Concrete Care

What to Do After Your Concrete Is Installed

Are you wondering how to best care for your newly installed concrete? The team at Roadrunner Redi-Mix Inc has put together this helpful guide to ensure your concrete remains strong, durable, and beautiful for years to come. If you have questions or need personalized advice, feel free to contact us.

Curing Concrete

Curing is a critical step in the concrete installation process. It involves maintaining proper temperature and moisture levels to allow the concrete to hydrate and develop its full strength and durability.

Here's why proper curing matters in New Mexico:

• Moisture Retention: Our low humidity makes it essential to retain moisture in the slab so the concrete can continue to strengthen.
• Shrinkage Prevention: Proper curing delays shrinkage until the concrete is strong enough to resist cracking, especially important due to our temperature extremes.
• Enhanced Durability: Correct curing improves the concrete’s strength, wear resistance, and longevity.

Sealing Your Concrete

Concrete is naturally porous and can absorb water, chemicals, and grease. Applying a protective sealant helps repel moisture and prevent staining.

• Wait to Seal: For newly poured concrete, wait at least 28 days before applying a sealant to allow full curing.
• Custom Recommendations: If your concrete is colored or stamped, we can recommend the best sealant to suit your specific finish.

Avoid Deicing Chemical

Using deicers on flat concrete surfaces—especially within the first year—can cause significant damage.

• Freeze-Thaw Cycles: Deicers increase the number of freeze-thaw cycles, which can lead to cracking and surface deterioration.
• Chemical Damage: Avoid products containing ammonium nitrates or ammonium sulfates, as they chemically alter the concrete.
• Environmental Impact: Even rock salt, while less damaging to concrete, can harm vegetation and contaminate water sources.

Best Practice: Use sand for traction and shovel snow and ice thoroughly to protect your concrete and the environment. Our concrete specialists are here to help you get the most out of your investment. Contact Roadrunner Redi-Mix for expert advice and support.