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Curing is maintaining moisture in concrete following placement so that the concrete’s designed properties can develop. Curing influences the concrete’s ultimate durability, strength, water tightness, abrasion resistance, volume stability and resistance to freeze/thaw cycles and deicing salts. These properties are reduced significantly when curing is inadequate.

When Portland cement is mixed with water, a chemical reaction called hydration takes place. As cement hydrates, the strength, durability and density of the concrete increases. The more complete the hydration, the higher these properties become. Complete hydration of cement takes a very long time. The hydration process is complete when the surface of the concrete is hard. Theoretically, the hydration process continues for years. With sufficient water, the hydration process will be approximately 30% complete in 3 days, 60% complete in 7 days and 98% complete in 28 days. Some color variation may occur during this process.   

Most freshly mixed concrete contains more water than is required to hydrate the cement in the mix. Water loss in the first few days due to bleed water and evaporation reduces the water content of the mix and slows or stops the hydration process. It is critical to the long term durability of the concrete that water evaporation be minimized. Excess loss of water causes the concrete to shrink, creating tensile stresses within the concrete. If these stresses develop before the concrete achieves adequate tensile strength, surface cracking results.

As concrete hardens and dries it shrinks. This shrinkage causes forces in the concrete which literally pull the slab apart. Cracks are the end result of these forces. The bottom line is a low water to cement ratio is the number one issue effecting concrete quality- and excess water reduces this ratio.  

Resistant to high heat Concrete is very heat resistant, but avoid placing hot pots or pans on sealed surfaces, since the heat can damage or discolor the sealer.

Concrete countertops can develop minor hairline cracks, but they are usually nonstructural in nature and result from the natural shrinkage of the concrete. Concrete countertop fabricators can prevent most cracks by strengthening the concrete using various reinforcement methods such as fiber reinforcement, rebar and wire mesh. While hairline cracks may still occur, no matter what reinforcing method is used, they often add character to the countertop and won’t detract from the appearance.

Add an answer to this item. Because concrete is naturally weather resistant, it’s an ideal material for outdoor countertops and can often withstand freezing better than granite or tile when properly sealed. Concrete countertops also have no grout lines, making them easier to keep clean and dry.