Best way to water cure new slab


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Old 10-13-17, 05:49 AM
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Best way to water cure new slab

What's the best way to water cure a new slab? It will be sloped 1/8"/ft, so I'm thinking plastic or burlap. I've heard plastic in direct contact can cause uneven curing because water pools unevenly. One site I read said lay dry straw then plastic sheathing over top. Although I imagine the straw will leave a pattern and maybe even discoloration. Maybe something like this: http://www.homedepot.com/p/Cure-Righ...FRdDDAodG0wDDA
 

Last edited by mossman; 10-13-17 at 06:47 AM.
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Old 10-13-17, 09:06 AM
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I ordered a few rolls of the Cure Right. Will post back with results.
 
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Old 10-13-17, 09:59 AM
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I have always just misted the concrete for 7 days. I looked briefly at the link you provided, and it also says to cover for 7 days.
I would first ask your contractor, but for me I would forgo the covering and simply mist the slab in the morning and night for 7 days.

Concrete which is moist cured for 7 days is about 50% stronger than concrete exposed to dry air for the same period.
 
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Old 10-14-17, 12:28 PM
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Misting doesn't seem like it would be enough, especially consisting the slab will be sloped. The blankets will lock moisture in, which is key. The 50% strength increase is precisely why I want it to cure properly. Temps will be in mod 60's to lower 70s, so perfect conditions.
 
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Old 10-14-17, 03:19 PM
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Best to follow your contractor's advice. If you don't and something goes wrong the contractor can blame you and just walk away. Seeing as you have been second guessing his every step, at least based on your threads, I don't imagine he isn't too fond of you and would be happy to walk away.
 
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Old 10-14-17, 04:10 PM
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I hear what you are saying, and that is good advice. I am second guessing because they keep screwing up. Not looking to make friends. Laying blankets over the slab isn't going to hurt anything. Only help. I will see what they say nonetheless.
 
 

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