A concrete driveway takes an average of 28 days to cure. However, various other factors can impact the cure time such as finishing techniques, weather, concrete mix and slab replacement. It is necessary to remember that drying and curing are completely different from one another.

Difference Between Curing and Drying 

To understand the difference between drying and curing, you should know about each process first.

Curing

Curing is a process that helps to harden the concrete. The process begins right after pouring concrete. There are three primary reasons to perform the process. 

• To retain water within the concrete during the early part of the hardening process
• Reduce the chances of water loss from the concrete surface
• Enhance the strength by infusing additional heat and moisture

Drying

The drying process starts after concrete curing. In this process, excess water evaporates from the surface. Later on, water present within the concrete replaces it.