Just realized I was overthinking concrete curing methods

Had a job last Tuesday where the homeowner's dad kept going on about his old school wet burlap method, swore by it. After he left I just sprayed on a decent curing compound and went about my day. The pour came out perfect with zero cracks, while my usual wet curing routine takes twice the time and water. Made me wonder how many guys are still doing it the hard way just because someone told them to.

3 comments

3 Comments

clairen8525d agoMost Upvoted

Nah but see you're missing the whole point of control though. That curing compound is great until you get a weird batch or a hot day you didn't plan for, then you're stuck with whatever seal you put down and can't do anything about it. Wet burlap you can check the moisture, adjust, re-wet if needed, it's hands on. Plus that compound stuff is just another product you gotta buy and hope works as advertised, where burlap and water is dirt cheap and proven for decades. I had a buddy use a compound on a big garage slab last spring and got crazing on the surface because he didn't get enough coverage on the edges, couldn't fix it after. With wet blankets you see the problem before it sets.

harperg7626d ago

Honestly this post made me rethink things for sure. I used to be all about the wet burlap method (figured it was the only way my boss would approve), but after trying a good curing compound on a slab last month I'm kind of a convert now. Way less hassle and the finish was just as solid.

wendyprice26d ago

Read somewhere that curing compounds actually seal in more moisture than wet methods if you apply them right. Pretty cool to hear it worked out for you.