Intro to curing concrete

Curing is the last step in concrete construction and it is often overlooked. This video explains why curing is important and explains how good curing and poor curing will impact your concrete. Next, some examples of typical curing methods are presented.
Thanks to Hailey Goodale! She edited this video and is my Director of Awesome.
My website is: www.tylerley.com
If you would like to donate to my channel please visit www.tylerley.com/giving

[@DarkSmugLoser]

This guy does great videos. Perfect balance of visuals, science, and examples.

[@cricket700612]

I appreciate your expertise and enthusiasm. I'm still learning. Thanks!

[@Sebastian-Nakad]

Thank you for sharing us this video! I have learned a lot of information about concrete. you provide us a great idea of explainer concrete. I am still studying the diploma of civil engineering and I actually understand what you explain for us. Thanks so much!

[@michaelyang8017]

Thank you very much for such a detailed and patient explanation

[@maxsheridan2833]

Great just what I needed. Poured my first slab :)

[@sprinvntrdd]

Very helpful and practical information. GBY

[@cerapcic]

If concrete was dried prematurely on strong sun right after pouring, is it possible to cure it completely few days after by soaking it with water?

[@sleepinggiant882]

Good question.

[@honeytubs]

I am curious about this also. Another comment mentioned something about the concrete drying before the final cure and that drying process creating cracks. So maybe the problem is that if the cracks are already formed additional curing is not much help.

[@liboy9844]

‘If it dries, it dies’. 😢

[@sawengseng2376]

Sir, thanks again to you.👍👍👍

[@zlinky1113]

Tyler, I have a challenge for you Re: concrete finishing. There seems to be some very mixed opinions on the internet about this, maybe as a concrete genius, you can provide some clarity. As a builder, when I put down a slab, I screed it, then use wood or magnesium floats to smooth it, and finally finish it off with blue steel floats/trowels, then broom finish it for grip. I know that wood leaves the surface open to allow the water to rise to the surface, but what about the magnesium? - Opinions across the web appear to be very passionate and divided on this, some say that mag floats seal the surface, others say that they do not. Some say it is all down to the angle that the mag float is used at. Also, some say that steel in certain forms makes the concrete react on touch and set. Is this accurate? Since you are such a concrete lover, how about a video on how different materials such as steel, stainless steel, blue steel, magnesium, aluminium, hardwoods each individually react scientifically with concrete, both chemically and physically (i.e. sealing the surface or not)? Kind regards, Lee

[@GenaEnSamIAm]

Would also like to see what Tyler says about this

[@elbuggo]

I have also been interested in the potential problems with mag float, and the potential of sealing the surface so that the bleed water gets trapped. As I see it, and understand it, mag floats may or may not hurt the result. And if they are bad, it is not self evident and obvious. Maybe a little bit is fine, but a little bit more is not? I don't know, so mag floats are basically added uncertainty. So use wooden or composite floats to eliminate the uncertainty? I think I've also noticed that it's not just mag floats that are bad for the concrete. More importantly, proper curing is also usually skipped entirely.

[@edgarlara3117]

Thanks for your help great video

[@TylerLey]

Thanks Edgar!

[@hamzamMR]

Great video dr dr tyler !!

[@TylerLey]

Thank you!

[@lshepherd5859]

3 curing stages in concrete post pouring. Initial, Intermediate, and Final Curing. These three stages are very important one to another. but most of us know only the Final Curing

[@jamescole3152]

I thought I would add this since it helped me a lot. Information from the web and info I added to it. __________________ Curing temperatures Generally, at temperatures above 5 degrees Celsius 41 f , it takes seven days (one week) for concrete to reach 65% to 70% of its strength. 14 days = 90% 28 days = 99%

[@elbuggo]

My numbers are different. Wet curing for 28 days is 80% of wet curing for 365 days. No curing is 50% of wet curing for 365 days.

[@afs102]

Appreciate the analogies. Easier to understand

[@TylerLey]

Thank you so much!

[@Adrian_Nel]

Dude I'm just going to comment here - because I can't find the actual video which I watched when I first thunk the following thoughts: 1) I saw some really juvenile, nasty comments on a video, I hope that you're going to flat out ignore them, they were not constructive in any way. 2) I did see one or two comments that were obviously intended as constructive, and it seems that you've taken the advice (about background) to heart - over course of the limited number of your videos that I've watched, I've seen a marked improvement in quality. 3) In about a year from now, I am going to build a concrete deck. Before I start, I shall watch some of your videos. Besides your obvious knowledge on the subject, your enthusiasm is more than a little inspiring. Thank you for doing this. I hope that you keep on making these videos, and that you enjoy doing so. Fare ye well.

[@brianford9522]

You can't help but get excited about something when someone else is showing so much pashion for it. I've started entire new hobbies b/c of this reason! Loved the video.

[@TylerLey]

Thank you!!!

[@jamspatel7662]

Awasom explanation ❤️🔥🔥🔥

[@chrisspanyer1525]

Your videos are great!!! I’m hoping you can answer some questions about concrete curing that weren’t gone over on video. First when do you start wet curing new slab? When it gets hard? When concrete starts turning white like it’s drying out? Just before that? Also what’s except able when wet curing. Do you keep a sprinkler on it 24/7 for best cure short of ponding? Or is just spraying down 5-10 times a day ok as the center of concrete is the concern? Or are we just as concerned about the surface usable area not drying out white between wetting? I have heard that 3 days of ponding is equal to 7 days of wet curing. Is this true. Any chance you could do a follow up video to this explaining best practice and why and maybe tests on different methods people in field are Lilly using or site study’s. Hope I’m not asking to much but I’m very interested in doing final curing right as the cost is low and reward is high.thanks for help here. 10/4/2023 please advise Just finished a driveway yesterday evening any help on best curing practice would be great thanks again.

[@carlacourtois5905]

Brilliant and so easy to understand I myself LOVE CONCRETE

[@carlacourtois5905]

So is using volcanic crushed rock or small broken brick (Watered) better?

[@carlacourtois5905]

I didnt realize this was 2018 .....Grrr Maybe ill get a reply IM Optomistic!!!!!

[@crisissocoylike446]

(1) A geologist and/or a specialized civil engineer​ in geotechnical engineering would have to be consulted.​ (2) A geotech/soils lab would have to do tests on those types of rocks. Additionally, a test batch of concrete mixed with those rocks can be experimented with and tested for some specs/ strength to see if it works. @@carlacourtois5905

[@atom410]

Hey nice video do you have any tips on curing cement pots the ones I have made are cracking I've heard once the cement has set take it out of the mould then submerge them in water any thoughts about this Another was to start them down every day a few times And another was seal them with pond sealer would love to hear your thoughts Thanks 👍

[@aochider]

Hey Tyler, I just subscribed and watched quite a few videos of yours. What would be interesting to me is if a video like this mentioned some example details, like how long it takes for concrete to cure and if there are reasonable upper and lower bounds and their effects. For example, if you used wet curing and left the plastic over the concrete for 1 year, would that result in stronger concrete (even though it is impractical)? I have never heard someone answer questions like that with regards to concrete; often when people explain something new, it is hard to apply that knowledge without knowing the limits or implications of it, which is something an expert like you would know that I would otherwise never get the chance to learn. Also, as a general note, I'd be interested to see videos dedicated to specific techniques or patterns used in building with concrete. For a residential example, what are pros/cons (and explanations) for ICFs? What about all of this waterproofing that happens in residential home foundations? How did we used to make poured concrete foundations and how does it compare to modern stuff (like the waterproofing) we do today? What about seismic considerations? For a commercial example, I recently watched something about the Scorpion Tower in Miami and it talked about how deep they had to make the concrete support pillars, but it didn't go into any details about how they determined the depth, what the forms were like, or even what the concrete was like for such a unique project. Similarly, the new Bay bridge in San Francisco used epoxy-coated rebar, but the videos I have seen on it do no go into greater detail as to what other considerations they may have made (especially after watching your video on epoxy-coated rebar!). Thank you for your videos!

[@TylerLey]

Aochider, Thanks for the comment. It is hard to balance giving enough information to give people the basics but not giving them too much. I need to make a video about curing length and type. I thought it was already up but I didn't see it. =/ Keep an eye out for it. Short answer is that sealed or wet curing is the best, followed by the curing compounds. The longer you leave the cure on the surface then the more hydration that will happen. After about 7 days of wet or sealed curing the improvements are not significant but there still is some improvement. You have a lot of good ideas for other videos. I will see what I can do. Look for some seismic talk next week.

[@GenaEnSamIAm]

Hey Tyler, Your rock man! As per the request below. Please will you do a video on concrete finishing? Please keep the videos coming - Huge fan

[@TylerLey]

Thanks Eugene! I will see what I can do.

[@EngineerPEretired]

Cake to Concrete... not sure which way I will go today, tough decision... Air temperature, humidity can also work into your curing formula. Thanks for posting.

[@TylerLey]

Very true! My next video covers this!!!

[@EngineerPEretired]

I saw that video... thank you...

[@karoljoc]

Thanks for the video, any chance you can make a video on how to check if it cured correctly? There is not a single video that shows how to actually examine your concrete to see tell tell signs that it did not cure correctly. I just recently has a 30cm reinforced slab poured for my house foundation. Unfortunately the slab was not watered at regular intervals and now I am worried it did not reach it's true strength, the overflow of concrete on the sides i so brittle I can brake 3cm thick pieces with my hands without much effort, it looks like the concrete inside is almost dry and not solid like rock. How can I check this without drilling a big cylinder hole in the slab :-) ?

[@esakhan9977]

U deserves likes ..but I can only give one 👍

[@ahiuhawaiidotcom]

Aloha! We love your videos and have learned so much. Question, we are curing cylinders. After removing the cylinder from the mold after 12 hours. We put the entire cylinder in water. But what’s happening is Efflorescence….how can I avoid this while wet curing..please help!

[@RaKa_UAE]

Can you explain about the characteristics of limestone cement and qualities of concrete with them.

[@szpakeros]

Question about internal curing. Does the water from porous rocks include in w/c ratio calculation?

[@MrApostolicman]

I’ve been wetting concrete few times a day for my residential concrete for 2 and half weeks. Concrete was poured in Jan in ca cool weather. 3 weeks now it’s starting to get about 75-80 degrees now.

[@MrApostolicman]

Is this the correct way to cure concrete? Any suggestions?

[@stevewaclo167]

Hi Tyler, Me again in high, dry semi-arid Carson City where my driveway was poured a month ago and the contractor used a curing product that kept the surface wet looking for nearly a week. Recommended sealant?

[@Tfarm1]

Thank u, you are one of the most person that could explain it in really good way, I just have question poor curing ?... is it cure with only water without using other hydration products and could u say some of these products?

[@bbqseitan7106]

Need this for my concrete weights

[@deancrispino2593]

Hey Tyler. My names Dean ive just made a concrete table top with the following .55 mpa concrete bag mix .Superplastisizer .Steel reo .12mm Fibreglass shards .Black oxide So ive been wet curing for 6 days and i thought it would be ok to stop that process.. the top had dryed out and its slightly curling so ive flipped the slab and removed the base that the slab was poured on. Question is will it come right in time and should i keep wet curing? Thanks in advance

[@kevincalnan2602]

Thank you for the information. My contractor just poured my sidewalk 4 days ago. As the concrete has hardend I have seen many spots that make the whole walk look like it is covered in leopard spots. Will these spots eventually go away?

[@coachgius]

could I put hemp shives on the surface and take advantage from the fact the material stays moistured? For a small concrete surface, instead of hessian.

[@mansourawazel]

Tyler you're great I suggest that you rearrange Concrete cement Master series with numbers For us late comers to your CHANNEL

[@masmhmd2488]

What's the longest period for mixing the concrete? And what's gonna happen if we mix it longer than this period?

[@mohammadnurbinsuraym8456]

New Subscriber here. I'd like to know if it's too late to do curing (wet sand covering) for RCC Footing that was placed yesterday (say 20+ hours have passed already) ?

[@richardheinen1126]

I’ve got an idea for a video if you run out of things to do. Can you test a wet cure vs. curing compounds and put some real number to the effectiveness of the different methods. And maybe test several different curing compounds to see which one works best. I’ve tried to find this info on the internet, but I haven’t come up with any hard numbers(pun intended). Thanks!!!

[@wildernessfarming7726]

I made a concrete bowl and let it harden for about 12 hours, then I removed the form to check to see how it was developing. If I want it to continue to cure, can I place it in a 5 gallon bucket of water? Is this as effective as wrapping it in mulch and covering in plastic? I ask because I'm concerned that perhaps excluding oxygen by means of submerging will somehow have a negative effect on the chemistry. Also, if someone does not cure their concrete pad and lets it dries out, and goes back later and wets it and adds plastic, will the curing resume, or is it stuck at that point?

[@ahlamddj]

can old concrete benefits from water curing or can curing be resumed restarted ??

[@WilliamJoseph2015]

Informative video. Thanks. Question. A How soon after pouring concrete can it tolerate rain. I know water Is good for the hydration process but how soon can it be added

[@crisissocoylike446]

Long story short: 8 hours . Long story: Assuming you had (1) perfect weather and it wasn't too hot, (2) the concrete placed didn't dry out, (3) its test results are in the spec range, (4) it was consolidated well, and (5) and it was finished right then usually the concrete hardened and sets within eight hours. Even though it's no longer plastic and is now hardened, it's still curing, hydrating and gaining strength. So, usually about 8 hours is about an ok time for it to be exposed to mildly lukewarm to warm rain, but still shouldn't be put into service nor backfilled because it's probably still too weak and still gaining strength.

[@WilliamJoseph2015]

@@crisissocoylike446 thanks

[@johnd4348]

will just wetting the surface help. . They just poured mine yesterday.

[@JT-rc7vx]

Do i need to wet it if they added a sealer when they poured it?

[@mogtabaeldirdieri290]

When we start curing after finishing?

[@StAnger561to770]

Had water pipes replaced in the living room a couple weeks ago, the guy poured some cement Type material over the pipes. noticed a few spots that seem wet, not sure if it's a leak but I think it's just normal curing. typically run the heater in the evenings around 21 to 22 Celsius and then switch to the dehumidifier function 18 degrees Celsius for 6 to 8 hours or more while sleeping sometimes the temperature goes a little lower. Does this sound normal should I be concerned? I will ask the installer guy but I'm living overseas I don't speak the language and I'm not exactly sure which product he used, even if I knew I couldn't look at the bag and understand what it says. Lol. I know it is like some type of cement or concrete, thanks in advance. No cracks. Seems solid. The wet spots are drying, slowly. Rest of it is already dry.

[@StAnger561to770]

Also they di not have any sealant here. Another guy was fixing my walls with cement containing ready plaster. I asked if it needs to be sealed and that guy said no. I looked online at the major hardware stores here, and they do not even sell anything which would be considered "concrete sealant" but they do sell plenty of wood sealant paint.

[@RobsReviews]

I always get confused about the time between the "curing" and the initial mix and how the time before wet curing effects the slump / final psi.

[@richardheinen1126]

Hello, if you’re pouring a floor and looking for a nice slick finish, can you spray it with curing compound the day of the pour, then come in the next morning with some type of water curing?

[@TylerLey]

I wouldn't wait that long to put the water on top. We are doing research to answer this question right not but my guess is that you need to have the water on within 6 to 8 h of mixing.

[@richardheinen1126]

Tyler Ley Thanks!!!

[@tinman1955]

Watched a youtube video where a guy built a shower base out of mortar and waterproofed it while still damp. No doubt it'll cure fine but will there be a problem with trapping moisture in the shower base? Or will all the moisture be used up in the curing process?

[@TylerLey]

Good question! I think it will be ok. We worry about getting water out of a slab if we are going to put adhesive on it. I bet they used tile in a shower.

[@Lichele69]

What about cement that is expose to high heat like a wood-burning stove?

[@carpenterfamily6198]

How long should concrete be cured ?

[@jamescole3152]

Still no one can tell me if the concrete that is let to stop curing, lets say the temperature is down to say 30 F and you let the surface of the concrete dry out so it won't freeze. Lets say it had 10 days of a good curing above freezing up to 52 F on a few of those days. But now you decide to not water it for the freezing night time temperatures. So will the concrete continue to cure when the rains return and you can spray the concrete again? It seems like I already have done this twice now and the slab is at day # 14. Someone should make curing chart that shows stop and start curing.

[@taidelek9994]

What if curing is miss for a day? Does it matter?

[@davidswalec3598]

So, after watching many of your video I have this question. What is the best way to cure a broomed surface, without ruining the asperities you just made in the surface for traction? Wet pulp works great on smooth finish work but not on rough. Plastic sheet would ruin the surface, burlap is one step from useless and flooding is not very practical. Thought Tyler?

[@TylerLey]

Good question, Pulp can work well on rough surfaces. You have to be careful how you apply it so that it doesn't impact the surface texture. Curing compounds can be another good way to go. I like PAMS the best of the curing compounds. Look for a video soon about comparing different curing methods. I thought I had already shot it. =/

[@jamescole3152]

Concrete is amazing .

[@aymannassar6988]

👍

[@TylerLey]

Thank you!

[@JV-ge8bm]

You should write a book like Practical Engineering did!

[@vedanshubansal116]

Example for internal curing ? What type of rocks can be used ???

[@TylerLey]

They are rocks often used for lightweight concrete. They are porous rocks with low specific gravities. Lightweight fine aggregate is much more efficient for internal curing. The amount you need depends on how much volume is within the aggregate. A good rule of thumb is about 10% to 15% replacement of the fine aggregate.

[@stevebrendap9600]

Proper limestone should wet te piles of limestone rock at the ready mix plant in a perfect world. The dry porous limestone absorbs water that could be in as part of your water cement ratio.

[@saadhadi1274]

I am a site engineer and when i cast concrete i always keep the form 28 days with continuous curing, and never let any work done, am i doing right?

[@TheBear470]

You're an engineer and you're asking a kid on KZbin if you're doing it right???

[@therakshasan8547]

I asked this question on a much older video you made so you most likely haven't seen it So I repeat my question again. Thank you for your patience. Many years ago I was tasked with drilling 8 holes in a concrete wall. This was a Hospital basement wall use as a Bomb shelter in the late 40' early 50's. I fried 8 diamond drill bits and only cut a 1/2 inch into the wall on 1 hole over 8 hours. These wall had No rebar , and the aggregate was sand gain sized. I want to have the Formula to make this type of concrete. Can you find it for me , and show how they formed them. Please.. In advance thank you.

[@TylerLey]

Jefferey - I am not sure I can help you. This concrete may have performed well because it was very old. Concrete will keep hydrating or gaining strength over time!

[@youngsukkim881]

Is it true that cement granules are bonded together during curing, increasing its strength? I think that your descriptions about the strength of the cement are incorrect even though everyone else may agree on you. The reason why drying of the cement is dangerous to the integrity of the cement is related to the evaporation of water during drying, which creates a compressive stress in the cement. This compressive stress generated during drying is the cause of dry cracking in the cement.

[@constanceobeng5387]

He's too good guys. Like, subscribe and share

[@marcnaidu5804]

How can I make my concrete cure faster for my pond. My pouring concrete underwater. Calcium chloride flakes ?

[@TylerLey]

You can use calcium chloride as long as you don't have any rebar in it. You could also blend your portland cement with calcium sulfate aluminate cement. It is typically known as rapid set.

[@marcnaidu5804]

Tyler Ley thanks. Rapid set is hydraulic cement, yes?

[@bellecraig]

How about a bit more information regarding internal curing and which porous rocks you're referring to?

[@CinderShar]

Oh Lord we may be in over our head and I'm trying to learn all I can in the next 24 hours. We're pouring a nine by nine hot tub slab we got everything all set up we have our rebar and our mesh and yada yada. We have a truck coming tomorrow at 2:00 and I guess really I'm trying to figure out what's the best way I should cure it I can't find any caring agents around here I live in rural farm area Colorado. It's going to be 97 for the next few days I thought about covering it with plastic but my question is how long after we get it all smoothed out and that do I wait to put water in plastic on it? Anyone could help this girl out I'd appreciate it?

[@luismedina2729]

This may be the stupidest question I've ever asked, but why spraying water on the concrete and covering the wet surface does not affect the water-cement ratio?

[@patkonelectric]

Reminds me of cure concrete with burlap bags back in the day. I first stated my journey in the world of concrete as a flat worker. One big problem during the hot summer months was pouring too much concrete. And some of it dried before you could finish it all. Simply solution was to cover and wet it.

[@TylerLey]

Thanks Patrick! I agree. There should be a video about this coming very soon!

[@MajSolo]

this is scary info I mean, if I build a house there is a chance the firm will be a bad concrete firm? Do I have to stand and watch over their shoulder? "Are you going to cure the concrete or not?"

[@TylerLey]

What gets measured gets managed. - Peter Drucker I think this is true with most things in life and is especially true for concrete.

[@gunsandcars3648]

this guy and concrete should get a room, good info though!

[@MADKingR]

1:41 Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte. Yummy.

[@scofah]

I love your passion and your content. But I don't enjoy the background music. Your lessons and enthusiasm speak for themselves, you don't need the background racket. 😊

[@Amber_Lunenburg]

When concrete doesn't reach it's potential... It's like cake without icing, a sandwich made with unbaked bread, a bicycle with scooter wheels and a TV with broken speakers. Just not right!

[@TylerLey]

Thanks Saski!