Water is an integral component of all concrete. It is mixed with cement that provides the concrete with hydration and strength. However, despite this fact, there are obvious reasons why you should not lay concrete in the rain.
In this post, we look at some of the reasons why laying concrete in the rain is never a good idea. So let’s get started.
Understanding the Concrete Laying Process
The concrete laying process is a multistage process that starts with the preparation of the concrete and includes appropriate placement, which is followed by finishing and curing. When the concrete is poured and you have prepared the surface to apply the finish, that's when the curing process starts, which involves providing adequate moisture and appropriate temperature for the concrete to set and strengthen.
The curing process typically lasts for 28 days, where you have to provide enough water to the concrete to gain strength. However, it is important to remember here that curing starts when the concrete has been finished. Finishing means that the concrete has been textured, stamped, or smoothed, depending on the customer's choice.
Why You Should Not Lay Concrete in the Rain?
Now that you know the concrete laying process let's look at some of the obvious reasons why you should not lay concrete in the rain.
The Surface of the Concrete May Wear Away
Perhaps the most significant reason why you should not lay concrete in the rain is that the rain can have a devastating effect on the surface of the concrete. When rain hits the concrete before it has hardened, especially when it is raining with enough force, the rain may wash some of the cement out of the concrete. As a result, you will be left with a weakened surface that may cause potential problems in the future.
Some of the possible problems you may experience due to washed-out cement from your concrete include dusting of the surface and the reduced ability of your concrete pathway to resist cracking during the freeze-thaw cycles.
Surface Scaling
Another reason why you should not lay concrete in the rain is that rainwater, especially if it is pounding rain, can lead to surface scaling. Due to the exposure to heavy rainfall, the wet concrete may develop flaky layers once it dries up. You may not be able to see the damage right away, but you will notice it when the slab is dried and there has been some traffic on it, which results in the breakdown or crumbling of the scales.
Final Words
While water plays an integral role in forming and strengthening concrete surfaces, laying concrete in the rain is never a good idea, as wet concrete's exposure to water can have detrimental consequences. To learn more about efficient concrete cutting, get in touch with Melbourne Concrete Cutting today.