How Long Does it Take to Dry a Cement Driveway?

Curing Stages

• A cement slab cures in stages. It reaches half its strength within 10 days of the pour and full strength after 27 days. A typical 5- to 8-inch driveway slab is strong enough to support a car after six days if the weather and moisture levels are ideal. If you have a large SUV or truck, wait 48 days before parking on the cement.

Slow-Drying

• It may feel counter-intuitive to slow-dry cement if you're eager to use it, but the process increases its lifespan and strength. Adding consistent moisture to newly poured cement expands the cement crystals so they can fully harden around the aggregate and sand particles. A simple way to slow-dry is to lay breathable fabric over the driveway and dampen it with a hose. Moisten the fabric twice a day for the first week so the cement absorbs the moisture gradually.

Ideal Temperatures

• Unless you're using cement formulated for cold weather, wait until temperatures are between 60 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit to pour a driveway. If it's hotter than 90 degrees, the cement can dry out too quickly, leaving a brittle surface that will chip and crack easily. Avoid pouring cement in late fall or early spring when temperatures can drop below 50 degrees at night as the cement will not set properly in cold weather.

Considerations

• As the final step in installing a driveway, the curing process can be tempting to skip. Neglecting to maintain continuous moisture levels can cause damage that requires more money and effort to repair. For instance, an improperly cured slab can quickly develop fine cracks across the entire driveway. The thin layer of cement paste over the surface will dry out into a dust that chips and wears away.