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A Guide to Choosing the Best Concrete Blanket for Construction Projects

How to Choose the Best Concrete Curing Blanket

Construction is a high-involvement activity. That’s why it’s important to ensure that the concrete
doesn’t freeze or crack at certain temperatures. For that, construction managers, contractors, civil
engineers, home builders, and commercial builders use concrete blankets during the curing process.
If you aim to carry out any construction project, you should look for the right concrete blanket to
achieve optimum results. Using high-quality concrete blankets ensures the concrete stays firm even in
the harshest weather. Failure to select the right one might lead to concrete breakage, thereby
increasing overall construction costs and labor costs.
Understanding how to choose the right one is important to increase the efficiency of a construction
project. It will also help you complete a construction project within specific timelines. But there are a
variety of options to look for while selecting the right concrete curing blanket.

The following guide will make it easy for you to choose the best one:

 

Step 1: Consider the climate

Climate change has made a strong impact on the construction industry. Therefore, it’s important to
choose concrete blankets that are designed according to specific weather conditions. In colder months,
concrete curing slows down while disrupting the hydration process. This means that it takes longer for
concrete to harden in winter.
Snow exposure can also weaken the cement mixture. It might further delay the completion of a
construction project. To avoid this situation, you should provide a warm environment for the concrete
so that cement can mix well with water. Therefore, go for concrete blankets that provide higher
insulation in cold temperatures.
In warmer months, you wouldn’t need higher insulation. Still, you’ll need a concrete blanket that retains
moisture and protects concrete from direct sunlight, heavy winds, and rapid evaporation.

 

Step 2: Know the R-value

Now that you know how crucial it is to consider the level of insulation while choosing a concrete
blanket, you should further inquire about the R-value. To evaluate the level of insulation a concrete

blanket is designed to provide, you should know what its R-value is. The R-value measures the insulating
capacity of a concrete blanket.
A concrete blanket having an R-value between R-2 and R-5 is perfect for construction sites where
temperatures are moderate to cool. But in freezing temperatures, you should look for concrete blankets
having R-values between R-7 and R-10 to ensure that they effectively trap heat within the concrete
mixture.

 

Step 3: Inquire about the material

It’s almost impossible to save a concrete blanket from foot traffic and harsh weather. Therefore, only a
durable concrete blanket can perform its best on construction sites. That’s when the material of a
concrete blanket plays its role. To avoid wear and tear throughout the curing process, check if the
concrete blanket is made of high-quality materials that provide multi-layered insulation.
Polyethylene is one such material that enhances the durability of a concrete blanket. Concrete blankets
made of polyethylene aren’t only waterproof, they are also chemical-resistant, UV-resistant, lightweight,
and reusable. All these properties make it a worthwhile material to consider when choosing a concrete
blanket.

Step 4: Compare the level of moisture retention

The effectiveness of concrete curing depends on how adequately you can maintain moisture levels. The
inability to retain moisture might result in evaporation. This often leads to shrinkage and cracks.
Choosing concrete blankets that provide waterproof layers can help in achieving moisture retention –
specifically in sunny or windy conditions.
The thickness of a concrete blanket also counts. Thicker concrete blankets are comparatively better at
moisture retention. So, check the level of thickness before making a purchase. Some concrete blankets
also have woven insulating layers that help retain moisture. Make sure to select the one accordingly.

 

Step 5: Check the size

The size should be adequate to cover the entire surface. However, even a slightly smaller concrete
blanket can show gaps when it is installed on the concrete surface. That’s when there’s a high chance
that moisture could escape through these gaps – leading to cracks in between. To avoid this situation,
measure the exact size of the concrete surface first, and then, decide the size you want to buy.
When measuring the size, you should consider extra space (due to the possibility of overlapping
between concrete blankets) to avoid any gaps. The trick is to order a slightly larger size to ensure
maximum coverage.

 

Step 6: Compare the prices

The price of concrete blankets varies depending on the size, capacity, and the material used. Low-priced
blankets are a budget-friendly option for those working on short-term construction projects. However,
you should first research to confirm if these blankets provide higher insulation and durability. You can
also check the reviews to get a clear idea about the quality of low-priced concrete blankets.
Some manufacturers also offer discounted prices for bulk orders. If you are on a tight budget and
working on a large construction project, it’s a good idea to buy high-quality concrete blankets in bulk so
you can save some construction costs.

Step 7: Ask about the reusability

The reusability of a concrete blanket is what sets it apart. If you have multiple construction projects and
you plan to reuse your concrete blanket, you should choose the one that’s stitched with threads that
provide high UV resistance and tear resistance.
A concrete blanket made of high-quality thermal insulation is a one-time expense. Once a construction
project is completed, you can roll it up and store it for future use. It’s a plus if the concrete blanket can
also be used as a vertical curtain – thus, making it a reusable, multi-purpose, and cost-saving option in a
construction facility.

Step 8: Look for installation options

Installing concrete blankets in large construction sites is a challenging task as it could increase labor
costs. However, you can ease the installation process by choosing the ones that offer additional
installation features. The best bet is to look for concrete blankets with grommets as they reduce the
likelihood of tearing caused by dragging during the installation process.

Besides ensuring quicker installation, grommets help fasten a concrete blanket securely – making it an
ideal installation option for a broad-scale construction project. Concrete blankets with grommets will
also enable you to work on sloped surfaces by staying in place.

The Takeaway

Whether it’s about constructing residential houses or commercial buildings, it’s no surprise that every
construction project requires attention. But the strength and durability of concrete constructions
depend on how sturdy its curing process has been. Choosing the best concrete blanket for a
construction project directly contributes to its robustness. So, the next time you start a construction
project, think of a concrete blanket as the crack-prevention tool.
Make sure to carefully consider each of the above-mentioned tips before buying concrete blankets. That
way, you’ll be able to act proactively while saving concrete costs and other construction costs in the long
run. Once you’ve purchased the concrete blankets that match your construction requirements, you’ll be
able to speed up your next construction projects too.