Why do so many new guys skip the wet curing step?

I see this all the time and it DRIVES me nuts. Proper wet curing gives mortar way more strength, but everyone rushes. On my last job, the whole wall had hairline cracks because they didn't keep it damp.

3 comments

3 Comments

rubyk862mo ago

Yeah, that Chicago lab data is hard to argue with. I used to just hose things down quick, but after seeing cracks like you mentioned, I got strict. On my own patio slab, I set up a cheap sprinkler on a timer to mist it for short bursts every few hours for a full week, even draped wet burlap over it. It was a hassle, but that slab is still perfect five years later, while my neighbor's, poured the same week, is all dusty and spalling already. Rushing just costs you later.

the_christopher2mo ago

Totally, seeing your neighbor's slab go bad like that says it all lol. My buddy skipped the long cure on his driveway and it looks awful now, exactly like @thomas_wood says about the 28 day thing.

thomas_wood2mo ago

That lab in Chicago proves 28-day cures make concrete 40% stronger, which makes skipping it pretty dumb.