Many people consider placing a concrete slab as the foundation for a house or driveway. The durability and adaptability of concrete are just two of its many benefits. Concerns about concrete’s setting or hardening time are most frequently asked. When can you begin using it for driving? There is no ideal moment; only suggestions exist.
As we discuss in a moment, a few other criteria are also relevant. In most cases, you should give the concrete at least 24Hrs to 48Hrs to harden before walking on it. We have put together this post to tell you how long it takes until you can walk on concrete, so you don’t experience that during your future concrete project.
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Know The Difference Between Concrete Drying And Curing
First, it’s crucial to realize that drying and curing have different purposes. To properly maintain your concrete, you must be aware of both. The process of curing starts as soon as the concrete is poured.
The curing process for concrete typically takes one month to finish. Even after four weeks, your concrete will continue to solidify. Some moisture will still be present even after the concrete has finished curing. Concrete will therefore take a little longer to dry entirely.
It’s good that you don’t have to wait for concrete to dry before using it. The time it takes for concrete to dry will depend on various factors. When you can truly walk on concrete will depend on the same circumstances.
How To Protect The New Concrete?
New concrete must be protected during the curing process, often known as drying time. Additionally, the longer it maintains its beauty and durability, the more care you may offer it initially. Naturally, you should know how long it takes once new concrete is installed on your property before pedestrian traffic is permitted there.
Concrete starts to dry as soon as it is poured. Even though it can seem dry at this point, it is still delicate and damp underneath. At this point, the best course of action is to avoid walking on the concrete because you can still damage it after a few hours.
Contractors or other workers may be now polishing the concrete or adding decorative stamps, but it’s best to leave this for the experts.
Walk On Concrete After 24 Hours
The concrete can be walked on without harming it after the first complete day. You should give it at least 24 hours to wait for the substance to harden. Consult with seasoned contractors if you need to make your patios and driveways pedestrian-friendly.
They can talk to you about the procedures and concrete mixtures that can cure materials more quickly without sacrificing the quality of the final product. After a day, your concrete is used for walking, but it does not mean you may set heavy things on it.
At least four or five days should pass without using any bicycles. Your concrete slab’s integrity can be destroyed if this causes cracking in it.
Factors That Affect The Concrete Drying Process
Water
Concrete production involves water. To prevent getting a mixture that is either too liquid or too dry, you should adhere to the manufacturer’s recommended ratio. You will obtain a runny mixture that can take longer to set if there is too much water in the mixture.
Another possibility is that the product is weaker and flakier. Conversely, if there is insufficient water, the concrete will dry out too rapidly and won’t be as strong or long-lasting as anticipated.
Temperature
Because evaporation is encouraged by hot temperatures, a quicker setting time is possible. The wind also speeds up the setting time. The concrete mixture should not be too hot or too cold. However, that is more crucial. To attain the desired strength, adequately cure the concrete.
Humidity Level
Do not forget that water must travel through the cement mixture and into the air around it. Only if the air is drier than the concrete itself will this be possible. The water will take longer to evaporate from the concrete into the air if the surrounding atmosphere is already quite humid, prolonging the drying process.
Don’t Prefer Concrete Quick Drying
The concrete won’t be as sturdy and long-lasting as anticipated if it dries too rapidly. Although cracking occurs frequently, it is more likely to occur when water evaporates too quickly. Extreme temperatures are a major factor here.
Things like concrete blankets will aid in appropriately curing your concrete in hot or cold climates. The first week of the curing process is crucial because this is the time when concrete’s structural strength increases the most.
The misting method can keep the slab wet and prevent it from drying out. Misting includes periodically sprinkling the slab’s surface with a fine water mist. The method keeps the surface damp at all times by maintaining moisture levels.
Bottom Line
Thankfully, caring for your concrete doesn’t require much maintenance. Before you drive or walk on it, the most crucial thing you must do is to exercise patience. After that, be sure to wash your concrete frequently. On the surface of your concrete, mold or mildew cannot grow if you take this precaution.
The time it takes to walk on concrete without destroying it is short. You should wait at least 48 hours before stepping on it. Heavy cars and other toys should not, however, be used at this time on the brand-new concrete.
It will be durable enough to drive on after approximately a week, but be careful around edges and corners as it might not yet be at its best.
