When it comes to building a driveway, patio, or foundation, using the proper concrete curing techniques is just as important as choosing a high-quality mix.
Curing is the process that ensures your ready mix concrete develops maximum strength, durability, and resistance to cracking. In this guide, we share our expert advice on serving clients throughout Gloucestershire and the West Midlands for over a decade. We’ll advise on proven curing methods so you can protect your investment and achieve long-lasting results.
Whether you’re laying a driveway, patio, foundation, or pathway, these methods will keep your concrete from drying too quickly, prevent cracks, and ensure it reaches its full strength.
Why Curing Concrete Matters
Curing is the process of maintaining adequate moisture, temperature, and time after placing concrete to allow the cement to hydrate fully. If you skip or shorten the curing process, your concrete may be weaker, more prone to shrinkage cracks, and less resistant to wear.
For projects using ready mix concrete, curing is even more critical because the mix is designed for precise performance. By using the correct concrete curing techniques, you can:
- Maximise compressive strength.
- Improve surface hardness.
- Reduce the risk of cracking.
- Increase durability against weather and heavy loads.
Factors That Affect Curing
Several factors influence how your concrete cures:
- Temperature – Hot conditions can cause rapid moisture loss; cold weather slows hydration.
- Wind and humidity – Windy, dry air speeds evaporation.
- Mix design – for optimal curing performance.
- Slab thickness – Thinner pours dry out faster and need closer attention.
Understanding these helps you choose the most effective concrete curing techniques for your site.
Need Expert Advice?
Speak to the team at Flowmix Tewkesbury or Walsall. We are happy to help with all your concrete requirements.
Flowmix Tewkesbury: 01684 217888 Flowmix Walsall: Tel: 01922 741731
Top Concrete Curing Techniques You Can Use
Water Curing
Water curing is one of the oldest and most reliable methods. It involves keeping the surface constantly wet for 7–14 days using sprinklers, hoses, or by ponding water on the slab. This method is excellent for preventing early-age cracking and ensuring deep hydration.
- Ponding: Creating shallow pools of water on the concrete surface to keep it consistently moist.
- Spraying or Misting: Regularly spraying the concrete with water or mist to maintain surface moisture.
- Wet Coverings: Placing damp materials such as burlap, hessian, cotton mats, or rugs over the concrete to retain moisture. Wet coverings offer excellent moisture retention, helping you strengthen concrete effectively.
Membrane Curing
- Curing Compounds: These are spray-on sealants that form a thin film over the surface, locking in moisture. They are beneficial for large areas or where continuous water curing is impractical. Flowmix can recommend the right product for your project.
- Plastic Sheeting: Covering the concrete with polyethene sheets traps moisture and maintains an even temperature. To avoid surface blemishes, make sure the sheeting is laid flat and weighted at the edges. That is an effective ready mix concrete curing option for driveways and patios.
Thermal Curing
The following methods are more technical and more traditionally used by contractors due to the need for specialist equipment.
- Steam Curing: Using steam in enclosed chambers to speed up hydration and strength gain, often for precast concrete.
- Hot Mixing: Incorporating hot water or heated aggregates during mixing to accelerate the curing process.
- Electrical Curing: Passing electrical current through the concrete to generate heat internally and promote faster curing.
- Infrared Curing: Employing infrared lamps to supply heat and assist curing, particularly in controlled environments.
- Concrete Curing Blankets: Covering concrete with insulating blankets to retain heat and protect it from cold weather during curing.
Flowmix’s Professional Curing Tips
At Flowmix, we’ve spent over a decade supplying ready mix concrete in Gloucester, Cheltenham, Tewkesbury, Aldridge, and across the Cotswolds. Our curing advice includes:
- Start early – Begin curing as soon as you can walk on the surface without causing damage.
- Match the method to the weather – Use water curing in hot, dry weather, and sheeting or compounds in cooler, damp conditions.
- Be consistent – Maintain the curing process without interruption to avoid uneven strength development.
By following these concrete curing techniques, you’ll give your concrete the best chance of achieving maximum performance.
How Long Should You Cure Ready Mix Concrete?
The general rule is: the longer, the better. For most projects:
- Light foot traffic: after 24–48 hours.
- Vehicles: wait at least 7 days.
- Full design strength: typically, after 28 days.
Ongoing curing for 7–14 days will dramatically improve strength and durability. Longer curing is particularly beneficial in hot, dry, or windy conditions.
Ready to Order Ready-Mix or Volumetric Concrete?
If you are ready to order a ready-mix concrete delivery, speak to the team at Flowmix Tewkesbury or Walsall. We will help you select the right mix and quantities and arrange for fast delivery to your site.
Flowmix Tewkesbury: 01684 217888 Flowmix Walsall: Tel: 01922 741731
Common Curing Mistakes to Avoid
It’s easy to make rookie mistakes if you have little experience pouring concrete. The following are some of the most common:
- Letting the surface dry out within the first few days.
- Stopping curing too early.
- Pouring concrete in unsuitable weather without protection.
- Using the wrong curing technique for site conditions.
By avoiding these errors, you’ll protect your investment and prevent costly repairs.
Why Choose Flowmix for Your Concrete Supply?
Flowmix has two plants, Gloucester and Walsall. We provide the following services (with time slots):
- Ready-mix concrete, mix on-site (volumetric concrete) and liquid screed.
- 200′ Concrete line pump Hire to reduce manual labour and associated costs, increase efficiency, reduce wastage and clean up.
- Interlocking concrete blocks for temporary or permanent barriers.
Flowmix has the BSA-approved Ready Mix Concrete Kitemark KM683844, a certification that “confirms a product or service’s claim has been independently and repeatedly tested by experts” (source BSI).
Flowmix Tewkesbury: 01684 217888 Flowmix Walsall: Tel: 01922 741731
Conclusion
Curing is one of the most essential steps in any concrete project. By using the proper concrete curing techniques and avoiding common mistakes, you’ll create a surface that’s strong, durable, and built to last.
For expert advice, quality materials, and reliable delivery across Gloucester, Cheltenham, Tewkesbury, Aldridge, and beyond, contact Flowmix today.
Flowmix Gloucester: 01684 217888 Flowmix Aldridge: 01922 214567
FAQs
What Are The Best Concrete Curing Techniques For Ready Mix Concrete?
The most effective curing techniques include water curing, plastic sheeting, curing compounds, and wet coverings like hessian. Choosing the correct method depends on weather, project size, and concrete mix.
How Long Should Ready Mix Concrete Be Cured?
Concrete typically needs at least 7 days of curing to gain sufficient strength, with full design strength reached around 28 days. Longer curing helps improve durability and reduce cracking.
Can I Cure Concrete Without Water?
While water is the most common curing method, alternatives like curing compounds and plastic sheeting can also retain moisture effectively when water application isn’t practical.
Why Is Curing Important For Concrete Strength?
Proper curing maintains the moisture and temperature needed for cement hydration, which strengthens concrete and reduces shrinkage cracks, making the surface more durable.
How Does Weather Affect Concrete Curing?
Hot, dry, or windy weather can cause rapid moisture loss and weaken concrete. Cold weather slows the curing process. Adjusting curing techniques based on weather helps ensure optimal results.
Does Flowmix Provide Guidance On Concrete Curing?
Yes, Flowmix offers expert advice alongside high-quality ready mix concrete to help you choose the correct curing methods for your specific project and local climate.