Caring for freshly poured concrete
To get the best results and long-term durability from your new concrete, proper curing and aftercare are critical. Here's a simple guide to help you through the process — from pouring to post-care and preventing cracks.
Best Conditions for Pouring Concrete
Temperature: Between 10°C and 25°C is ideal. Too hot or cold can weaken the concrete.
Weather: Overcast days are best – avoid rain and direct heat
Wind: Minimise strong wind during pouring, as it can dry the surface too fast and cause cracks.
How to Look After Concrete After Pouring (Curing Tips)
Keep it Moist (First 7 Days Are Critical)
Mist it with water regularly or sprinklers or cover with wet hessian sheet
Don't let it dry out — drying too fast causes cracking.
Cure for at least 7 days, ideally 28 for full strength.
You should wait at least 7 days before driving vehicles on freshly poured concrete, but 28 days is ideal for full strength.
1–2 Days After Pouring
Do not walk on it. It's still soft and curing.
24–48 Hours
Light foot traffic only (after 24–48 hours, depending on weather).
3–7 Days
Fine for foot traffic and light equipment (e.g., wheelbarrows).
No vehicles yet.
7 Days
OK for light vehicles (cars, utes).
Be gentle—no skidding or sharp turns.
28 Days
Safe for heavy vehicles (trucks, trailers, vans).
Concrete reaches about 90–100% strength.
Cover it
Use curing blankets, plastic sheets, or tarps to keep moisture in. Helps protect from sun, rain, or cold.
Watch the edges
Keep edges damp and protected — they dry out fastest and crack easily.
Control joints
Control Joints will be needed as soon as possible but will vary due to conditions and temperature
Preventing Cracks: Best Practice for Concrete Strength
1. Proper Subgrade Preparation
Compact the base well to avoid uneven settling.
Ensure good drainage so water doesn’t sit under the slab and cause movement.
2. Use the Right Mix
Use correct water-to-cement ratio – too much water weakens the concrete.
Add fibres (polypropylene or steel) to the mix for added crack resistance.
Consider using plasticisers or admixtures to improve performance.
3. Reinforcement
Use mesh or rebar to distribute loads and control crack width.
Use control joints in correct locations to manage where cracks occur.
4. Timely and Correct Curing
Keep it moist for at least 7 days (cover with wet hessian, plastic sheeting, or use curing compound).
Avoid rapid drying from wind, sun, or heat – this causes shrinkage cracks.
5. Control Joints
Cut joints to around ¼ the slab depth, spaced around:
3–4m for driveways/paths
Or 24–36 times the slab thickness (e.g., 100mm slab = joints every 2.4–3.6m)
6. Avoid Overworking the Surface
Don’t over-trowel or add water during finishing – this weakens the surface and traps water.
7. Account for Weather
In hot or windy weather: use wind breaks or sunshades, start early, and cure immediately.
In cold weather: don’t pour if it may freeze within 24 hours. Use blankets or heated curing if needed.
8. Control Loads
Don’t let heavy vehicles or machinery on the concrete too early (wait 7–28 days depending on mix).