Curing Concrete Plastic Sheeting

Curing concrete with plastic sheeting requires covering all exposed areas of the concrete as soon as possible without damaging the concrete finish.

Curing concrete plastic sheeting.

One of the most effective materials to guard against rain is plastic sheeting visqueen. Pigmented polyethylene sheeting provides a good curing medium as it is impervious to moisture light in weight and can be re used under good conditions. The use of waterproof building papers or plastic film polyethylene sheeting will also prevent the evaporation of moisture from concrete. The curing concrete with plastic sheeting after a short spell of water curing for one or two days is sometimes beneficial.

Cover all the fabric and don t let any parts stick out. Curing plays an important role on strength development and durability of concrete. When temperatures are higher than 85 f reflective white colored sheets help to keep the concrete cool as it cures. When plastic sheeting is used over flat surfaces such as pavements or slabs it should extend beyond the edges of the slab by a length of at least twice the thickness of the slab.

If the temperature is below 60 f use dark colored plastic sheets to absorb more light and boost the temperature. Use bricks boulders or stakes to hold the plastic in place and keep small animals out. A plastic polyethylene covering retains moisture in the concrete and improves temperature control. Either polyethylene sheeting that s at least 4mm thick or a concrete curing insulating blanket both available from diy stores are good for this task.

If the concrete is completely covered with plastic no outside moisture can penetrate to contact the slab. Sometimes concrete work is carried out in some inaccessible difficult or far off places. Curing takes place immediately after concrete placing and finishing and involves maintenance of desired moisture and temperature conditions both at depth and near the surface for extended periods of time. In cold weather plastic clad concrete curing blankets are often used to protect the surface from snow and insulate the concrete from freezing.

Do this for a week for the best results. This covering locks in moisture and helps the curing process. Spread a plastic sheet over the fabric to lock moisture in. Plastic sheeting also has the advantage of flexibility.

When plastic sheeting is used over flat surfaces such as pavements or slabs it should extend beyond the edges of the slab by a length of at least twice the thickness of the slab. Wet the concrete then place the plastic sheeting over it. Use light or transparent plastic for temperatures above 60 f 16 c. Wet the concrete thoroughly and then cover it.