We just had a new driveway put in and I was wondering if I needed to water it down?

Question

My cement guy didn't say and I haven't called him yet but I have noticed a lot of other people watering their new driveways.

Answer 1

Most likely, yes. The thicker the concrete the more you will want to cool it down. A cement driveway is probably around 3-6 inches thick depending on where you live and what you asked for. Don't water it like a flower, keep it wet. If it is sunny outside, keep it wetter. If it is overcast or dark out then you will only need a little water.

This is not critical in thin pours like driveways, but this habit is taken from much larger and thicker pours that require cooling to pass directly through and over the concrete. It will tend to help the concrete cure evenly. The heat that the concrete generates as it expels its water can damage the surrounding concrete. Hosing off a new pour can keep the heat inside the concrete under control.

Again, on a residential driveway, it's not the end of the world, but just a good idea especially in high heat.

Oh, and by the way, you will probably only notice any advantage many years from now.

Answer 2

Some contractors recommend wetting the new concrete then covering it with plastic sheeting to keep the water from evaporating. You can drive on a plastic covered concrete driveway if you are careful

Answer 3

CALL YOUR CEMENT GUY AND GET THE ANSWERS FROM HIM. AFTER ALL YOU DID PAY HIM TO DO THE JOB it needs to be watered..ah once dry,stays solid. In case of oil spills, use baking soda, maybe that's what your neighbors are doing or just washing the dirt away?????

Answer 4

When we had our cement patio put in the contractor said we should spray it with a hose to help harden it, and to make it whiter. Don't know if it really made a difference, but we did it anyway.

Answer 5

if the sun beats down on it most of the day and it doesn't rain then yes. do it at least twice a day. do it during the hottest part of the day and again in the late afternoon.