Installation Guide

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TABLE 2 MIXING WATER FOR QUIKRETE
®
CONCRETE MIX
Package size, lb (kg) Starting Water Final Water,
Content, pt (L) Content, pt (L)
80 (36.3) 6 (2.8) 6-9 (2.8-4.3)
60 (27.2) 4 (1.9) 4-7 (1.9-3.3)
40 (18.1) 3 (1.4) 3-4.5 (1.4-2.1)
APPLICATION
Method for Pouring a Slab
• Dampen the sub-grade before concrete is placed
• Do not leave standing puddles
• Shovel or place concrete into the form; fill to the full depth of the
form
• After concrete has been compacted and spread to completely fill the
forms without air pockets, strike off and float immediately
• To strike off, use a straight board (screed), moving the edge back
and forth with a saw-like motion to smooth the surface
• Use a darby or bull float to float the surface; this levels any ridges
and fills voids left by the straight edge
• Cut the concrete away from the forms by running an edging tool or
trowel along the forms to compact the slab edges
• Cut 1" (25.4 mm) deep control joints into the slab every 6' - 8' (1.8 -
2.4 m) using a grooving tool
• Allow concrete to stiffen slightly, waiting until all water has
evaporated from the surface before troweling or applying a broom
finish
Note - For best results, do not overwork the material.
Method for Setting Fence Posts
• Dig post hole about 3 times the diameter of the post. Hole depth
should be 1/3 the overall post height
• Place 6" (152 mm) of dry concrete mix in the bottom of the hole.
Position the post, checking that it is level and plumb. Combine
concrete mix with water and place into the hole
• When standing water has evaporated from the concrete, smooth the
surface. Taper it away from the post so rain will flow in that direction.
Wait 24 hours before post is subjected to any strain
• For load-bearing applications, follow local building codes for proper
footing specifications
FINISHING
Any standard concrete finishing technique is acceptable for use with
QUIKRETE
®
Concrete Mix. Concrete can be hand troweled, power-
troweled, broom finished or finished with other specialty finishes.
CURING
General
Curing is one of the most important steps in concrete construction.
Proper curing increases the strength and durability of concrete,
and a poor curing job can ruin an otherwise well-done project. Proper
water content and temperature are essential for good curing. In
near freezing temperatures the hydration process slows considerably.
When weather is too hot, dry or windy, water is lost by evaporation
from the concrete, and hydration stops, resulting in finishing
difficulties and cracks. The ideal circumstances for curing are ample
moisture and moderate temperature and wind conditions. Curing
should be started as soon as possible and should continue for a
period of 5 days in warm weather at 70
o
F (21
o
C) or higher or 7 days
in colder weather at 50 - 70
o
F (10 - 21
o
C).
Specific Curing Methods
• QUIKRETE
®
Acrylic Cure & Seal – Satin Finish provides the easiest
and most convenient method of curing. Apply by spray, brush or roller
soon after the final finishing operation when the surface is hard. The
surface may be damp, but not wet, when applying curing compound.
Complete coverage is essential
• Other methods of providing proper curing include covering the
surface with wet burlap; keeping the surface wet with a lawn sprinkler
and sealing the concrete surface with plastic sheeting or waterproof
paper to prevent moisture loss
• If burlap is used, it should be free of chemicals that could weaken or
discolor the concrete. New burlap should be washed before use.
Place it when the concrete is hard enough to withstand surface
damage and sprinkle it periodically to keep the concrete surface
continuously moist
• Water curing with lawn sprinklers, nozzles or soaking hoses must be
continuous to prevent interruption of the curing process
• Curing with plastic sheets is convenient. They must be laid flat,
thoroughly sealed at joints and anchored carefully along edges
PRECAUTIONS
• Curing compounds should not be applied if rain or temperatures
below 50
o
F (10
o
C) are expected within 24 hours
• Curing with plastic or burlap can cause patchy discoloration in
colored concrete. For colored concrete, wet curing or the use of
QUIKRETE
®
Acrylic Cure & Seal – Satin Finish is recommended
• Do not use curing compounds during late fall on surfaces where de-
icers will be used to melt ice and snow. Using curing compounds at
that time may prevent proper air drying of the concrete, which is
necessary to enhance its resistance to damage caused
by de-icers
• Protect concrete from freezing during the first 48 hours. Plastic
sheeting and insulation blankets should be used if temperatures are
expected to fall below 32
o
F (0
o
C)
WARRANTY
The QUIKRETE
®
Companies warrant this product to be of
merchantable quality when used or applied in accordance with the
instructions herein. The product is not warranted as suitable for any
purpose or use other than the general purpose for which it is
intended. Liability under this warranty is limited to the replacement of
its product (as purchased) found to be defective, or at the shipping
companies’ option, to refund the purchase price. In the event of a
claim under this warranty, notice must be given to The QUIKRETE
®
Companies in writing. This limited warranty is issued and accepted in
lieu of all other express warranties and expressly excludes liability for
consequential damages.
The QUIKRETE
®
Companies
One Securities Centre
3490 Piedmont Rd., NE, Suite 1300, Atlanta, GA 30305
[phone] • Fax: [phone]
* Refer to www.quikrete.com for the most current technical data, MSDS, and gui
d
e specifications
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