Concrete drying time: How long does it really take?

When working with concrete, whether that is laying the foundations for an extension or a base for a shed, the first question that comes to mind is: how long will the concrete take to dry? This is an important question because timing can make or break your project. 

If you rush things, this can lead to cracks, weaknesses and other costly mistakes. So, it’s imperative that you allow enough time for the concrete to go off. But this is where it gets a bit more complicated; concrete doesn’t just dry in the same way that paint does. It needs enough time to go through the curing process.  

What is the difference between concrete drying and curing?

When the surface of the concrete loses moisture, it dries out. Its appearance will change and become harder; this is when many people think the concrete is dry. However, there is another crucial step in concrete drying time: curing.

Curing is a chemical reaction between the cement and water that makes the concrete harden and set slowly over time. It’s what gives concrete its strength and durability. It’s essential to allow sufficient time for concrete to cure to ensure it can hold up under pressure. 

Factors that affect concrete drying time 

The time it takes for concrete to dry and cure depends on many different factors. 

These include: 

Weather: Hot climates can help speed things up, but cold and wet conditions can slow things down. 

Thickness of concrete: The thicker the slab of concrete, the longer the drying and curing process will take. 

Concrete mix: The type of concrete mix you use can affect the time it takes. Some mixes use an additive that can either speed up or slow down the drying process.

Airflow: Good airflow can help moisture escape and reduce drying time. 

Guidelines for concrete drying times

The actual time your concrete will take to dry will depend on the factors highlighted above, but as a general rule, here are some guidelines to follow. Thin concrete slabs may be dry enough to walk on in 24 to 48 hours, but they will not be fully cured. It’s advisable to wait at least a week to build on. 

Thicker concrete slabs need much longer, and it’s recommended that you wait 28 days for concrete to fully cure before you begin building heavy structures or adding finishing touches such as flooring. For peace of mind that concrete is completely dry, you can test the moisture level with a moisture read.

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