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Concrete can cure in 24 hours if the temperature remains above 40 degrees, but it might take up to 48 hours for the initial curing if the temperature drops close to freezing. You can speed up the curing process in cold weather by using accelerants, or you can insulate the slab or enclose and warm the area with heaters.

A fence post set in concrete lasts anywhere from five to over 25 years, depending on how well the concrete was applied and the fence post’s material. Untreated wood posts in concrete could last less than 10 years, but a durable, treated wood set in properly applied concrete could last a few decades. However, all fence posts will wear out eventually, so expect to need to replace your fence post every five to 15 years.

In most cases, you will need a building permit for cement work on your property. You need a permit for any project that adds a permanent foundation on your property—which, in most cases, includes even a flat slab of concrete poured directly on the ground. Building permits for concrete projects usually cost between $100 and $500, although this can get higher for larger projects. You can always ask your cement company if a permit is necessary for your project, and the expert will typically pull the permit for you to save you time and energy.

If you over-trowel concrete, it will be difficult for moisture to move through it. For this reason, it may be worthwhile to hire a professional, especially if you don’t have the advanced knowledge and techniques required to avoid this issue.