Concrete Care Guidelines

Curing and sealing concrete is important in Minnesota’s harsh and ever-changing climate. Properly cured concrete is less porous than uncured concrete, which makes it more durable and wear-resistant by reducing the penetration of water and salts.

When concrete is first placed, you want to keep moisture in by properly curing the surface. Once the concrete has matured, you want to keep moisture out.

Curing concrete involves controlling the speed at which newly poured concrete dries and hardens. The process requires keeping the concrete cool and moist during the first few days.

Research indicates that properly cured concrete can be twice as strong as concrete cured in a dry environment. Sealing concrete also keeps moisture out and makes your concrete more resistant to the freeze/thaw cycles in Minnesota.

The most common way to cure new concrete is by coating it with a compound known as Cure & Seal. This product is easy to apply and is usually sprayed or rolled on the surface. When dry, it restricts moisture evaporation from the surface.

New concrete should be sealed in the first year before the first hard freeze. And existing concrete should be re-sealed every 3 to 4 years to provide ongoing protection. Otherwise, the unsealed concrete can absorb water, which then freezes and thaws, causing cracks. Concrete sealers fill the pores of the concrete and create a water barrier to help keep your concrete in top condition throughout the seasons.

Cemstone offers a wide selection of high-performance curing and sealing products to fit any job, including CPC Weathershield, Siloxane, Cure & Seal and Super Clear Coat. To determine which one is right for your needs, visit your Cemstone Contractor Supply Store and talk to the experts. They will recommend the right product for your home and provide easy directions for application.