete has plenty of water when it is placed, so the key is either to prevent the water from evaporating or add enough water to make up for the evaporation.

What is the minimum required temperature for the concrete to cure?

For non-massive members, a good alternative is steam curing, which provides both moisture and heat. In any case, a minimum favorable temperature in the range of 10 – 21º C must be maintained in the concrete for the minimum required curing period (see below).