Curing Concrete Pavement Curing is the treatment or protection of concrete during its hardening period. Curing measures are necessary to maintain a satisfactory moisture and temperature condition in the concrete, because internal temperature and moisture directly influence early and ultimate concrete properties. Curing measures prevent water loss from the mixture and allow more thorough cement hydration. To maximize concrete quality it is necessary to apply curing measures as early as possible after placing concrete. Curing is also critical to providing a durable pavement surface. A variety of curing methods and materials are available for concrete pavement, including water spray or fog, wet burlap sheets, plastic sheets, insulating blankets, and liquid-membrane-forming compounds.