When gypsum concrete dries up properly, it supports heavy loads and traffic. Once it cures, professionals install floor coverings like wood or tile to create smooth and level surfaces. Here are some factors that determine how long gypcrete takes to cure:
Thickness of the Pour
To dry completely, gypsum concrete evaporates water from the surface. Thicker pours contain more water, which means they need extra time for all the moisture to evaporate. In thinner layers, water has a shorter distance to reach the surface, contributing to better moisture loss for curing.
Before installing floor coverings over gypcrete, professionals test moisture levels to determine if the area is damp or dry. If it’s damp, they give it more time to dry to avoid any warping or adhesive failure that could happen. For thick applications, installers spread the gypsum concrete in stages to allow each layer to cure before applying the next.
Type of Gypsum Concrete Mix
Gypsum concrete mixes have different types of ingredients that have the potential to influence their curing time. Certain additives may improve or slow down the curing process. Manufacturers may add accelerators to the product to allow it to dry and cure within a reasonable period.
They may also include retardants, which delay the curing process, giving workers more time to finish the surface. The type and amount of aggregate used in the mix can influence how long the gypcrete takes to dry. Larger or more porous aggregates might absorb water, reducing the curing time.
Condition and Type of Subfloor
Concrete and wood floors that aren’t sealed properly may absorb water from the gypsum underlayment. To manage such problems, installers clean and dry the subfloors to manage poor adhesion. You also want to make sure the gypcrete is completely cured before applying the wood floors over the top.
Applying a moisture barrier or primer over subfloors can also help keep moisture from soaking into the wood. Specialists also smooth surfaces because rough ones have crevices where moisture gets trapped, slowing down the drying process. They level subfloors to help prevent issues, such as cracking and bending.
Method of Application
Some installers use a pump to spread gypsum concrete, distributing the mix uniformly. This method can result in more reliable drying than pouring by hand, where differences in thickness occur. Professionals also utilize a sprayer to apply a finer mist of gypcrete, reducing drying time.
Spraying allows workers to control the uniformity of the layer, reducing the likelihood of thick areas that take more time to dry than thinner sections. Experts may feather the surface, which involves blending the edges of the applied material smoothly into the surrounding area. This technique manages high spots in the subfloor, which could lead to poor drying.
Ventilation and Airflow
Good ventilation allows air to move freely across the gypsum concrete surface, improving the time it takes to dry. During the initial curing stages, open windows and doors to allow fresh air to flow naturally. Using fans helps ventilate the area and control excess humidity.
Professionals often check the drying process and keep the surface aired, depending on the environmental conditions. A well-ventilated area also helps regulate the temperature around the drying gypsum concrete. Warmer temperatures help with better drying, and good airflow can help distribute heat evenly across the surface.
Hire a Professional for Gypcrete Installation
Qualified installers use the proper methods to apply gypsum concrete layers over floors and improve curing time. They monitor moisture content and allow sufficient time for the surface to dry. Call a professional for quality gypcrete installation to create even and carefully cured floors.