Concrete needs to harden by curing before you should touch or put any sort of weight on it, otherwise the quality might deteriorate. For that, it’s important to know the minimum time period you need to give the concrete to cure before doing anything on top of it.

How long before you can walk on concrete? The concrete needs to cure for at least 24 hours before you can walk on it. After the aforementioned curing time period, you can also put on light-weight items on the concrete besides walking.

how long before you can walk on concrete

Let’s get to know more about such topics related to concrete down below!

How To Pour a Concrete Driveway In Sections?

Planning on constructing a concrete driveway in sections but don’t know the procedures? Don’t worry, we’ve got your back and brought to you all the necessary steps you need to do for constructing the said project.

How to pour a concrete driveway in sections? After marking the framework and sections of the driveway, pour concrete in each section. Then, through striking, smoothing, edging, creating control joints, and curing the concrete, we’ll be done with the task.

Let’s know the process step by step down below-

Step 1- Building Up The Framework:

Using wooden stakes, first build the framework of the driveway in the ground where it will be installed. You’ll also need plywood, nails, and string in this step.

First, place the stakes 3 feet away from each other to lay out the driveway’s shape and then using nails, fasten the plywood with them. That way, you’ll be able to install the form of the project.

Step 2- Marking The Sections:

Using cross-boards, it’s time to mark the sections of the driveways. The boards should be of the same width as your driveway section.

Place the boards according to your wish within the installed form but don’t nail them. Make sure that the boards are completely flat in each section.

Step 3- Filling The Sections With Concrete Mix:

Now it’s time to prepare the concrete mix and pour it in each section. Before that, dampen the place where you’ll pour it to make the cure slower for a more durable outcome.

It’s better for two people to do this step; one will start pouring the concrete from one corner of the form while the other will spread the mix using a shovel. This way, complete pouring the concrete in each section.

Step 4- Striking and Smoothing The Concrete:

Now it’s time to strike and smooth out the concrete’s surface. Using a strike-off, scrap off any excess concrete from each section and level it. You can shovel down the extra product into the corners.

After this, using a Darby or bull float, smooth out the surface and make it even for a better result. This will make the driveway look neat and will ensure smooth driving.

Step 5- Edging and Creating Control Joints:

Edging will curve the driveway which will prevent chipping and tripping in future. For this, you first need to run a mason’s trowel between the concrete and the outer edges of the form. Then, running an edger back and forth, smoothen the concrete.

Now it’s time to create control joints to prevent large slabs of concrete from cracking. Using a 1″ deep jointer and making a depth of one-fourth of the slab’s thickness, make control joints at an interval equivalent to the 1.5 times of the slab’s width.

Step 6- Curing The Concrete:

After all the above-mentioned steps, you can create a rough surface for your driveway using a broom. It is to be noted that all these procedures should be carried out while the concrete is still wet.

After this, let the concrete cure for 10 days and after that, you’re good to drive any vehicle on it!

How To Fix Cracks On Concrete?

Is your concrete slab showing cracks and you’re planning to call someone for help? Don’t worry! Because you can fix the problem by yourself following a few simple procedures!

How to fix cracks on concrete? Using concrete repair products, you can fix cracks on concrete. This process has steps like preparing the cracked area, choosing and applying the patching product, and finally letting the product cure.

The process is explained step by step down below precisely-

Step 1- Choose and Prepare The Patching Product:

First, choose the patching or repairing product for the cracks. Mainly latex patching material and mortar mixes are used for this type of problem.

Usually, mortar mixes work the best for fixing cracks. After choosing, prepare the patching product according to the instruction it comes with.

Step 2- Prepare The Cracked Surface:

Whether it’s a large or small crack, first using a chisel and hammer, scrape off any excess or loose concrete from around the cracked area. Then, you need to moisten the area before fixing it.

Make sure not to drench the entire area, rather just make it a bit wet. This will help the repairing product to stick properly.

Step 3- Apply The Mix and Smoothen The Surface:

Now it’s time to apply the mortar mix or repairing product of your choice. You’ll need a mason’s trowel or putty knife for the application.

Using the mentioned tools, start applying the patching product on the cracks. Make sure to close all the air pockets in this step and fill the crack firmly.

Step 4- Let The Mix Cure:

After applying the product, smoothen and make a rough texture on the surface if you want to. After this, let the product cure for 2 hours.

While it’s curing, you can cover the surface with a plastic sheet and sprinkle water underneath. Keep on doing this for a few days till the concrete hardens.

How Long Does It Take for Concrete Curbing To Cure?

Planning for a concrete curbing and wondering about its curing time? Worry no more and read below because the answer is right there!

How long does it take for concrete curbing to cure? It takes 24 hours or a day for concrete curbing to cure. Though it takes 28 days to completely cure, after 24 hours the concrete curbing becomes stable enough to touch.

If this article about concrete intrigues you to know about best concrete stain, then read it quickly!

Wrapping Up

This article on how long before you can walk on concrete tried to cover some important tips and processes concerning concrete related projects. We tried to answer questions related to fixing cracks, curing, and constructing driveways here.

Hope this article will be helpful in your future concrete related projects.

Similar Posts