Winter Sidewalk Pouring-blanket Marks

dusenberry

I am a construction inspector for a municipality in NC. We're starting a sidewalk project that will last through the winter. We don't get as many freezing temps as the north, but do get cold enough here to require curing blankets when the temps dip below freezing overnight. If anybody has had experience with curing blankets, you know the ugly marks they leave behind. Has anybody seen any techniques or materials used with blankets that either reduces or eliminates the ugly marks the next day? How about plastic for when it rains? Plastic does the same thing. Anybody seen anything used with plastic? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

DAE

I would suggest either 2 layers of burlap or 1 thin layer of burlap then placing the insulated blankets over the burlap. That is what Ive done before over stamped concrete I didn't want streaked.

buckeyeso2

do not use plastic alone for freeze protection. The only way plastic would work is if you can keep it suspended above the concrete. If it touches the crete, it will condensate and freeze there. We use straw. If you can keep it dry, it doesn't stain too badly. We put plastic over the straw.

Rebecca

I've also heard that spraying the surface with bean oil prior to placing the blankets will keep the marks from happening. Haven't tried it, just heard it from a supplier.