From the moment you lay a hunk of new concrete, the question that arises is how long does it take for this to dry completely? when can you walk on concrete? In fact, it is important to take care of new concrete before it becomes suitable for use.
A new layer of concrete takes some time to harden and dry completely. Then it will be strong in the long run and will not have to be repaired frequently. The question then is how long it will take for the newly laid concrete floor to dry completely.
Can I Walk On Concrete After 24 Hours Of Time?
We need to keep in mind that the longer it takes to dry, the stronger and more stable it becomes. Generally, a concrete slab needs 24 hours to dry to support the weight of the human body.
Can I Walk On Concrete After 7 Days Of Time?
So exactly when can you walk on concrete, Of course, you will be able to walk on a new concrete floor after at least 7 days as scheduled.
After a week you can walk on it to some extent. By then the mortar would have dried up quite a bit. You can also allow vehicles to travel. There will be no damage to the surface during this time.
Can I Walk On Concrete After 28 Days Of Time?
In fact, after about 28 days, the concrete floor will be almost completely dry. By then it will have reached its maximum strength. If it is well cared for during this time, a concrete slab will have a lifespan of approximately 50 years. You can allow all sorts of traffic after this time.
Factors affecting Drying Time Of Concrete
Depending on the temperature and environmental factors, the time it takes for a concrete floor to reach its strength varies. Therefore, it should be well taken care of after pouring concrete.
The main factors which affect the drying process of the concrete include, mainly,
- The right amount of water
- Environment temperature
- Mix and the combination of the materials used
Drying vs Curing Of Concrete
Here we need to understand the difference between concrete drying and curing. Drying occurs on the surface and air and water may still remain inside. Complete strengthening and stabilization after the process, which is dry on the surface but also on the inside, is called healing.
How To Speed Up Concrete Drying Time?
You might think that there is nothing wrong with using shortcuts to dry the concrete floor quickly so that you can walk on concrete. But in fact, it directly affects its longevity and integrity. Then you will have to repair the concrete floor before and from time to time, which would normally have a lifespan of 50 years.
you can do certain things to speed up the process as all you might be thinking is “when can you walk on concrete”. But it is not advisable to do this without the advice of a proper expert. For example, adding calcium chloride or using a heater and also reducing the amount of water used.
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Factors Influencing The Hardening Of Concrete
In order to get good concrete paving, you need to have the right combination of materials. Where water is an essential factor. Depending on the amount of water you add to the concrete mix, it will take less or longer time to dry.
It is also affected by ambient temperature. It dries faster in hotter climates and slows down in colder climates. Experts also say that concrete should never be laid in extreme hot or cold conditions.
The next effect is the mixture. Choosing a cement that comes under a good brand is an important factor here. This is because having the correct chemical composition of the cement makes it possible to obtain a strong and durable mortar.
You should cover the concrete slab
If it is a rainy or wet condition, the best thing to do is to cover the concrete slab well. It is better if the cover is plastic. Place a load such as a brick or stone in place so that the edges are well covered and the plastic cover is not removed from the wind. You also can spray some water once a day and should be covered at least for about 7 days.
Do Let it get cold
Don’t let the concrete get too cold as It needs a considerable amount of temperature to get strengthen quickly
So when can you walk on concrete? definitely, you can walk on the concrete after 24 hours. Then it will be adapted to carry the weight of a human body. But it is important to note that even though it is dry on the surface, there may still be areas on the inside that do not dry out properly. Therefore, do not overload, especially do not allow bicycles, dogs, skateboards, etc. This is because it can damage the surface layer of concrete.
Of course, if you want to get a good concrete mortar you have to give it enough time. Properly covered, it will withstand plenty of adverse conditions. So when can you walk on concrete will no longer be a problem?
FAQs
Why is my concrete In Different Colors?
Usually, this can happen as there can be moisture in certain areas of the slab. This is absolutely normal and do not worry as it might take up to 60 days to complete the curing process.
Why does the concrete crack?
All concrete cracks do crack. But it can be managed by using the right mixture beforehand. These hairy cracks do not affect the integrity of the concrete at all. You can contact your project manager for more information.
How often should you seal the concrete?
Usually, when the concrete is exposed to salt, road chemicals, or automotive oil, you should reseal the concrete every 2-3 years.
When can I walk on concrete?
It is advisable not to allow pets, bicycles, or any other object to be traveled on the surface immediately after pouring the concrete. This means waiting at least 24 hours and It can take up to 7 days to endure any weight without getting cracked.
