Curing and Sealing Concrete

All driveways in Minnesota must be cured as soon as the last finishing operation is completed. 


Few topics cause more confusion for users of concrete than curing and sealing.  We want everyone using our products to understand these vital steps in the concrete construction process.

Concrete is a mixture of cement, sand, coarse aggregate, water and admixtures.  When the cement comes in contact with water, a chemical reaction called hydration occurs.  It is this chemical reaction that changes concrete from a fluid to an inflexible, strong, stone-like substance. 

Cement hydration is a long term process.  After 28 days, 95% of the hydration is completed, so the concrete has gained most of the compressive strength that it will achieve.  However, for hydration to continue for 28 days, two conditions must be maintained:

1. Sufficient temperature (above 50 degrees F.)
   
2. Sufficient moisture 

If either of these conditions is not maintained, hydration will stop, and concrete will stop gaining strength at that time.  Curing is maintaining sufficient moisture and temperature for hydration.

Sealing is applying surface protection on cured concrete.  For exterior applications, especially areas exposed to road chemicals, sealing should be repeated every 3-4 years with high quality sealers.

Curing Methods

• Air Cure
• Water Cure
• Membranes
• Chemical cures

Call us at 612-789-4305 for suggestions on products for curing and sealing.  We are a dealer of TK Products, a local chemical company with many years of expertise in concrete curing and sealing in northern climates.  For a complete look at TK's products, you may link to their website below: