Get matched with top concrete leveling pros in Tremont, ME

Poured concrete should be set and hard to the touch within 24 to 48 hours, although it depends on the humidity in the air, the thickness of the concrete, and the type of concrete. It’s best to leave concrete to set for three days before exposing to foot traffic or stress. Concrete takes between 20 and 30 days to cure and reach its peak strength, so for foundations and retaining walls, plan to wait about a month before placing any load on your concrete.

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.

Precast concrete can last from 50 to 100 years or more. Precast concrete may have a longer lifespan than cast-in-place concrete due to the controlled curing conditions and lack of environmental exposure during the curing process. Properly maintaining and regularly inspecting your precast concrete can help extend its life and keep it in good condition for decades. 

To remove solvent-based sealer, you can pressure wash the surface and wait for the concrete to dry. You may need a special remover product if you have a water-based concrete sealer. Another option is to etch and neutralize the concrete.