new concrete driveways and sidewalks

[Barry Loy]

What is the curing time for new residential concrete ? I've washed some before with a surface cleaner and what washed off appeared to look like 'grits' flowing down the drive. When can a surface cleaner be used without this effect ? and when this 'grits' stuff appears does it damage the concrete ? Thanks !
Barry Loy

 

[ron]

most cement is GREEN for 90 days unless it had a cure additive put in it.
When you wash the CREAM off the top then yes this is damage.
The more cream that is washed off the more the stones in the cement will show.
Light wanding for the first 90 days with no heat or surface cleaner[unless you put bigger tips on the surface washer]
After 90 days clean it up real well then sell them on a sealer job.
Saves the cream,stains wont penetrate,faster to wash,makes it last longer and look better.
nice add-on for you and shows you care about the customer.
The higher PSI commericial cement is about 45 days[sidewalks] driveway aprons are about 10 days.
this is all IF the contractor uses the right mix's. This is also for NJ.

 

[Mikespowrwash]

Ron you are correct, Ive been around concrete and masonry all my life and pressure washing for the last 3 years full time. 3500 mix will cure faster and is much stronger. Low pressure no strong chems and light wanding only. If trying to get off stains use a light mix of bleach and water and let it dwell until stains are lightened or gone all together then rinse very well with low pressure and lots of water.