New Concrete Exposed to Elements and Soaking up Water? Post your questions and get answers regarding all areas of drives, pathways and patios

[russ_fae_fyvie]

Hi
I am new to this Forum so please excuse any stupid questions !
I am just embarking on our 2nd (and last!) self build and am Project Managing it.

My builder is totally competent o I am not questioning his work, but I wondered if someone could help with my thoughts on the concrete slab just laid.

Basically its a standard 150mm slab (with rebar and DPM) which was poured about a month ago.

The garage itself will be erected on the slab in another months time so I was worried that during that time of it being under the weather, it would soak up all the rain that can be thrown at it.

So today I covered it with a tarp, put blocks under the tarp to its not totally lying on the slab, to prevent what will probably be a months worth of rain getting onto the naked slab.

So basically is that ok or is it likely to make things worse if the concrete sweats ?

thanks in advance

[collectors]

Concrete will only soak up water in the 1st day after the pour. After this, I wouldn't worry. To prove a point, next time you have a dry'ish day, drill a NO:6 hole under where the bricks are being laid & i bet you drill straight into dry concrete within a few millimetres.

[russ_fae_fyvie]

Concrete will only soak up water in the 1st day after the pour. After this, I wouldn't worry. To prove a point, next time you have a dry'ish day, drill a NO:6 hole under where the bricks are being laid & i bet you drill straight into dry concrete within a few millimetres.

Thanks!!