Concrete Care
Roadrunner Redi-Mix Inc
What to Do After Your Concrete Is Installed
Do you want to know the best way to care for your concrete? If so, consult the helpful information below that the Roadrunner Redi-Mix Inc team has put together.
As a team of concrete specialists, we want you to get the most out of your concrete services. To learn more, or to ask questions, you can give us a call at (505) 230-1016 today.
Curing Concrete
Concrete sets and hardens as a result of a chemical reaction between cementitious materials and water. This process is called hydration. Curing is the process of maintaining satisfactory temperature and moisture conditions in concrete long enough for hydration to develop the desired concrete properties.
There are three main reasons to cure concrete correctly in our New Mexico climate:
- Retain moisture in the slab so the concrete can continue to gain strength. This is especially important because of our low humidity conditions
- Delay shrinkage until the concrete is strong enough to avoid cracking. This is important because of the temperature extremes we experience, reducing further damage from ice damage
- Improving the strength, durability, and wear resistance to ensure a long-lasting use for your needs
Concrete Care
Sealing Your Concrete
Concrete always should be coated with a protective sealant to repel moisture and resist staining. Concrete actually is very porous, so it readily absorbs water, chemicals, and grease. For newly poured concrete, Roadrunner Redi-Mix recommends not applying a sealer until the concrete cures completely, which typically takes 28 days. We would be very happy to recommend the best sealant for your concrete, as coloring and stamping can create other considerations.
Do Not Use Deicing Chemicals
Roadrunner Redi-Mix advises against using deicers on flat concrete surfaces, especially not before the installation is more than a year old. It is the result of the deicers that cause problems — they increase the number of freeze-thaw cycles that the water on your installations goes through. Water continues the thawing and refreezing process as the weather and temperatures change. Therefore, concrete endures significantly many more freeze-then-thaw cycles than it otherwise would.
Deicers containing ammonium nitrates and ammonium sulfates are especially bad because they alter the concrete chemically. Rock salt inflicts less damage, but is harmful for the surrounding vegetation, and eventually flows into the river and aquifer. Using sand and thoroughly shoveling off snow and ice is the best alternative.
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