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Bricks
& Pavers
are cured in a controlled environment, which make them stronger than
most concrete...
Poured
Concrete Curing:
Improper curing can easily cut the
strength of concrete by 50%. Curing simply means keeping water in the
concrete. Good curing means keeping the concrete damp at about 70°F
(21°C) until the concrete is strong enough to adhere and bond
through a chemical reaction
A minimum of seven days before driving on
concrete, 30 days before parking heavy vehicles. Curing will develop a
surface twice as strong as a surface that has not fully cured.
Concrete takes longer to cure when temperature are
below 70°F (21°C)… Concrete strength develops slowly at lower
temperatures. Concrete can also cure too quickly on hot summer days,
making it necessary to dampen with water to prolong the curing process
for maximum strength..
Improper Curing Will:
- Reduce the strength as much as 200 p.s.i.
(pounds per sq inch)
-
Increase the
shrinkage rate potential about 10%
-
Increase the
possibility of seepage by up to 50%
-
Decrease the
freeze-thaw resistance by 20%
-
Decrease the
resistance to attack by de-icing salts
Sealing
will protect your Driveway:
Concrete, bricks and pavers
should be
sealed
every 1-2 years. Sealing will prevent staining and fill pores
making it waterproof. Preventing water & frost penetration
will prolong and prevent damage.
Sealing will also make the concrete or pavers easier to keep clean!.
New concrete
should not be sealed for 30-60
days,
allowing it to fully cure. Pavers and bricks should be sealed immediately
after installation.
To determine if you need to protect your
concrete product, perform a splash test. Sprinkle water on the concrete
surface, if the water is absorbed and makes the surface noticeably
darker, the surface is not waterproof.
If the water is not absorbed and beads,
the concrete is protected.
Water
causes a variety of problems when it
penetrates Concrete, Bricks or Pavers.
It can cause cracking and chipping and
change the alkaline nature of concrete, which can allow rust on
rebar and wire mess supports and cause further breaking from the
inside.
Evaporating water can leave behind white
residue on the surface. Acid rain can etch a concrete surface if
there
is no protective coating. If water goes all the way through the
concrete, it will begin washing away the gravel base foundation
weakening structural support.
It is critical to start with a clean surface,
dirt, grease, oil even existing sealers will compromise the appearance
and performance of the sealer used.
Mildew, algae and mold should also be removed to assure
adhesion of the new sealer.
Before sealing your concrete all cracks should
be filled and any patching or repairs should also be done. Etching is
needed on smooth concrete or pavers surfaces.
Concrete etch will rough up the surface allowing
proper penetration of concrete sealers. A properly etched surface
should feel like 80 grit sandpaper.
Etching is also required if you
want to stain
your driveway. Today there are many color choices for concrete. Even if
your driveway is discolored and you want to restore the natural gray,
staining may be your best option.
The difference these products can make in the
look
of your home is dramatic. With the cost of driveway replacement today,
who wouldn't want to extend the life of their existing driveway!
If you would like to receive
free driveway information!
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