In Plain English
Quick Answer
Keeping new concrete wet or covered so it gains strength properly — skipping this step produces weak, brittle concrete.
Definition
Definition
The process of maintaining moisture and temperature in freshly placed concrete for a sufficient period to allow proper cement hydration and strength development. Curing can be achieved through wet curing (burlap, ponding), membrane curing (spray-applied compounds), or insulated curing blankets in cold weather. Proper curing significantly increases compressive strength and durability.
Context
Why It Matters in Bidding
Curing is often a hidden cost driver that estimators underprice or omit entirely, yet inadequate curing leads to low strength-test breaks, rejected pours, and costly remediation. Bid takeoffs should account for curing labor, materials, and schedule duration, especially on cold-weather work where heated enclosures and blankets carry real cost. The curing method specified in the project documents directly affects both the line-item price and the placement schedule.
Example
Example
Reviewing a winter parking-deck pour, an estimator adds line items for insulated curing blankets and a temporary heated enclosure after the spec required maintaining 50 degrees F for seven days, raising the concrete subcontractor's number accordingly.
See Also
Related Terms
FAQ
Questions Contractors Ask
Who is responsible for curing in a construction bid?
Curing is almost always carried by the concrete subcontractor, but estimators must confirm scope in the bid documents. Cold-weather protection, temporary heat, and extended cure durations sometimes shift to the general contractor's general conditions, so clarify responsibility during bidding to avoid a gap that surfaces as a change order later.
How does curing affect a concrete schedule and cash flow?
Specified cure periods govern when forms can be stripped and follow-on trades can start, so curing time sits directly on the critical path. Estimators should align cure durations with the schedule and progress-billing milestones, since premature loading or stripping triggers rework that delays draws and disrupts cash flow.
Should curing be a separate bid line item?
On routine slabs, curing is usually folded into the unit price. For demanding specs, such as high-early-strength, mass concrete, or cold-weather pours, breaking out curing materials, labor, and protection improves bid accuracy and gives the owner a clear basis for evaluating cost during addenda or value-engineering discussions.
Need more than definitions?
Get AI-powered bid alerts, automated form filling, and proposal drafting.
Start Free Trial