Concrete and water have a somewhat complicated relationship, and misunderstandings about moisture can lead to poor finishes. So, whether you’re working on a domestic driveway or a commercial floor, it’s really important to get the basics right. So, let’s take a look at some concrete and water myths.
Older concrete is always dry
Age alone doesn’t guarantee a dry slab. Concrete stays porous throughout its life and can absorb moisture from the surrounding environment.
A dry surface means a dry slab
A slab might look completely dry while still holding moisture deeper inside, and because concrete dries gradually, its appearance can be pretty misleading. You can get local advice; for example, experts on concrete Tewkesbury like this example https://www.monstermixconcrete.co.uk/concrete-tewkesbury/ can help make sure you’re on the right path.
More water makes better concrete
Adding extra water might make your concrete easier to spread, but it’s also going to reduce strength and increase shrinkage. Make sure you get the correct water-to-cement ratio from the outset.
Concrete dries at a predictable rate
It’s never predictable. Things like temperature, humidity, ventilation and the mix itself all influence how quickly moisture escapes, so two similar-looking slabs can behave very differently.
Curing and drying are the same thing
Curing allows concrete to gain strength through hydration, while drying removes excess moisture. They happen at different stages and serve different purposes.
So, using accurate information on concrete and allowing the material to behave as intended is going to give your projects the best chance of lasting for many years.
