How can wind impact finishing work in concrete?

Wind can significantly impact finishing work in concrete primarily by causing rapid evaporation of moisture from the surface. This phenomenon can lead to a range of issues, particularly surface cracking. When wind blows over freshly placed concrete, it increases the rate at which water evaporates. As the surface moisture evaporates quickly, it can leave the upper layer of the concrete insufficiently hydrated, leading to stresses that can result in cracking.

Understanding this impact is crucial for concrete finishers, as it informs their decisions regarding timing for finishing work, the use of curing compounds, or the application of windbreaks to minimize evaporation. In essence, the presence of wind introduces an element of risk that finishers must account for in order to maintain the integrity and durability of the concrete slab.