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How does cement work? Lemming 07-29-2006
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Posted by Glenn on July 30, 2006, 12:23 pm


>> Sub-freezing temperture lend to poor curing of concrete,
>> mortar, and similar based mixtures. Just a fact of life.
>>
>> If the air temperature is too hot and not appreciably
>> humid, the surface will dry too quickly for effecting a
>> proper surface with a trowel of any kind.
>>
>> "Cement" is a generic term. Pardon me if I did not
>> interpret its meaning correctly. I would be interested
>> in exactly what you mean by "cement".
> You know exactly what he is asking about, concrete.

Well gee, I thought he was talking about Elmers glue.

Posted by Jeff on July 30, 2006, 12:33 am

>
> So I've seen all kinds of wacky bahaviour among DIYers who want to
> "accelerate" the "cement drying" process, such as using heaters or
> fans, or pouring cement on really hot days. Perhaps someone could
> clarify, or point me to an authoritative explanation?
>
> Regards,
> Lemming.


The only reason that you would use a heater is in the winter to prevent it from
freezing until it has time to cure properly. You are
correct that the water is required for the chemical reaction. ...but you don't
need much water - excess water makes the concrete
easier to work with because it is more fluid, but all of that water will
eventually evaporate, which will leave the concrete porous
and weaker. The trick is to use minimal water (within reason) when the concrete
is mixed, and then keep that minimal water from
evaporating by either sealing it, spraying with additional water after it sets,
or better yet, daming it up and flooding with water
to allow it to cure under water. The longer the better. A few days is good, a
week to 10 days is a good compromise, a month is
great. longer than a month and you've probably gone beyond the point of
diminishing returns.




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