Concrete is the most used construction material you can find in the world. It is durable, easy to buy, and has many pros that are not available in other construction materials.
Although concrete sets really tough, it remains soft and wet until dried out completely. At that time, it requires attention and care to have a perfectly built concrete structure that can last long.
In this brief post, we will be answering questions regarding the effect of rain before and after the concrete is poured. Stay with us!
Is it Okay if it Rains After Pouring Concrete?
It is okay to have rain after 4 to 8 hours of pouring concrete. After the concrete is poured and finished, it starts curing and within 4 to 8 hours, it becomes tough enough to withstand rainwater.
In case of heavy rain, you may see minor damage on the top layer of the concrete surface. You can use a concrete patching compound or resurfacer to make things perfect again.
However, we advise you to protect the concrete surface from rainwater if it rains within 4 hours of pouring the concrete. Rainwater can damage the concrete surface when the surface is soft.
Can You Pour Concrete in the Rain?
The answer depends on various factors. Generally, we do not recommend pouring concrete in the rain. But if you want, you can pour concrete when the rain is not so heavy and you can protect the surface from the rain right after the finishing is complete.
But in heavy rain, you can’t pour concrete. The rainwater will wash away the cement from the concrete mix and it will weaken.
However, you can pour concrete on the surface in any kind of rain when you have protection. It is the water that causes problems, not the rainy weather. So, you can apply concrete after taking enough precautionary measures to protect the surface from rainwater.
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Can You Make Concrete Waterproof?
Yes, you can make the concrete waterproof by using waterproofing materials. You’ll find different concrete waterproofing materials online. Buy one that fits your need and mix it with the concrete mixture.
When using the waterproofing compound, you need to follow the instructions given by the manufacturer to have a perfectly waterproof surface. These work by making the concrete compact so that there remains no room for the water to penetrate the concrete block.
Generally, concrete is waterproof. But in some cases, you may need to prevent concrete from absorbing water in it. In such circumstances, you’ll need mixing agents that make the concrete tough and compact so that there remains no gap in it for the water to go inside.
If you have concrete bonding agents, you can use that instead of waterproofing compounds to get a waterproof concrete surface that lasts long.
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Final Words
The effect of water on concrete surfaces varies depending on the time when water is applied. If you expose uncured concrete within 4 hours of pouring, the concrete will likely lose a portion of its strength.
On the other hand, you’ll need to water the concrete surface after it is dried out so that it becomes harder and stronger by the hydration process.
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