Concrete Hydration

Concrete slabs curl due to the effects of temperature variation between opposing surfaces of the slab. Concrete slabs may curl when the top surface of the slab is cooler than the bottom surface. The cool surface shortens due to thermal shrinkage, which may deform the perimeter of the slab section upward as the temperature of the bottom surface of the slab stays at a higher temperature. On the other hand, the top surface will expand when it is heated (such as with intense sunlight), which may relax curling or cause reverse curling. Reverse curling is when the concrete slab deforms downward instead of upward.

Concrete slabs warp due the effects of moisture variation between opposing surfaces of the slab. As the top surface of the slab dries, the volume change causes the surface to shorten while the bottom of the slab stays moist. Because the bottom surface stays moist, there is little or no shortening due to the effects of drying. Again as the top surface of the slab shortens and the bottom surface does not the edges lift.

Concrete Hydration
UltraCure wet curing blankets have numerous advantages in preventing slab curling and warping. First is has deep hydration capability. When properly installed, the UltraCure blanket provides a fully saturated surface, helping the concrete to achieve more complete hydration at the surface than other products. Unlike other single-use blankets which tend to dry out after 3-4 days, UltraCure NCF (Natural Cellulose Fabric) provides constant hydration and maintains a 100% relative humidity condition on the slab for the entire 7-day curing period (with proper installation).

Secondly, this wet curing blanket feature non-staining, super absorbent fibers that effectively trap water and serve as a hydrating reservoir for the slab as it cures, reducing moisture loss at the surface which can lead to curling.

UltraCure NCF also features a semi-transparent white poly backing, which provides constant visual reinforcement that the slab remains wet for the entire curing period. The poly backing retards evaporation from heat and wind, both of which can lead to curling at the edges of the slab.

Lastly, the superior water retention ability of UltraCure NCF allows the blanket to absorb more than 46 gallons of curing water per 1,600 sq. ft. roll, providing the critical moisture required for the long term wet curing of concrete surfaces. With typical application and proper installation, the superior absorbency demonstrated by UltraCure NCF means there's no need to re-wet the slab. UltraCure NCF is designed to stay wet, lay flat and reduce moisture loss.

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There is no better method of achieving proper cement hydration, reducing discoloration and producing highly wear-resistant concrete floors and slabs than wet curing. The ultimate goal of any wet curing blanket is to maintain a 100% relative humidity condition on the slab surface for the entire curing period. It's easy to see why UltraCure outperforms other methods.

UltraCureNCF
Wet curing blanket for indoor, outdoor and slab-on-grade applications

Features and benefits of UltraCureNCF

• Full-term indoor/outdoor curing blanket (7-day curing duration)
• Lightweight. Each 1,600 sq. ft. roll weighs approximately 50 pounds
• Superior water retention. Each roll has the ability to absorb more than 46 gallons of water
• Roll outs that are more even and flatter than many other wet cure methods
• Disposable. Single-use fabric eliminates cross-contamination between slabs
• Less material overlap. Minimal overlap (2"-5") means less waste than most other curing methods
• UltraCureNCF meets or exceeds standard specifications related to sheet materials for concrete curing

UltraCureDOT
Concrete curing blanket for bridge, road and highway applications.

Features and benefits of UltraCureDOT

• Longer-term wet curing blanket (up to 14 days)
• Lightweight. Each 800 sq. ft. roll weighs approximately 50 pounds
• Exceptional water retention. Each UltraCureDOT roll can absorb up to 55 gallons of water—critical for long-term wet curing of concrete
• Vapor barrier helps reduce solar heating of the concrete
• Disposable. Single-use fabric eliminates cross-contamination between slabs
• Less material overlap. Minimal overlap (2"-5") means less waste than most other curing methods
• UltraCureDOT meets or exceeds standard specifications related to sheet materials for curing concrete
• Available perforated for vertical applications such as water treatment facilities