Why is Concrete Curing & Finishing Important?

The final stage of any new construction project is the finishing phase. The finished details are what truly counts to bring the project from raw structure to a livable, usable, beautiful space. From interior walls to facades, from tiny joints to huge floor areas, Sika can help finish the job with solutions that are durable, long-lasting, protective, and stunning.

After final finishing, the concrete surface must be kept continuously wet or sealed to prevent evaporation for a period of at least seven days. The earlier the curing can start the better it is for the concrete. Curing is a moisture management balancing act.

WHAT IS CURING?

Curing is the term used to describe the technique of preventing early water-loss out of concrete. Curing plays an extremely important role ion the concrete's strength development, improving concrete properties and durability.

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Curing Blankets

Concrete Curing Products

Curing the concrete has a significant influence on the strength, abrasion resistance and final quality of the wearing surface. In addition, curing reduces the risk of cracking, crazing, curling and dusting. The main purpose of curing is to maintain favorable conditions under which concrete hardens (hydrates) and continues to gain strength and wear resistance. Proper curing is especially important in concrete slabs with large exposed surface areas in relation to their volume. 

Sika® Florseal WB

Sika® Florseal WB

  • Excellent moisture retention produces a durable concrete surface through optimum curing.
  • Reduces dust on new and existing concrete substrates by forming a film that seals the surface.
  • Protective sealer that resists some mild acids, alkalis and oils that may damage concrete.
  • Increases stain resistance and cleanability by sealing the surface pores.
  • Protects against damage from sudden rainfall.
  • Easy application, one coat effectively cures and seals concrete surfaces. No additional burlap or polyethylene sheeting is required.
  • Sika® Florseal WB 25 passes the adhesion requirements of ASTM C1315 Type 1, Class A standard that evaluates the compatibility of the sealer with common adhesives. Specifically, ceramic tile adhesives to the requirements of specification ANSI A136.1-1992 and vinyl tile adhesion to the Resilient Floor Covering Institute specification ADH-1.
  • Meets the requirements of CFIA and USDA for use in food plants.
  • Ministère des Transports du Québec acceptance.
  • Product recognized by the British Columbia Ministry of Transportation(BC MoT).
Concrete Finishing
Concrete Finishing Products
Sika® EmeriCrete® Topping

Sika® EmeriCrete® Topping

HEAVY-DUTY, NATURAL EMERY AGGREGATE TOPPING
  • Sika® EmeriCrete® Topping is premixed and ready-to-use.
  • Selective sourcing, crushing and grading of premium grade high aluminium oxide (Al2O3) and iron oxide (Fe2O3) content emery mineral, produces superior aggregates that are pre-mix in factory with other ingredients to ensure a consistent high quality material of screedable consistency.
  • Superior abrasion and impact resistance provides years of service life under the harshest conditions.
  • High surface density improves resistance to oil, grease and liquid penetration.
  • Non-rusting materials make it suitable for interior or exterior applications and wet service areas.
  • Intense heat resistance - maximum 290 °C (554 °F).
  • Can be finished with a surface texture to provide increased traction.